Tosha's Story

I could go on and on and on about the people that I've lost. I ran from addiction because I didn't want it to be me. I understand now that it truly can happen to anyone.

I grew up in North Columbus. This is my childhood home. I was just—I want to say like a free spirit. My mom, she was amazing. And she did the best that she knew how, raising me as a single mom. I watched my mom go through a lot with my father. She started drinking a lot. That's what started her addiction. She passed away of cirrhosis of the liver from the alcoholism. Eight months later, they found my mom's twin sister, Linda, dead. Then my brother, he overdosed. Then my cousin and multiple friends over and over and over.

I didn't want to be that person. But 21 years ago, I got in a car accident, and that's when I had a back injury and was prescribed pain medication. It got the best of me. When my daughter got diagnosed in early 2022 with MS, that's when I knew that I had to get the help that I needed because I wanted better for my children. I wanted different for my kids.

I went to different doctors and I felt judged immediately. And then a friend of mine told me about Boulder. And with Boulder Care, I got to see the clinician and get my Suboxone. Then I started with the peer support and it was all through telehealth, and I got to do everything in the privacy of my own home.

"So how is your daughter doing?"

"She's doing good. You know, she's taking care of herself."

I thought it would be hard to have that personal relationship with someone. And then when I actually met my peer, it was truly life saving for me. They understand you because they went through addiction too. I've been working with Crystal for over three years now. And it’s nice that I can always just send her a message like, "Hey, it’s been a bad day." It's like talking to a sister.

"Hi!"

"Oh my gosh. It’s so good to meet you finally."

"Aww."

"Hey Tosh."

"Oh my goodness. It's crazy how much I've changed just in the time that I've been seeing you."

"I mean, this is the best part of it, is just watching people grow."

At first, I was ashamed that I even let myself go down that road. But finding that support, it's helped me let go of that shame. With the help of my peer, I applied to get my record expunged and get back to myself again. Boulder’s helped me learn how to hold myself accountable. It's about loving myself, pouring into myself, and learning what it’s like to wake up every day and go to work and live a normal life. Because a lot of people don't get that chance.

Well, the day is here, mom. I hope you're proud of me. I know you are. I've learned so much. And by sharing my story, if it just touches one person and they reach out and get the help like I did, then I'll feel it’s served its purpose, and continue to share and continue to share, so I can help other people.