Lauryn Cook

My name is Lauryn, and I’m proud to say that I’ve been sober for five incredible years. My journey to recovery has been a transformative odyssey, marked by resilience, hope, and a newfound purpose. Born in Misawa, Japan, and raised in the United States, I faced immense pressure to excel from a young age. Despite my achievements, I struggled with feelings of exclusion and adult responsibilities that weighed heavily on me.

My battle with substance use began early, and by twelve, I was regularly drinking. I thought I had it under control, but addiction had other plans. It crept into every aspect of my life, manipulating me to prioritize it above all else. I became a master of disguise, hiding my addiction behind a mask of success and achievement. But deep down, I was dying inside.

Despite my academic success, my addiction escalated, leading to a series of unhealthy relationships, criminal charges, and even a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. I felt like I was living in a never-ending nightmare, trapped in a cycle of self-destruction. But I couldn’t stop, wouldn’t stop, until I hit rock bottom.

And that’s exactly what happened. Facing a minimum mandatory sentence to prison, I realized I had two options: succumb to my addiction or fight for my life. I chose the latter. I qualified for the Volusia Drug Court Program and dedicated myself to recovery. It wasn’t easy – there were countless setbacks, relapses, and moments of despair. But I refused to give up.

With the support of the AA program and my recovery community, I slowly began to rebuild my life. I learned to confront my demons, to forgive myself, and to love myself unconditionally. I discovered a strength within me that I never knew existed, a resilience that could overcome even the darkest of times.

Today, I’m a peer recovery support specialist, using my experiences to help others. I’m pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work and American Sign Language, with a goal to become an addictions counselor and advocate. My support system – friends, family, and my recovery community – has been instrumental in my journey.

Through gardening, yoga, and volunteering, I’ve found peace and mindfulness. These activities remind me of the beauty of life and the importance of self-care. I’ve learned to cherish every moment, to appreciate the small victories, and to never take my sobriety for granted.

My journey has taught me that recovery is possible, no matter how broken you may feel. It’s a testament to the power of resilience and hope. If I can overcome my struggles, so can others. I want to inspire and support those who are still fighting their battles, to show them that there’s a way out of the darkness and into the light.

Recovery is not just about abstaining from substances; it’s about healing, growing, and finding joy in everyday moments. It’s about discovering a purpose that’s greater than yourself and using your experiences to make a positive impact on the world.

So, if you’re struggling with addiction or any other challenge, know that you’re not alone. There’s hope for a better tomorrow, a hope that’s rooted in resilience and the human spirit. Don’t give up – keep fighting, keep pushing, and know that a brighter future is waiting for you.