07/03/2026
This was such a strong interview from an amazing leader!! You do not want to miss this one. I finally got around to editing it after a month of Weddings, trips, and all the summer busyness. I have a couple interviews and photo session to edit, and 2 more to take at some point. I think I am almost ready to move onto our next topic. I will still take interviews for addiction, but I want to expand on some other topics as well!
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Interview from my passion project, “A New Creation”: a story and portrait series highlighting the many walks of life who have overcome tremendous things and are now truly “New Creations.”
This part of the series is focused on shining a light on those who have overcome addiction, with the hope of encouraging anyone who is currently struggling. It’s also for the general public in order to help break the stigma surrounding addiction and recovery.
My next guest is Sabrina, a resilient woman who has held leadership positions in Oxford House, inspiring and touching so many lives, and doing so further in her new career path. I had the privilege to be member in Oxford House when she was an outreach worker. And I witnessed first hand what recovery could do for someone who at one point faced so many adversities.
She wanted to share this with her story:
" I want to share this first and foremost….
The SAMHSA definition of recovery states that recovery is “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.” That definition resonates deeply with me because recovery has been about much more than abstinence or overcoming challenges—it has been about rebuilding my life, strengthening relationships, finding purpose, and becoming the person I was meant to be.
I think that society associates recovery with being completely abstinence. And even though my pathway is that. Not everyone’s recovery pathway is. And I believe that society shuns individuals for that, and that stigma does so much more damage than meeting people where they are and supporting them to recover.
I hope that sharing a little of my recovery story helps others see that recovery is possible for everyone, regardless of where they are on their journey or what pathway they choose. The part I did share reflects the resilience, growth, and hope that recovery has brought into my life. And my Gods Will, I will celebrate 10 years of freedom this year.
As someone who works in harm reduction and recovery peer support, I am passionate about educating others and helping reduce the stigma surrounding substance use, mental health, and all pathways of recovery. I believe people deserve to be met where they are, treated with dignity and respect, and supported in the pathway that works for them. Through my work providing education, overdose prevention training, and recovery support, I strive to create understanding and compassion while supporting people to access the resources they need.
My hope is that by sharing part of my story, others will feel less alone, find hope, challenge their own assumptions about recovery, and recognize that recovery looks different for everyone. If even one person leaves with a greater understanding of harm reduction, a reduced sense of stigma, or the belief that change is possible, then sharing my story has accomplished its purpose."
