Angela doesn’t remember much about her life before her addiction. She does recall that she was a shy, “church-going girl” who always tried to fit in. But when her parents divorced, the experience was so traumatic that she turned to drug abuse.

As Angela’s life spiraled out of control, she lost her marriage, two houses and custody of three children.

Angela was pregnant with her fourth child when a friend referred her to Spero Health. There, she developed strong relationships with counselors and medical staff, who provided much-needed support. “I have proven that I am here for the right reasons, and people believe in me,” she said.

Now in recovery, she has rebuilt her relationships with her parents, her aunt and her children. Her father, especially, has been an important source of support. “My dad has been with me in my recovery every step of the way,” she said. Angela has even been able to regain custody of her three oldest children.

‘You gotta want it’

She says she refers people to Spero Health practically every day. But she cautions that successful recovery is a two-way street.

“If you hit rock bottom, these are the people who will give you all the tools you need and take the time to help you figure it out,” Angela explained, “but you’ve got to be willing to do whatever it takes to stay sober. You have to put 100 percent into it. You gotta want it.”