Finding Strength Through Recovery

Tura was in a serious car accident in her mid-20’s, breaking two bones in her back. She spent a month in the hospital under intense pain medication. The medication stopped when she was discharged. She went through serious withdrawals with constant nausea. A friend told her she was “dope-sick” and knew what would help.

That day she bought her first dose of heroin. She got hooked on opioids, including, oxycodone and Percocet.

Tura and her son were reunited and she’s turned a corner in her life.

Tura would enter treatment three different times, the first two under court order. But, each time she relapsed. She lost custody of her daughter to her daughter’s father. “I just wanted to numb the pain. But I was just making it worse.”

Tura became pregnant and gave birth to her son, Maddox. Forced into treatment again, she eventually ended up at the Cynthia Day Family Center (CDFC), Harbor Care’s treatment center for pregnant and parenting women. She spent nine months at Cynthia Day Family Center, accessing important therapy, including for domestic violence and her trauma. When Tura left, she felt she was in a solid place in her recovery. She moved to Manchester, away from her support system. After 3 months, she relapsed again.

Tura lost custody of her son. That was a turning point in her recovery journey; a turning point. She checked back into Cynthia Day Family Center, this time completely on her own accord, determined to have recovery stick, and get her son back.

She did the work. While still living at Cynthia Day Family Center, she was hired as a manager at a local restaurant chain. Feeling a new sense of empowerment for the first time in her life, Tura’s recovery journey turned a major corner. She regained custody of Maddox.

“I did it on my own this time. I feel independent, I’m a strong woman. I was never strong before. Losing my son was the biggest game changer.”

Tura and Maddox now have their own apartment. She works full time, and continues to access counseling and care, determined to succeed, raise her son in a stable home, and rebuild her relationship with her daughter who’s now a teenager.

“I have a support system. I have a recovery coach. I’m surrounded by good people. I’m strong.”