From a Student-athlete to a Full-blown Addict

Meagan, 28, grew up in a small town, in a good family, and excelled in school and sports. But after a soccer injury, she turned to drugs to dull the pain and cope with the disappointment of being unable to play. That was the beginning of her downward spiral that led to years of drug abuse, crime and unhealthy relationships.

Out of Control

“It’s crazy how fast I lost control of my life,” says Meagan. “My addiction to crystal meth, cocaine and heroin cost me a career in nursing, my first house―and my family.”

In 2016, Meagan was arrested for trafficking. She didn’t think life could get any worse, but it did.

“After my arrest, I was released on bail and fled to another province to avoid a prison sentence,” says Meagan. “It was a bad move. I was assaulted to the point of being hospitalized for two weeks, lived in a shelter, then in my car. I just wanted to die.”

Meagan wanted a better life, but it was hard for her to give up drugs. One day she saw a police officer and asked him to run her name.

“I was malnourished and tired of running from the law,” says Meagan. “I was arrested on the spot. That lead me to drug treatment court and to The Salvation Army’s Kate’s Place. They are helping me get my life back on track.”

Recovery Supports

Meagan lives at The Salvation Army’s Kate’s Place while she attends drug treatment court. Kate’s Place provides 24-hour supervised, safe, stable and supportive housing, general counselling and practical assistance to female participants of the program.

“I always lived in fear,” says Meagan. “The Salvation Army gave me a safe place to call home, a listening ear and practical support. I was encouraged to get involved in things I love to do such as volunteering. Without The Salvation Army, I wouldn’t be as far along in my recovery.”

After Meagan graduates from drug treatment court she wants to enroll in university to get a business degree. She has her family back and enjoys volunteering with The Salvation Army.

“When I got sober I realized all I gave up for drugs,” says Meagan. “There wasn’t much further down I could go.”