THE JOURNEY From Addiction to Recovery - Kara's Story
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- Опубликовано: 14 фев 2023
- Meet Kara, a woman who has overcome numerous challenges with addiction, incarceration, recovery, and relapse, and emerged as a powerful voice for change. After serving time in federal prison and overcoming a difficult struggle with meth addiction and relapse, Kara has dedicated her life to helping others break free from their own personal struggles.
Kara is living proof that no matter how difficult the journey, it is always possible to overcome challenges and achieve greatness. With her powerful message of hope and determination, she is inspiring people everywhere to take control of their lives and make their dreams a reality.
In Houston, learn more about Sober Girls and find support at www.sobergirlshouston.com/
For support in the U.S., visit the National Alliance for Mental Health & Substance Abuse Recovery at www.namhsar.org/
In the U.S., you can also easily access 24/7 support and guidance by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org/chat to connect with a caring counselor.
I've found out the hard way that I don't have an off button either. I've relapsed so many times but today I'm grateful that I have 25months 10days clean and sober today. I truly appreciate you sharing your story
Thanks for sharing!!
Outstanding! we are all together.
Awesome! Keep going !!
Awesome!
How are you doing now, I have 12 years now
I'm 7 years clean, my wife is 6 years clean. I've been held hostage, lost my son to the ministry, lost the cars, the house, the money, the business, my wife left to a life on the street where she spent 18 months escaping extreme domestic and gang violence. She ended up pregnant and clawed her way out, she had to escape for two now. we spent 5 years apart healing in recovery. we've been back together for 2 years now and after losing all, today, we closed on a home. I run this podcast full time thanks to a bunch of great organizations in my community. I have a life I never saw coming. its possible. It's an epic adventure. We can recover.
Great story. Thank you for sharing.
One of the mantras for me was, "It's not as much about quitting as it is about never starting again".
Opiate addiction is literally the hardest thing I’ve ever had to cope with in my lifetime so far!
Wow I'm sorry. Right now I'm in bed..I've shingles and I'm old. They gave me pain killers. Anda I always HATED them. I feel so nausead..they make feel so bad to to three 3: 3:51 days is all I can even after surgery... I never really drank..but I'm in denial about another substance...I wish I could figure out why
"Something magical happened inside of me when I realized, I am the creator of my world. I am the creator of my day today. I am the creator of my day tomorrow and yesterday. I am UNSTOPPABLE!" Thanks for this. I jotted it down to have whenever I need to remind myself. Keep on being amazing.
That statement got to me as well. I’m going to jot it down. 👍🏻💕
morning columbus
"TRUE SOBRIETY" is key. I went to a meeting today and we talked about the mental haze, and how frustrating it can be. YOU ARE NOT ALONE, and it does get better.
I am praying that my daughter will be in your shoes one day! I'm so happy for you!
I didn’t have an off button but I didn’t know I didn’t have an off button. What a fitting way to describe addiction.
I’ve been to rehab numerous times in my life, have also abandoned my family, and lost my sense of self over and over again. I used to pray for a heart attack or stroke, and watching you tell your story was more powerful than I hope you know. You are a bright light in a world of darkness. Thank you for your strength.
Overcoming addiction is so incredibly challenging. I have lost friends and family to both alcoholism and addiction. Some of the greatest people I've known were those in recovery. One day at a time, often one moment at a time. Life can be so difficult, my best wishes to us all.
Best wishes to us ALL!! xx
@@karaburns9793 Is this you, Kara? You have such a force in your testimony! You are so inspiring.
@@Terri-zn9sr that’s me. I’ve been through some stuff for sure. Thankful to be on the other side and sharing solutions. Much love you and thank you for the kindness. Xx
So articulate and intelligent! I know your daughter must be so proud of her mom! What an inspirational story of hope.
So happy for her! She can stay clean! Happily clean since 2009 myself ♥
Life breaks everyone. You were strong in the broken places, that is what got a brave girl like you to plough through the dark days.
Have a similar story , recovered by finding my higher self and connecting to the divine..went through 40 years of hell.
You are a beautiful soul of god ,and it will be all ok.
I have no words, I cried for the first time in 20 years. Most powerful journey, no, sorry, not only journey, but most powerful woman🌹You have beautiful soul ❤
Kara I don’t know you. But I love you and thank you for your story. Thank you for giving the world your best. You deserve that megawatt smile because it accurately shows your beauty inside and out. Keep being obsessed with empowering women. I don’t know how else to say it other then I really relate to a lot of your pain. Our stories at 16 are almost parallel.
I’m doing ok. Everyday I’m working harder and harder. If I ever have a misstep I’ll watch your video ❤
No offense but when they chased you down 6th avenue you WERE a dangerous criminal. Drug dealing is bad. But I have big time respect and can relate to your story as a recovering addict myself. Relapse was my downfall too. Happy to say I’ve been sober for 18 years. Keep going Kara!🙏🏻
Are you judging her by the person she is or by her behavior? Congrats on 18 years!
@@brandishiverdecker8228 i totally didn’t mean that to come across that way. I was just being honest in my feelings. I’m blown away by Kara’s journey and success.
Motley - agree with your first sentence 100%. In the throws of addition, we ARE dangerous…to the stranger on the street-someone’s Mom, Dad, Son, Daughter, etc- and to ourselves. congrats on 18 years - but MOST importantly…Congrats on TODAY 💕
@@motleymama6587 no worries ❤
@@motleymama6587 Nothing you said was judgmental. You stated a fact and that fact is "drug dealing is bad".
May Jesus continue to walk beside u and hold your hand through your recovery. So proud of u for sharing your story and giving hope to others
My God , you such a beautiful soul . I’ve struggled with substance abuse , and continue to struggle . The most difficult part is that the feeling of having the ability to overcome this comes in waves . You try so hard to hold onto that feeling of strength and clarity but it passes like a breeze in the wind .
Wow. Helluva story. I’ve been there too. It’s amazing to be alive and sober.
You should do a Ted Talk. You’re so well spoken and have so many important things to share.
Congrats!! You are amazing.
I cried thru this whole video. So much I can relate to. Thank you for being transparent and being that example that it could be done no matter how far you’ve fallen. ❤
I lived in Denver, know 6th Ave. Dealers can be dangerous. So glad you stopped drugs & alcohol✨️👏. Thanks for sharing, keep moving forward💜
So proud of this woman for overcoming her addiction! I've struggled with an eating disorder and I know it can be hard to break something that feels so core to your being. Obviously I've never been through the sort of shit she has, so I'm not claiming that, but it's still so empowering to see someone who has overcome something so tough. So glad to see a story of optimism on this channel among all of the fentanyl death stories (which are of course important too, but it's good to see something uplifting).
We recover! Best to you
A lot of people with substance abuse disorders have had or currently have eating disorders. Imo the addiction works in the same ways. I jumped from eating disorders to drugs to alcohol to all of the above and I think it's from my lack of self esteem and needed numbing and control. I wish you the best in your healing ❤
I'm sorry, but, I went through significantly more trauma than this, including having my innate potential suppressed to the point of lifelong emotional disability, becoming homeless due to the emotional damage caused by said damage. As a homeless person, I stood on street corners begging strangers for their spare change, dug in garbage dumpsters, stood on public heating grates while fighting winters deadly bid, and yet, never turned to drugs or alcohol. Why? Because, I knew that in the long run, it would only make things worse.
@@lynnbaker2336this is such an ignorant comment. also why are you comparing trauma? your brain defines trauma and how deeply something affects you. it’s remarkable you never turned to drugs but not everyone has the choice to not make that choice. i started using because i was suicidal and i was going to kill myself if i couldn’t numb my thoughts. if i had to wait around to go to therapy or something i would’ve ended my life. it’s great you never started using but that’s why addiction is a disease that not everyone has. you never had the calling or the craving of substances you’ve never used bc it’s already in your genes waiting for you to introduce it to your body and brain. i’m sorry but this comment came off as super ignorant and dismissive of addiction and why ppl start using or what causes them to use.
You are beautiful and so is your story. Well done girl, you are well spoken. Keep going!
What a gorgeous woman, wishing you all the best
What a story! Thank you for sharing it! Beautiful!! And the dentist did a gorgeous job on your smile!! God Bless You!!!❤
Omgosh your story took my breath away!! I can relate to your level of addiction, I to don't have an off button and often times in the past people would think when I said that, I was saying it as if it was some type of flex or brag, until we used together which in my case was shooting meth and heroin. Usually $600 every 2 days just for myself 400 on heroin 200 on meth and it would be gone in just 2 days. I've been clean and sober almost 2 years as of April, but I rarely leave my home because I'm afraid if I socialize with others I'm gonna relapse or that I'm gonna lose my daughter. I've already lost my 2 boys to the system thanks to my wonderful addiction. I really want a mentor or someone I could talk to about these issues, my parents literally abandoned and disowned me because of my addiction. Thank you for sharing your story! You are more worthy than anyone else and you are so incredibly successful
🫂🙏 congratulations you came a long way to this point I’m in tears reading this comment how so relatable my mother disowned me my family or the friend circle I had grown up witj don’t talk to me actually I still struggle with how they can be so judgmental putting me down with family members but nobody came to put a hand to help me out nobody came to try to help me when the knew I was in a crack house they all “cared “ so much why didn’t anybody come pull me out of that house when it was early??… but laughing at my struggles sorry for getting so upset there. Needless to say my daughter I now 19 and I hurt her I just lost my son at one month old a year ago still fighting addiction to stay sober and I prey to god I can get my baby back but realistically I may not . I am isolating myself as well the world is scary when you are fighting for your life alone ❤️💜 just knoe that you are not alone I’m relating to you the pain I’d heavy I knoe but if you ever want to chat to somebody else witj a similar background I’m here love 💕 stay strong you got this ✊🫂👑🪶
@@NaStashaLeBlancI hope you're life is better now! Love and hugs from the Netherlands 🇳🇱 ❤❤❤
NaStasha LeBlanc Prayers going up for you and your family 🙏 🙏 🙏
Kara, you're a bright and beautiful woman, and so inspiring. I wish you all the best in life.
The most relatable, beautiful and inspiring story I have seen. Thank you for sharing.❤
i havent even been addicted to drugs but connected with a lot of her journey and that part about trying to prove you have value through others.
Thank you for your story… you are so strong. God bless you, and your daughter … just remember, the past is gone / over… tomorrow is not for sure … TODAY is what we focus on. Sending you nothing but respect and love! ❤
I loved listening to her. It felt like I was talking to a friend ❤
It's like anything else in life, u gotta want it!!
We can make excuses and stories all day long, BUT one must taste it, make it a job. Bless those whom turned it around, we're all here for a purpose it's up to us what that is, stay strong and stay away from Negative people and places. Stay busy!💞
True sobriety is not about staying "strong", or staying "busy". In fact, the opposite. First, we "concede to our innermost selves that we are alcoholics". Second, we find peace when we are alone, with absolutely nothing going. We don't have to self destruct in the midst of chaos, or the complete lack of it! ✌️♥️ Mark
I showed this video to my clients at the men's program I work at. It was so powerful... it spoke to me personally about my own journey. The guys loved it and I want to thank you Kara for sharing your story.
grateful to know our stories matter!
I dont have words, but to say I respect you. Your daughter is ok, she will make it through this life as you both will be working on the future you deserve
Thank you Kara your story touched my heart and definitely gave my defective alcoholic mindset something to work towards. I'm a year sober this month from alcohol. keeping my ego in check is something I'm struggling with and your story spoke directly to that need I live with
Ahhhh... I love this lady.
She's done SO much growth in this Incarnation.
😍
It’s a SUPER BIG DEAL when we change our direction😊 Thanks for sharing your story I’ve been sober from the opioids for 8 years now and I’m 58. I had very similar feelings as you. The daily joys of being a great mom and grandma now is something I never thought possible. Good luck with everything and congratulations 👏 May god bless and keep you safe.
Been sober over 2 1/2 years! Keep fighting! Ive messed up tons since high school but its not getting in my way!
..what we got right here? A walking, talking definition of "don't give up before the miracle happens"..G:)d bless you & yours Kara, much ❤🙏🏽
Your message is so empowering! Thank you.
What an inspiration Kara, I am also in recovery and really felt your story. So happy that you are building your relationship with your daughter and experiencing the beautiful gifts that recovery gives. You give so much hope to others, keep being you ❤
Appreciate you! xx
I’m in recovery since 2015. My DOC is opiates. It also is very, VERY important that you find a facility that actually CARES! I live in Oklahoma, but went to rehab in Michigan. It was the best facility. Holistic, and we were unable to leave at all. It was a great experience, and I’m forever grateful for BDR in Manistee Michigan
Love hearing you found a good facility - game changer for sure. xx
What is that facility
My way is with the lord. I handed over my life. It's not my will anymore, it's the lords. The lord loves you. He knows your pain.
💯💯🎯🎯
@@Stacyaj10 I had an issue with alcohol for many years. I had been traumatized years ago and i started drinking. I hit a rock bottom and i cried out to God for the first time in my life for help. That was seven years ago and i haven't touched any liquor since. Praise the lord. It works.
Thanking you for sharing Kara's story :) It was very powerful to hear.
Thank you for the kind note. xx
I’m so proud of you for making it out for yourself but I’m especially proud of you bc you worked so hard bc of the love you have for your daughter! I’m pretty sure all of us on the page look up to you and believe in you! You’re an amazing mother! Thanks for sharing your truth! I’m thankful you introduced the idea of being the creator in my life! Thanks again
She’s AWESOME! addictive personality can be a beautiful disaster …. there are NO breaks , boundaries, obstacles that you can’t traverse! Meaning if you’re on the right path of this disorder LIFE BETTER WATCH OUT ! because you kick’n ass and don’t have time for the names ! your full throttle and there is NOTHING short of a bullet that will stop you ! until your goals are DONE ! BUT ….. there’s the flip side of the tracks, the dark side ….of ….the …..tracks. Where as just like the the burning trail you can blaze DOING GOOD you can afflict just as much DAMAGE & HARM doing bad …. And unlike the good you can do the bad is NOT as easily fixable. And sometimes UN-FIXABLE unfortunately. Also the one of the saddest things about this disorder is the person knows the outcome but yet can’t help themselves out once the juggernaut is in motion. That’s why this woman’s story is that much more INCREDIBLE!!!!! I’m so amazed and honored she shared her story with us. This Channel really hits home in more ways than one. Thank you .
Incredible story ,incredible person who has had a tremendous battle with a disease ,and it is a disease not a choice as some uneducated people think.
Took a lot to sit there and tell her story.
Respect to Kara, it’s so easy for people to judge who haven’t struggled with addiction.
Love and best wishes Kara ❤️
With the possible exception of prescription drugs, one cannot be an addict without the initial engagement. And said engagement is a choice that the individual makes.
@@lynnbaker2336You're right. But I made that choice when I was 14 and didn't know what I was getting myself into. Smoking weed was the gateway drug for me.
God bless you. You made me cry. I was watching this because I struggle trying to quit cigarettes. I had no idea your story would pull at my heart so much. You are helping alot of people by being out there with your story.
Kara, your message of love, growth, accountability, and ownership of working to be a good mother is beautiful. I hear you, and love that you have found your freedom. Thank you for sharing your story.
Most people who are in that lifestyle understand that when you don’t have the money to support your habit, you make bad choices to fill that void because sobriety isn’t an option. I did the similar stuff- not selling dope but robbing whoever whenever- I’m friends with you on FB and thank you for sharing!
As a formerly homeless person, the addict will actually trade sexual favors to make money for dope!
@@lynnbaker2336Not every addict. I never had to I was lucky.
Kara, even though I don't usse alcohol or substances but I have seen and lost family members to it. It's painful.....very very painful for the person struggling, as well as those around them. I have seen people judge dependant individuals who are trying hard to get clean. So your story is an inspiration to each and every one that your efforts will bear fruit....don't give up. More power to you Kara......may god always be with you and heal you.
I've shared this on other videos, im a percussionist in a band, got addicted to cocaine in the 80's, married, my wife left me in January 95, her Birthday on September 9 1995 I was playing a gig feeling sad missing her, during a break I was in restroom getting high , there was a sweep by law enforcement, I was literally caught in plain sight getting high, arrested and walked through the venue we were playing at and taken to jail for possession, all this on the birthday night of my ex wife, it was truly the wake up call of my life, i never touched drugs again from that night, stopped cold Turkey, 27 years clean, God truly saved my life and picked that date to drive home the message, I actually thanked the officers a few months later as well for saving my life, thanks for sharing. 🙏
Thanks for your comments.
Strengthen and keep her, Lord Jesus Christ. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Thank you for sharing and amazing to see you where you are today. I've had substance issues for years, done a long time in prison and living in the madness. I went rehab in Nov 21, worked a 12 step program and got 6 months clean. Then I started doubting what I'd learn't, thinking I had a choice, and relapsed. I'm lonely, sad, and unhappy, seeing no end in sight to what I continue to do to myself, and I know I can't keep this up for much longer. Hopefully I'll find the strength to move forward, make the right choices, and get clean again sooner rather than later. I don't think I've quite given up on myself or why would I watch these amazing videos and shares? Again, thank you for your story and I wish you and your daughter all the very best for the future 🤗🤗🤗
I believe you can do this I did been clean for 40 years yes iam old but I have loved being free from drugs &drinking & the lifestyle 🤍watch the constant LIES that come in your hart & mined when your getting free 🩵 sending you love & peace 🇬🇧
Such a beautiful woman, such a beautiful soul.
May God bless you 🙏 ❤️.
Hearty congratulations Kara. I am super happy for you. One will always be an ex addict but better that than being dead or addicted. Rooting for everyone in the same position
I disagree. I feel part of the issue of recovery is seeing yourself as a non addict. If you focus on being an addict it's too easy to relapse or use that as an excuse. People can recover and never go back, see themselves in a more empowering light🎆
@@zenawarrior7442 of course she will see herself in a more empowering light but that would not change the fact that one is an ex addict will it? Even ppl that recover 10yrs still are ex addicts... It's just sad the power addiction can have on one
@@og6015 I just take issue with the word addict mostly. Alot of people use that word to avoid responsibility, it's not empowering. Alcoholics are the same. Recovery happens so why bring up ex addict. No point to me.
@@zenawarrior7442 you have a point, I get what you are saying
@@og6015 OK thanks👍
I take my hat of to you for your pure honesty I hope you find peace within the Lord God bless
What an inspiration, 13 years and counting for me - but the battles and "not good enough" she talks about I know very well, keep working, it works if you work it.
My story is eerie similar to yours. Prayers for strength and continued sobriety.
You look great Kara❤❤ I hope you're still doing so good and created a lot of beautiful days and memories. ❤ from Amsterdam, the Netherlands 🇳🇱
Thank you for sharing your story Kara.
You are sooooooo beautiful, I’m so glad you and your daughter had the chance to rewrite your future. I felt your story deeply!
Thank you for your story! You are a wonderful example to me and many more I'm sure that if you never give up and choose the next right thing life can be better than we ever imagined! HERO!!!!!
"I didn't KNOW that I didn't have an off button" - i felt this
Thank you for your story. Keep up the wonderful life you and your daughter deserve!
Blessed this beautiful lady for her powerful story
It's just how the cloud lives over one once one is clean. The fear of relapse will always be there. Sigh. Take each day at a time and celebrate each day..
Love you mama.... your strong. You got this
....in my prayers
I love your candid nature and your honesty. Kudos to you for not giving up. Never forget you have received a gift of mercy and grace from God for your sobriety. That’s precious. 🥰❣️
You are such a beautiful human. Drug addiction is a lifelong battle and you are such a fighter. It is not easy. The fact that you’re doing so well shows how courageous you truly are. Thank you for sharing. This is a great video!
Thank you for this video, it is by far one of the best most meaningful ones that I have seen in a long long time! It gave me hope for a better new clean life! I love your story it makes me feel like I can do anything I set my mind to. Blessings and lots of love sent to you!
You can absolutely do anything you desire - don't ever forget that.
@@karaburns9793 Awwww thank you!!! 😍
I've been clean for 7 years... u can do it. It's hell... ngl. I got to the point where it was easy to get another high, but I ABSOLUTELY COULDN'T DO ONE MORE WITHDRAWAL... I would have rather died.
I'm so proud of you. You went through an awful experience with drugs and u said ur truth I've been in ur shoes and I've been clean for like 10 years ,. God bless you and your daughter b proud of ur self my friend
Thank you for sharing stories like these are what keeps me clean after being on fentanyl 300mcg every72 hrs because of multiple surgeries I did on my own and it was extremely painful but I’ve been clean for about 4-5yrs and now my daughter is on soboxone after having a surgery as well I constantly talk to her and she’s finally on soboxone!!!!!!!
Your story is real and vulnerable. You’re a beautiful woman. Stay strong and thank you for the truth because I am struggling myself.
Kara, you are a beautiful soul. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us!
I’m new to AA and you explained some things I’ve heard in meetings and now they make sense. Much appreciated and good luck on your evolving journey Kara!
What a beautiful daughter mom, bless you❤
What a great success story! Just a little too much, and this could’ve been like the other stories. I’m so happy “YOU MADE IT”
Nobody chooses to be an addict . Nobody chooses the darkness and hell of addiction.
But the courage it takes to change is enormous and to be brave enough to keep getting up every time you fall down is means everything.❤
Good tor you. I am hapoy fir you and your daughter. Hope my son gets better. ❤
You are beautiful inside and out. I have 2 years clean and work in recovery. I found my niche. One day at a time and trust the process!
What a beautiful look into your story. You have such a light radiating from you. What a gift you have now, and also, we have for you sharing your story and vulnerability. It's hard to talk about these things. Bless you for opening up and for sharing. I wish you and your daughter the very best. I too have struggled on and off with substance issues and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. On the contrary, once one has a taste of true sobriety ..it does tend to help shed one's ego, create more gratitude, and love more (without judgement). Good luck to you and your daughter! Thank you ❤
Oh, my...crying! Kara and Ansley 🌈
Amazing. Much love from Korea. May God continue to safeguard your mind, body, and soul.
Thank you for your story! I am so happy you are doing better! Always get back up right! 🤗🤗🤗
You made me cry lady lol don't know you but so proud of you. 7 yrs in recovery and just when I think I got it beat I fall sometimes but I get back up quick and like you said I keep goin I just keep trying and trying I'll never give up. Congrats and good luck to you. P.s. can I be your friend lololo
Congrats on your sobriety, same boat, 7 years and I struggle every day of my life and people close don't even realize what I'm dealing with internally. Best wishes to you
Sending you big love! xx
WOW Kara, thank you for sharing your story. It has really helped
Thank you for your story
Wow, thank you for sharing. Very relatable
Thank you for sharing. You are helping others.
Thank you for sharing your story. I know the struggle and I know that your story will connect with someone and it will help someone. Stay strong, never give up because you got this.
Thank you for sharing your story
Thanks for sharing your story openly.
What a powerful testimony. Thank you so much for sharing ❤
The story of my life. Exactly the same. Some differences. But mostly the same. My daughter saved my life. Much love❤❤❤❤
Thank you! I can relate to you on so many levels. Very powerful.. again, one of the best stories I've seen on RUclips
I have 2 stepdaughters, 21 & 16, and my son is 1.5. Three days ago my oldest replied back to one of my text messages saying she is so blessed to have me as a dad. It's the first time she ever used the word dad. I was on cloud nine. But yeah when they say that they look up to you or think of you as their Idol it is incredibly humbling.
Yeah, I know that feeling too. My step-daughter once brought home her boyfriend (huband now) to introduce us and quite casually said, "and this is my dad," then continued with other introductions. It was quite a memorable moment.
Good for her...amazing story
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story and journey. Wishing you nothing but happiness 😊
Your story is powerful!! Keep sharing your experiences, strength and hope with others. May God continue to guide you. ❤
Good story. I pray she stays strong and in alignment. She is inspiring.