3 minute read
Addiction + Recovery: Q&A with Kayla Parsons '21
Could you describe your home life growing up?
Growing up, I had a good childhood. I was the daughter of a police officer and a clerk at the hospital, and we lived a comfortable life. My sister and I went to church often. I was highly active in my youth group and went to every church camp, mission trip, and conference I could.
Was there a “turning point” that occurred?
When I was nineteen, I was the victim of a rape. I began to run away from God. I gathered all of the thoughts and emotions from it into a ball and hurled them toward Him. I blamed Him for this happening to me, for my innocence being stolen. I began to experiment with alcohol and any drug I could find. I latched onto anything that could take me away from reality.
Did the experimentation progress?
Yes. At the age of twenty I was pregnant and sitting in a jail cell for the first time. By age twenty-five, I had long-since spiraled out of control and was living in hell. I was heavily addicted, both physically and emotionally, and I was using IV. I had lost my daughter and was told I would never lay eyes on her again. I was stuck in a cycle of despair and couldn’t see a way out. Every time I used, I would use enough to overdose and end my life. But, something happened each time that kept it all from entering my bloodstream. I thought that God was punishing me. Turns out that He just had other plans.
How did you break out of the cycle?
While serving eleven months in jail, I met Christians who brought church into the building. I used that time to build a relationship with God again. God delivered me from my drug addiction, but after I was released, I had another baby and started a new job. My relationship with God took a backseat. I started drinking, and after three and a half years with no drugs, I began using again.
Where did you go to find help?
I went to Karen’s Place, an ARC (Addiction Recovery Care) recovery center, and while I was there, God did a mighty work in me. Through my counselor and some prayer healing, God began to expose areas of my heart that I didn’t even know were broken and heal them. I learned who I am. The real me. I always attached my identity to the people around me and the things that I did. I began to see what it meant to be a daughter of the King, to be fearfully and wonderfully made, to have a purpose in life.
What advice do you have for the addict still struggling?
You’re not too far gone. If you’re still breathing, it’s not too late. Give recovery a shot. I know it’s a terrifying step to take, but it’s worth it. In six months or a year you’ll be glad you started today.
What is your life like now?
I graduated the program, completed my internship, graduated the Peer Support Academy, and became hired on as staff with ARC. I now work out of the corporate office as the senior administration director. I am double-majoring in business administration and missions & ministry at Cumberlands. I am married and a mommy to both of my girls as well as mine and my husband’s newest daughter. Before I went to Karen’s Place, I hated everybody, including myself. Today I genuinely love people. I care about them and I want to help them. Not only have I realized who I am, but I feel free to be myself. I celebrated four years sober on August 11th.
Do you have words of wisdom for family members?
Don’t give up. Love your family member. Pray for them. Offer them help. I know that you are hurting as well. I’d suggest finding a Celebrate Recovery group or Al-Alon group so that you can get educated and find your own healing.
