I was a teacher in my late 40's when I was coerced into using meth by an abusive partner. I had never used drugs before, with no real idea of what meth was. Within 18 months, my meth use led to the darkest period of my life. I couldn't work, I had alienated family and friends, and death seemed to be the only solution to escape the pain. The last time I used was the night I fled from that partner after a horrific night of abuse.

Coming back from such a dark place has been incredibly hard yet healing. I worked with a Drug and Alcohol counsellor during my initial recovery, and then I learnt to heal through writing about my experience to help others and through Art therapy. I want people to know that no matter how dark it gets, there is always hope and that they are worth so much more.