Motherhood, Trauma, and Addiction Recovery

A Mother’s Love and the Fight for Recovery

There is nothing quite as powerful as a mother’s love.

From the moment her son was born, Sereeta knew she would do everything she could to protect him. She had already experienced the heartbreak of losing custody of her children once, and she was determined never to feel that pain again.

Her recovery story is about addiction, trauma, motherhood, and the strength it takes to begin again when life feels broken.

Addiction, Domestic Violence, and Loss

Sereeta’s struggle with addiction began when she was 19 years old. She entered treatment and stayed sober for six years, building a life she could feel proud of.

Then everything changed.

Sereeta became a victim of domestic violence. The abuse affected her safety, her stability, and her ability to stay connected to the life she had built. Eventually, the situation led to her losing custody of her five children.

That loss shattered her.

The pain of losing her children, combined with the trauma of abuse, led to relapse.

“I could not get away from him. He would try to control me.”

Sereeta’s story is a reminder that addiction is often connected to more than substance use alone. For many people, trauma, violence, fear, and emotional pain are part of the cycle that makes recovery more complicated.

Searching for Safety

Desperate to escape the violence, Sereeta left.

She began living on the streets and slept near a shopping center, looking for safety, shelter, and resources wherever she could find them.

One day, while at a charity donations center, a woman noticed her and offered help. That moment of care became a turning point. The connection led Sereeta to Cedar House Life Change Center, where she sought treatment for methamphetamine and marijuana addiction.

She knew she needed something different, even if she did not yet know what healing would look like.

“I knew I wanted a change but didn’t know how.”

Finding Hope at Cedar House

Years of trauma, loss, and instability had taken a toll on Sereeta. When she arrived at Cedar House, she was carrying deep pain and anger. She did not yet know how to process what she had survived.

What surprised her most was the compassion she found in treatment.

The staff did not give up on her. They continued to support her, even when the first weeks were difficult. They saw possibility in her at a time when she struggled to see it in herself.

“I saw that different people had hope in me.”

That kind of support mattered. For someone who had experienced control, violence, homelessness, and loss, being met with care instead of judgment helped create space for change.

A Painful Moment After Giving Birth

Just one week after arriving at Cedar House, Sereeta was hospitalized.

Over the next three weeks, she remained in close contact with Cedar House staff, calling regularly for reassurance and support.

“I didn’t want to lose my son. I didn’t want to feel that pain again.”

After an eight-hour surgery and a blood transfusion, Sereeta gave birth to a healthy baby boy.

But the next day, a police officer and social worker arrived at her hospital room with devastating news. She would not be taking her baby home.

Four days later, Sereeta returned to Cedar House with 34 surgical staples, deep emotional wounds, and a renewed determination to keep fighting.

“That’s when I believe my journey started. I was fighting for that little boy. I never fought so hard for anything in my life.”

Doing the Work of Recovery

The first month was difficult.

Sereeta continued to wrestle with anger, grief, trauma, and the fear of losing her child permanently.

“The first month was hard. It was a battle for me.”

But she stayed.

Over six months at Cedar House, Sereeta did the work. She achieved sobriety, learned healthier ways to manage anger, and began rebuilding her faith.

She also began to trust the process, even when it was painful.

“I didn’t realize God had something else in store for me. I just had to trust in the process.”

Recovery helped Sereeta begin healing not only from substance use, but from the trauma, instability, and fear that had shaped so much of her life.

Reuniting With Her Son

After completing treatment, Sereeta transitioned into other supportive housing. Slowly, she began having overnight visits with her son.

On August 22, those visits became extended stays.

On September 5, she was granted full custody of her baby boy.

That moment represented more than a legal decision. It represented months of work, commitment, sobriety, and growth. It showed what can happen when a mother receives the support she needs and continues showing up for her child and herself.

Rebuilding Life as a Mother

Today, Sereeta is a full-time Civic Engagement Specialist for a charitable foundation. She lives in her own apartment with her son and spends every other weekend with all of her children.

Her recovery has helped her build practical life skills and a stronger sense of identity.

“I have established leadership skills, budgeting skills, and learned how to be a productive member of society as a mother.”

Sereeta’s life today reflects stability, purpose, and the ability to care for herself and her children in a new way.

The Power of Support

Looking back, Sereeta speaks about the “true, honest support” she found at Cedar House.

The love and care she received from staff helped carry her through moments when she felt overwhelmed. Even something as simple as the Acceptance Prayer became a source of strength.

“If it wasn’t for Cedar House, I would still be traumatized by the domestic violence. The staff members showed me love like I’ve never been shown before.”

For Sereeta, treatment was not only about sobriety. It was about healing from violence, rebuilding trust, learning how to manage emotions, and becoming the mother she wanted to be.

Recovery Can Help Families Heal

Sereeta’s story is one of resilience, healing, motherhood, and courage.

It shows what is possible when compassion meets commitment, and when someone is given the support needed to recover from addiction and trauma together.

Her story also shows that losing custody does not have to be the end of a parent’s story. With treatment, accountability, stability, and continued support, families can begin to heal.

A mother’s love helped Sereeta keep fighting. Cedar House helped her find the support, tools, and hope to keep going.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, trauma, or family separation, 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.