Her Clean Life Now

“Recovery teaches us that we are not alone, we are never alone. I don’t have to do anything by myself. My ability to trust someone came back. I was able to build relationships with people that were genuine and healthy. I had dreams that I thought were lost. I came to a point where I wasn’t going to let anything stop me from fulfilling them. I preserved through trials and tribulations. There were times I just wanted to throw the towel in, but my support group held me up and told me everything will work out in time… be patient. I was fully committed and dedicated. ‘No’ started being a motivator,” said Demi. 

Demi was accepted to college just a few months ago.

“If you ever were asked if there was one thing that you didn’t do in life, what would you have done? Mine is for sure a college degree,” said Demi. 

“I didn’t get clean just to be clean. I got clean so that I can do the impossible. My lost dreams have awakened I’m able to say right now in this moment I’m proud of myself. I believed in myself just like that day in rehab when I woke up and seen the light. My family trusts me again. My grandma is so proud of me and that’s all that matters. She helped shape me into the strong… Independent woman I am today. I want to remain a part of the Young and Recovering community… because just for today I never want to use again,” said Demi.

People may think she used because her grandfather died or because her mom walked out of her life, but, according to Demi, those were just symptoms, not reasons.

“I had the disease of addiction way before I picked up the drug.  I have been blessed with so many things in these last four years. Recovery is a gift, and I am not going to take it for granted. Without recovery, I wouldn’t be a mother, a significant other, or a friend. My recovery foundation is strong and I could not have made it without them. I’m going to say we did this together. Love is the most powerful spiritual principle there is. Love yourself, love others, and love God,” Shields said.