From 'Try Harder' to Triumph: Kayla G's Recovery Journey

We'll be diving deep into the inspiring journey of Kayla G, a woman who transformed her life from the depths of addiction to a beacon of hope for others. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of support, and the possibility of turning pain into purpose. We'll explore the pivotal moment that sparked her recovery, the challenges she faced, and the incredible work she's now doing to advocate for mothers navigating the complexities of the child protective services (CPS) system. This blog post expands on the powerful conversation I had with Kayla on my podcast, where she shared her raw and honest experiences. If you haven't already, be sure to listen to the episode "Podathon For Recovery: Kayla G’s Road to Recovery" to hear her story in her own words. It's a truly moving and impactful conversation.

Kayla G's Inspiring Recovery Journey

Kayla G's story is one of profound transformation. From struggling with addiction and navigating the complexities of the CPS system to becoming a certified peer recovery specialist and advocate for mothers, Kayla's journey is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible. Her willingness to share her experiences with honesty and vulnerability makes her a true inspiration to those seeking hope and guidance.

The 'Try Harder' Moment: A Plea That Sparked Transformation

Every recovery journey has a starting point, a moment of clarity that ignites the desire for change. For Kayla, that moment came in the form of a heartfelt plea from a friend. Overwhelmed by Kayla's struggles and the impact they were having on her life, her friend uttered the simple yet profound words: "Try harder." This wasn't a judgmental statement but a desperate cry from someone who cared deeply and knew Kayla was capable of more. This plea resonated deeply within Kayla. It wasn't just about the words themselves, but the emotion and genuine concern behind them. It was a wake-up call that forced her to confront the reality of her situation and consider the possibility of a different path. This moment of truth served as the catalyst for her decision to actively pursue recovery.

Hitting Rock Bottom and Choosing Recovery

Often, the path to recovery is paved with difficult experiences. For Kayla, like many others, hitting rock bottom was a crucial turning point. This wasn't a singular event but rather a culmination of struggles, consequences, and the realization that her addiction was consuming her life and impacting those around her. Faced with the devastating consequences of her addiction, Kayla made a conscious decision to choose recovery. This decision wasn't easy, and it required immense courage and a willingness to confront her demons. However, it was the foundation upon which she began to rebuild her life. Recognizing the need for support, she started attending Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings, seeking guidance and connection with others who understood her struggles.

Navigating Home Detox During COVID-19

Kayla's journey took an unexpected turn when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. With traditional treatment options limited, she faced the daunting task of detoxing at home. This presented significant challenges, as she had to manage withdrawal symptoms without the medical supervision and support typically found in a treatment facility. Despite the difficulties, Kayla persevered. Her determination to overcome her addiction, coupled with the support of loved ones, helped her navigate the challenging detox process. This experience highlighted her resilience and resourcefulness, demonstrating her commitment to recovery even in the face of adversity.

Finding Support in Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) played a vital role in Kayla's recovery. The fellowship of NA provided her with a safe and supportive environment where she could connect with others who shared similar experiences. Regular attendance at meetings allowed her to share her struggles, gain insights from others, and build a sense of community. The principles of NA, such as honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness, provided a framework for her recovery journey. She found a sponsor who guided her through the 12 steps, helping her to confront her past, make amends, and develop a new way of living. NA became an integral part of her life, providing her with ongoing support and accountability as she continued on her path to recovery.

Rebuilding Life: From Addiction to Advocacy

Recovery is not just about abstaining from drugs; it's about rebuilding a life worth living. For Kayla, this involved addressing various aspects of her life that had been affected by her addiction. She focused on healing relationships with her family, pursuing her education, and finding meaningful employment. As she progressed in her recovery, Kayla felt a growing desire to help others. She became a certified peer recovery specialist, using her own experiences to guide and support individuals struggling with addiction. Her empathy, understanding, and firsthand knowledge made her a valuable asset to the recovery community.

Parenting in Recovery: Rebuilding Trust and Family Bonds

One of the most challenging aspects of recovery for Kayla was rebuilding trust with her family, especially her children. Her addiction had strained her relationships with her loved ones, and she knew that regaining their trust would take time and effort. She worked diligently to demonstrate her commitment to recovery through her actions. She consistently attended NA meetings, stayed sober, and actively participated in her children's lives. Over time, she began to rebuild the bonds that had been broken by her addiction. Her children witnessed her transformation, and they gradually began to trust her again. Parenting in recovery required immense patience, understanding, and a willingness to make amends for past mistakes. However, it was a crucial step in her journey toward a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Advocating for Mothers: Kayla's Work with CPS Cases

Kayla's journey through addiction and recovery gave her a unique perspective on the challenges faced by mothers involved in the CPS system. She understood the complexities of addiction, the stigma associated with substance use, and the difficulties of navigating the legal and social service systems. This understanding inspired her to become a parent advocate with the Office of the Public Defender in Baltimore City. In this role, she supports mothers who are working to reunify with their children. She provides them with guidance, resources, and emotional support, helping them to navigate the often-confusing and overwhelming CPS process. Her work is driven by a deep compassion for mothers and a belief in their potential for recovery and positive change.

The Realities of Reunification: Time, Patience, and Setbacks

The process of reunifying families involved with CPS is often complex and challenging. It requires time, patience, and a willingness to navigate setbacks. Kayla understands these realities firsthand, both from her own experiences and from her work as a parent advocate. She emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations, celebrating small victories, and providing ongoing support to mothers throughout the reunification process. She also acknowledges the emotional toll that this work can take, both on the mothers and on the advocates who support them.

Finding Hope and Resilience: Kayla's Message

Kayla's message is one of hope and resilience. She believes that recovery is possible for anyone, regardless of their past. She emphasizes the importance of seeking support, staying committed to recovery, and never giving up hope. Her own life is a testament to the power of transformation, and she inspires others to believe in their own potential for change. She speaks candidly about her struggles and triumphs, offering a message of encouragement and empowerment to those who are seeking a better life.

Resources for Recovery and Support

Kayla is a strong advocate for resources. Here are some resources she recommends for people seeking to start or continue on their road to recovery:

• Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – meetings, literature, home group, sponsorship
• Office of the Public Defender – Baltimore City – Parent Advocate role
• CPS / DSS – shelter hearings, supervised/unsupervised/overnight visits
• “Better Together” mother-baby placement approach (MD)
• Mommy-and-Me treatment programs
• Rage Against Addiction

Turning Pain into Purpose

Kayla's story is a powerful example of how pain can be transformed into purpose. She has taken her own experiences with addiction, trauma, and the CPS system and turned them into a platform for advocacy and support. Her work as a certified peer recovery specialist and parent advocate is making a tangible difference in the lives of mothers and families in Baltimore City. She is a true testament to the power of resilience and the importance of giving back to the community.

Kayla G's journey from addiction to advocacy is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of recovery. Her story reminds us that even in the darkest of times, hope is always possible. By sharing her experiences, she is inspiring others to seek help, stay committed to recovery, and turn their own pain into purpose. I am so grateful to Kayla for sharing her story with me on the podcast. To hear more about her journey and her work, be sure to listen to the episode "Podathon For Recovery: Kayla G’s Road to Recovery." And remember, you are not alone. There is always hope, and there is always help available.