A New Life After Decades of Meth Addiction

From Addiction to a New Life in Recovery

When Tammy reflects on her experience at Cedar House, one phrase stands out: she has been “blessed by this program since day one.”

Her story is one of pain, survival, healing, and transformation. After decades of struggling with addiction to methamphetamines and opiate pills, Tammy found support, structure, and a new way of living through Cedar House. Today, she not only lives in recovery, but also supports other women who are walking through similar challenges.

A Childhood Marked by Trauma and Substance Use

Tammy grew up around drugs and alcohol. At just 13 years old, she entered the foster care system. Her teenage years were spent moving in and out of foster homes and juvenile hall.

During that time, she began using methamphetamines and drinking every day. What started in her youth became a decades-long struggle with substance use disorder. For more than 37 years, addiction affected nearly every part of Tammy’s life.

She spent time in county jail and prison. She also experienced the painful loss of her children, which pushed her deeper into addiction. Like many people living with substance use disorder, Tammy was not only battling drugs and alcohol. She was also carrying years of trauma, grief, shame, and unresolved pain.

Choosing Treatment at Cedar House

Tammy came to Cedar House on April 15, 2019.

Looking back, she said, “This was the best decision I have ever made for myself.”

She began her recovery journey in the withdrawal management program, where she spent two weeks receiving support through the early stages of sobriety. After that, she entered residential treatment for 90 days.

During treatment at Cedar House, Tammy began to better understand her addiction and how drugs had affected her brain. She learned about dopamine, endorphins, and the time it can take to build new neural pathways in recovery.

She also learned practical tools that helped her stay grounded, including coping skills, grounding techniques, and ways to recognize red flags in her life before they became dangerous.

Just as important, Tammy began to work through the trauma and PTSD she had carried since childhood. Treatment gave her space to begin healing not only from substance use, but from the pain underneath it.

Building a Strong Foundation for Sobriety

Before coming to Cedar House, Tammy had never been able to stay clean for more than 18 months, and that period of sobriety happened while she was incarcerated.

Through treatment, support, and ongoing recovery work, that changed.

Tammy shared, “Today I have 2 years, 3 months, and 18 days clean and sober.”

Her recovery did not stop when treatment ended. She continued attending Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. She stayed connected to her sponsor and sponsor family. She took her recovery seriously and built a life around the tools, relationships, and support that helped her stay sober.

From Cedar House Client to Perinatal Support Specialist

In 2021, Cedar House hired Tammy as a Perinatal Support Specialist.

This full-circle moment allowed her to use her lived experience to support other women, including pregnant women and mothers affected by substance use. Her story became a source of hope for others who needed to see that recovery was possible.

Tammy also enrolled at San Bernardino Valley College to become a certified drug and alcohol counselor. Her goal was not only to stay sober, but to help others find their own path to healing.

She said:

“I have taken what I have learned from this program and have changed into a positive and responsible woman who loves living life clean and sober. I have found a new way of living. I love Cedar House and all the staff here. I have been blessed by this program since day one.”

Rebuilding Family Relationships

One of the most meaningful parts of Tammy’s recovery has been reconnecting with her family.

Today, her children and three beautiful grandchildren are back in her life. She shares that they now have a beautiful relationship. Her children have forgiven her for the past, and they are proud of the woman she has become.

Tammy now spends time with her family doing things she once thought might never be possible again. They go bowling, camping, fishing, and visit amusement parks together.

She shared:

“I am so blessed with where I am in my life today. I am thankful to my higher power and to Cedar House and to the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous.”

Recovery Is Possible

Tammy’s story is a reminder that recovery can begin even after years of addiction, trauma, incarceration, and loss. Healing is not always quick or easy, but with the right support, people can rebuild their lives, restore relationships, and discover a new sense of purpose.

At Cedar House, recovery is not only about stopping substance use. It is about helping people understand their addiction, heal from trauma, develop coping skills, rebuild trust, and create a life they can feel proud of.

Tammy’s life today is proof that change is possible.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, trauma, or substance use, Cedar House can help you understand your options and take the next step.

Call 840-900-1004 to speak with someone about treatment and recovery support.