At the Mother’s Day Celebration, Alexis was one of two residents from our family center who spoke about their experiences in treatment. Imani is a mother of three.
Good morning, my name is Imani. I’m 31 years old and I am in treatment with my one-year-old daughter, Aaliyah. My journey with Odyssey House started when I was three months pregnant. I wanted to be sober and I wanted a healthy pregnancy for myself and my baby. My mom already takes care of my two boys – it’s not fair for her to have to raise my kids because I was addicted to drugs.
Coming to Odyssey House, I decided to end the cycle of addiction I was trapped in for nine years, which seemed like a lifetime to me. It was the one of the best decisions I’ve made.
I completed the program at the end of last year and I was excited to start my life over, but pretty soon I knew I wasn’t quite ready. I relapsed. I felt overwhelmed with life and with my relationships. And instead of talking about it or going to outpatient treatment, I used. I had a lot of friends and family members tell me not to be so hard on myself, and put the bat down and pick up the feather.
I came back to Odyssey House at the beginning of this year. I needed to do more work on myself. I’m proud that today I am taking accountability for my actions and putting drug use behind me.
Nothing is more important to me than my kids and my recovery.
I don’t want to die.
I’m so grateful to Odyssey House for the support, the love, and the structure they give me. I am remaining humble. Coming back to Odyssey House was a rebirth. I had to forgive myself. I am worthy, I am capable of being sober and being a good mother, and I now realize my true potential. I’m healing from past trauma and allowing myself to recover. Now I’m reliable and responsible and the mother I want to be.
I earned my GED at Odyssey House. My next step is to go back to school to pursue my Certified Nursing Assistant degree. I would like to get an apartment and have all my kids together. I’m grateful to God and Odyssey House for all the staff and my peers.
Thank you so much. Happy Mother’s Day to all of you.