EP 339: Melissa’s Recovery Story

Host: Drifter Guest: Melissa   Hi my name is Melissa Hubenak. I am a 41 year old mother of three amazing sons. I am also a widow. I began this recovery journey on June 28th of 2021. My childhood was full of trauma including physical mental emotional and sexual abuse.  Both my parents were Alcoholic addicts.  But I never thought that it was the reason I used drugs and alcohol. Growing up I partied because I thought it was fun. I loved experimenting and out drinking everyone at a party. I broke my back the summer before my senior year. That is how I learned about addiction from an addicts perspective. The best drug dealer I would ever know was my doctor. My addiction would follow me overseas where by the age of 21 I was prescribed fentanyl patches and oxycontin. My first blessing came in the form of a felony charge. The judge sentenced me to probation and a methadone maintenance clinic. This would not be the first time my felonies would turn into a blessing because of an Angel disguised as a judge. I eventually married the love of my life. We had three beautiful boys. That maintenance program gave the ability to have a normal life.  Things were great until my husband was diagnosed with brain cancer. In 2018 he passed away. And two weeks later I lost my cousin to murder by fentanyl. I died with them. The stay at home wife and mother became a homeless, drug addicted felon. Today I have a home, a car, a job, and most importantly my children back. I couldn’t be more grateful.  Today I have Faith that is unshakable because of a God that is all powerful. Desperation led me to surrender. God met me where I was at. He placed angels all around me. I tell people all the time, “I am living in the midst of prayers answered and dreams come true. I have such a beautiful life.” I am lucky enough to have a job helping others working in mental health. I recently finished training to become a recovery coach. Which I can't wait to apply to my goals of helping those seeking to restore their life. The biggest gift I have been given is the opportunity to open a sober living with my best friend as my partner. We were given two properties and are building a network of resources to offer the best support possible for the persons that come to us for help. I had no idea that day, in summer of 2021, would lead me on an adventure like this. The good times are amazing and the bad times just aren’t as bad. Today I live in the moment. Embrace every opportunity. Love Hard. Fight Hard. And I have never been so High. I hope you have a GREAT DAY ON PURPOSE. FRESH BLESSING. MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT. WE DO RECOVER!!   Other Sober Resources: I Am Sober App Getting Sober ...Again Boom Rethink The Drink Recovery Movie Meet-Ups No Sippy No Slippy. Not Another Drop No matter What.   Remember to Pour The Poison Down The Sink!!      Sobertownpodcast.com