Unplugged- What it’s really like overcoming addiction.

This article talks about real struggles with addiction and how some teens & young adults have found ways to heal and move forward. It includes mentions of drug use, alcohol use, and abuse (of different kinds) which might be upsetting or bring up tough feelings. If you're not in the right headspace to read about that right now, it's totally okay to skip it or come back another time.

If you or someone you know is going through a hard time, you’re not alone, and there’s help available:

• Alberta Mental Health Helpline (24/7, free, confidential): 1-877-303-2642
• Kids Help Phone (call or text, 24/7): Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
• Addiction Helpline (Alberta): 1-866-332-2322

You deserve support and care — no matter what you're going through.

The following is a format of questions that were asked to these teens and young adults in the recovery centre, and these are their stories and answers…

Q. Can you share a bit about your story?

A. #1 “I grew up bouncing between foster homes and life on the rez. There was abuse, a lot of confusion, and this constant hole inside me. I was always looking for something to fill it with. Maybe it was the absence of my dad, maybe it was just the chaos I lived in.

It wasn’t until I started seeing addictions in my world — and in myself — that I realized something was seriously wrong. The things I thought were “normal” weren’t. I was scared all the time. I ended up in situations that no one should ever be in — kidnapped, drugged, raped, and trapped in a life that felt impossible to escape. I honestly thought I was going to die.

Drugs and alcohol became my way to cope. I just wanted to stop feeling everything. But then a therapist found me — really saw me — and that’s when things started to change.

Going to court was hard. They twisted my story because I’m Indigenous. They looked at where I came from instead of who I was. But I kept going. I’ve had to grow up fast, learn emotional intelligence, not just for myself but for the people around me too.

Now, I’m finally in a safer place. I’m learning, I’m healing, and I want other teens — especially Indigenous girls like me — to know.”

Jane Doe #1

A. #2 “I ran away from home and disappeared on purpose. I didn’t want to be found. I was lost in a world that felt easier than the pain I was carrying.

The night I got raided; I was laying beside a crack pipe. I got arrested. I was still just a youth — but honestly, it didn’t scare me. I got let go... and I went right back to the same life. Addictions had their grip on me. I didn’t care about it much at the time.

Eventually, I reached out for help, but instead of getting support, I was sent to a psych ward because of where I came from — my background, my reputation, my past. I got transferred to YASU (Youth Addiction Services Unit). I was doing treatment, but I was doing it for everyone else — not for me.

It wasn’t until I overdosed. Multiple times. That’s when it hit me:

“If I don’t stop, I’m going to die.”

I kept telling myself,

“I’m going to be one of them. I grew up with them.”

I thought the gang life was just what I was meant for. But then I started looking at people who were sober. Really looking. They were actually living. They had peace. They had control.

Now, I want to go back to school. I want to make new friends. I want a real life — clean and free. And I’d tell anyone out there going through it: If you’re thinking about getting help, do it. Do it for you. You’re not your past — you’re who you choose to become.

You can find yourself again. I did.”

Jane Doe #2

Q. What strategies or tools have helped you stay sober and focused on recovery?

A. “Smoke breaks. Thinking, or listening to Cree. Trying to overcome the bad thoughts with good deeds, sleeping early, trying to smoke less some days, and always a good laugh.”

Jane Doe #1

Q. How did you feel when coming to a recovery centre?

A. #1 “I felt fear, wanted to do it one last time. Felt like an adult more than a kid, felt out of place.”

Jane Doe #3

A. #2. “I wanted to come, just wanted to be seen as a kid, experience things that normal kids do. It’s harder than I thought. But, my advice, always welcome others in, because it really is scary at first.”

Jane Doe #2

Q. What advice would you give to other young people who are currently struggling with addiction?

A. “Acknowledge it’s hard, and it’s never too late to become sober. I would also say things aren’t going to be easy. Right now, what we’re going through, it’s going to get harder. You can’t think about how hard it gets, only how you deal with it and how you grow from it.

Train yourself to know when it’s coming (that feeling), and how you’re going to deal with it. Carry yourself high, uplift yourself, you’re a person too. If you focus on the bad it’ll come true, set yourself up with truth and positivity. When you get that chance, just take it.

It is your choice. You either feed your negative or your positive wolf when making decisions. You have the power to overcome it, so give it time. You’ll see changes not only in yourself but others around you and how they see you. Your entire surroundings.”

Jane Doe #2

Q. What other advice can you give other Indigenous teens and young adults struggling with addictions?

A. “The Creator has always been here — before us and after us. He believed we were meant to be good people, and because of that, we should believe in ourselves too. That belief was already planted. We just have to grow into it.

The Seven Teachings help guide us through life. The first is Love — the most important one. We all have love in our spirit, even when things feel dark. To love others, we have to start by loving ourselves.

Then come the other teachings: Respect, Wisdom, Truth, Humility, Honesty, and Courage. Respect yourself and others. Learn from people, even if they’re younger. Be honest with who you are. Speak the truth — it protects you. And let courage guide your choices.

When you balance all teachings, this will show up too: “The Good Life” — “Miyo-Pimâtisiw” — a life that feels whole and real.

In the end, it’s about you and the Creator. That’s also what the number 11 stands for: 1 and 1 — Always facing each other, you and the Creator. You’re never alone.”

Youth Addictions Worker John Doe

Every story shared here is a reminder that healing isn’t always loud — sometimes, it’s quiet moments, small steps, and brave choices no one else sees. Whether you’re facing addiction, trauma, or just trying to figure out who you are, you’re not alone in the struggle.

The pain you’ve been through doesn’t define you — what you do with that pain does. From deep hurt can come deep strength. And with every lesson learned, every truth spoken, every step toward love and self-respect, you’re walking closer to “Miyo-Pimâtisiw” — The Good Life.

The Creator believed in you from the beginning. And you have the right to believe in yourself, too.

So, keep going. Keep reaching. Speak up when you’re hurting. Laugh when you can. Rest when you need to. There is power in your story, and it might just be the light someone else needs to find their own way out.

You’re still becoming. And that’s a powerful thing.