Interview with Deshawn Keiner from NaCaroInc.

Interview with Deshawn Keiner from NaCaroInc.

Deshawn is no ordinary woman.  Her childhood was not easy.  Facing hardship and abuse.  Growing up with little love. You could understand why anyone would want to drown their sorrows and numb themselves to the world.  It’s not like there aren’t a number of valid reasons.

Yet you won’t get those kinds of thoughts or words from Deshawn.  What you will receive is encouragement. She knows the depths of despair. Waking up and reaching for her cure was a daily habit. Read her post A Cocaine Addicts Morning.

She has the capacity to empathise with you when you’re not on top of it.  She won’t be at your pity party.  But she will be by your side showing you how you can come back from anything.  How you’re valued, regardless of what you have been through. 

She will not stand for you sinking.  She won’t hear any of that.  Her message is clear.  No matter what you have done, how you previously behaved you can choose the life you want to live. 

She doesn’t give it to you sugar coated.  You want raw honesty.  Well, you’ve come to the right place.  Sorting your life out and living a drug-free existence is not easy.  But she will always tell you you’re worth it.  You deserve it. Read, 5 ways to achieve peace in your life.  Her tried methods for keeping her balance. 

I can’t wait for you read the interview I have had with Deshawn from NaCaroInc

What does NaCaroInc stand for?

NaCaroInc is a combination of my name and my spouse’s name. Na(Natosha) Caro(Carolyn).

When was the first time you came into contact with drugs?  Which drug was it?  How was it introduced to you? Can you remember how you felt?  (e.g. Excited and nervous.  Scared but peer group pressured.  Or I was one of those girls that couldn’t wait to get their hands on what they had heard about).

The first experience I had with drugs was when I was about 15 or 16. Honestly, I had already been drinking since I was 14 but the drugs didn’t come into play until the age of 15/16. I was skipping school with a group of friends, and we were at one of their houses. One of them brought out a tiny box and said “this is my mom’s good stuff” The rest of my friends had obviously done it before because they already knew what was in the box and were making preparations to do it. I, on the other hand, had never done anything other than alcohol, so I had no idea what I was getting myself into. To make a long story short, I did my first line of cocaine that day. Before I did it, I felt normal. I wasn’t nervous or scared. At that moment, I felt like I was with a group of people who loved and cared about me. I knew in my heart they wouldn’t put me in a position to be hurt.

Can you remember what you thought about your first experience with cocaine?  How long before it became regular use?

My first encounter with cocaine was, to me at the time, a wonderful encounter. When I did that first line, I had never felt more alive than I did at that moment. My heart was racing, and my body was on autopilot. I couldn’t stop moving, and I felt superhuman. It was the best feeling in the world. That is until the “come down.” That is the worst feeling in the world. It’s like being hit by a semi-truck ten times. I felt so sick and miserable. Everything that I wanted to shut out of my mind came back with a vengeance.

From that moment on I spent a very long time trying to find that first high. The next time I did cocaine was probably a few weeks later with the same group of people. That’s when it began to become a hobby of some sort. But, every time I did it I was doing it to feel what I felt on my first encounter. And as good as the coke was it was never as good as the first time.

How long was it before your hobby went to habit?  What was the turning point for you?  What made you decide to clean up?

It didn’t take long for me to make drugs a habit. After the first time, I was hooked. So I would say maybe a week or two. I was constantly looking for that first high. The turning point for me was when I noticed I wasn’t a good mother. I was still their mother however I wasn’t giving them the best of me. I wanted better for them and myself. My kids have and will always be the reason I do good things. I want them to be proud to say that I am their mother. When my kids began to notice that I was changing, when they started asking me is everything okay I knew it was time to change.

Let’s break this up.  The kids have noticed something is not right with their mum.  Showing their concern, asking if everything is okay. This must have torn Deshawn’s heart to bits.  What a way to come to terms with a habit. Recognising she is not living up to her own standards as a mother. Yet there is something rather admirable in wanting to own your behaviour.  One can’t move forward without taking responsibility for their actions.    Read my post – Say goodbye to ego and hello to change.  
You can get the monkey off your back, but the circus never leaves town.  – Anne Lamott.

Are there days where your resolution is not as strong as others?  You think about just ‘one more time’.  What do you do in these times?

There are days that I think about going back to drugs. Those are my hard days. Days when I feel overwhelmed, when I feel lost or just a lot of built up anxiety. Days like this I have to go somewhere and be alone. It has to be a place of pure silence. I do this to gather my thoughts and self-motivate myself. And I also pray for strength.

It took me a long time to just stop doing cocaine. There were times when I would stop for weeks and then all of sudden I was back doing it. Telling myself this is the last time. It took almost a year to develop a healthy habit.

I would like to introduce you briefly to Deshawn’s partner Carolyn, who wrote Sober Living.  This post walks you through a bad day.  How the mind will attempt to steer you back to old habits right at a time when you’re not on top of it.  You’re in a mood where anything can get the better of you.  These are tough days to get through.  

The alternative is worse.  Thinking you can go back for one more pill, drink, drugs or one more time at the pokies because of a bad day.  It’s nothing more than a crutch and an excuse. It’s common knowledge that an addict never goes back one time only.  See my post on Addiction – The slow steps to recovery.

What would your advice be to those who have never taken drugs before but are keen to experiment? Your friends are your world.  How did you break the attachments from those who used?  When you told them you were going to get clean, what was their response?

Honestly, I don’t want to come off as a same old recovering addict. You know the ones that say “don’t do drugs because it will ruin your life.” We have all heard that before. I had heard that so many times as a child in school and even still I ended up being an addict. The reason I started using drugs in the first place is because I felt like I was missing something. I felt like it took away all the pain I had bottled up inside me. And for a moment it did. For years, I spent every waking moment trying to keep that numbing feeling. Attempting to fill that void. The best I can give is to love yourself and forgive those in your life that have done wrong unto you. Do not let self-hate and another person’s action be your ultimate demise.

My friends were my world. However, it was a non-fiction world that was built on unhealthy habits. And I never told them I was going to get myself together. I just up and left. It was the hardest thing I ever did. To leave people that have been in my life for years and start over was terrifying. I did it because it was the best thing for my children and me. The reason behind me up and leaving without notice is because my friends knew me very well. They knew my weakness, and they knew which buttons to push and how to get under my skin. If I had announced my departure, they would have changed my mind. They would have reeled me back in, and I would still be an addict. I would have never changed.

I would like everyone to know, not just drug addicts that change is a scary thing, but it is worth it. You are worth it. You deserve to be happy, and you deserve a life full of love.

There is no such thing as an addiction ‘under control’.  – Breaking the chains.

If you’re ever feeling like you are going mad and have been in recovery for a day, week, month or year reach out. Never travel this path alone.  Not on those days where you’re left to your own devices and negative self-talk has got the better of your mind.  No recovering addict will send you away.  They will certainly understand where you are at.  They’ll be there for you.

RELATED:  Addict Justification.  This post will blow your myths a part.  I’m on top of it, I’m not an addict I have a job, I can stop anytime I want.  Yeah right, read this post for some perspective.  

A big thank you to Deshawn for allowing me this interview and her time.  The human spirit is contagious when you meet an incredible person with strength, courage and the wisdom of hindsight.  Coming back from addiction is by no means an easy task.  Read Sobriety Equals Freedom.  

The interview focused on addiction, old habits and moving forward with life.  Deshawn writes about Parenting, Life Coaching, Marriage and Blogging Tips.  Spend some time there getting to know her better.  

If you enjoyed this interview don’t forget to share it, so Deshawn’s strong message can continue.  

Posted in Behaviour, Change, Self Development and tagged , , , , .

34 Comments

  1. Hi Rachel,

    A wonderfully conducted interview with Deshawn 🙂

    Yes, I enjoyed every bit of it, especially because it deals with the courage and spirit of a woman who fought herself out of the dumps to come out strong, for herself, her kids, and her family.

    One’s read so much about addiction, and I’ve written a few posts about it myself. We all know it’s bad, but it’s not easy to know why people get addicted in the first place – could there be cause, a reason for it, something that we don’t know. Yes, some do it for kicks, or they wish to try something new, and of course, the friend’s pressure etc, is part of it. But there are many who take to drugs and addiction because of some underlying cause that goes back to their past or all that they may have gone through earlier. More so, it’s not easy for them to give up drugs – even though some try, they go back to it, unless they join some group or rehab centers.

    Unless the will power and determination from within isn’t there, it’s tough to move past it, which Deshawn had in her – great going indeed!

    I liked how Deshawn managed to give up her friend’s circle and walk out, which shows her strength, and doing it all for her kid’s, which is commendable. She made the choice to move forward in life, and now there’s no looking back.

    Lovely name of her blog as well – says it all, and I’m glad her better half is her pillar of strength, which makes it all the more better. I’m sure her posts would help so many others who deal with the same issues – have bookmarked to visit over the weekend hopefully!

    Thanks for sharing it all with us. Have a nice Valentine weekend, both of you 🙂
    Harleena Singh recently posted…12 Warning Signs Your Self-Love StinksMy Profile

    • Hey Harleena,

      I agree, it is about courage and spirit. I could not believe Deshawn’s answers when I received them, every one of them highlighting strength. Hows that; picking up and leaving her friends. Extraordinary courage to face the unknown because her babies trumped her addiction and everything she knew and was comfortable with. No good-byes, not one excuse to stay. Covering every situation in order to move forward rather than lingering and having a half hearted attempt at leaving. As addicts are known to do. But when kids are involved and you own your addiction and behaviour – you move and do it fast.

      You’re right Harleena, it’s about will power and determination. Like it has to be felt deep within. No kidding or lying to oneself. Even though that determination may waver at times. Staying on the straight an narrow certainly is a challenge on some days. After reading a number of Deshawn’s post I can’t believe she has an open heart. When we speak she is so humble and grateful and that is shown throughout her posts as well.

      Like you said many addicts give up and go back again, rehab is known as a revolving door. Research states most addicts have to hit rock bottom to even consider rehab. And each of has our own rock bottom. We know what that feels like. I could not even imagine being so mentally fried and physically exhausted to have to go through withdrawal.

      My heart always goes out to an addict. The reasons they started, pain from the past, experimental, peer pressure – not one person ever said, ‘I’m going to try this drug and my ambition is to become an addict’. I can remember being an experimental teenager, watching those around me becoming addicted, being incarcerated and dying. Not one ever intended to travel that path. It comes from no where and before they know it they’re looking at someone in the mirror who they don’t know. How scary.

      Thanks for your wonderful comments and support.

      Rachel.

    • The hardest part was giving up those friendships. I had known these people for years. They were the love that I had been missing in my life. The day I chose myself, and my kids were the hardest thing. In the end, it was worth it. I think about those friends I once had and wondered if they have chosen a better path. I pray that they have. I appreciate you reading the interview. I also want to thank you for all the kind words. Doing this interview made me realize how far I’ve come. I only hope to inspire others to become a better version of themselves.

  2. Hi Rachel and Deshawn,

    As a recovering addict myself I can relate because we are more similar than different.

    That non-fiction world she talked about stood out to me. I was one of those addicts who couldn’t stop on my own. I had to find a rehab center and a 12 steps program just like Harleena said.

    It was working the 12 steps when I discovered that drugs was just a small symptom from what I’m recovering from.

    It started growing up in a dysfunctional home where one of my brothers would come home drunk wanting to fight my mother.

    That’s just one of the things I witnessed that distorted by beliefs.
    The blog I have was inspired from me building a relationship with God through the 12 steps.

    When my recovering friends read it they tell me it’s nothing but recovery with bible scriptures. And they are right because the 12 steps come from the bible.

    I’m glad to hear your kids motivated you to stop because that’s my wife experience too. She did it for our child. I met her in recovery.

    Deshawn did you ever try a 12 steps program and God (Higher Power)?

    Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work!
    Vernon
    Vernon recently posted…Fighting Hidden Battles Is The First Strategy In WarMy Profile

    • Hey Vernon,

      Thanks for sharing your story. Reading an interview like this would certainly have you thinking about all the work you have done on yourself. Like you say we are more similar than different.

      There is a strength in knowing what we are good at, but more so knowing when we need to reach out for help. Going into rehab and seeking assistance is what rehab centres are there for.

      Addictions are the main issue – cleaning up is a priority (sometimes a life saver), but then having to address underlying issues can be really hard to face. Like you pointed out, it took for you to go to rehab to recognise that your childhood had been traumatic to say the least. Having to deal with that on top of addiction – thats tough and admirable stuff. I always say nobody every set out to become an addict.

      Sounds like you and your wife are a strong team. And as for you friends reading your blog and giving the feedback they did – what compliments. It just reiterates that the message you are sending out is clear.

      Thanks for your wonderful comments Vernon.

      Rachel.

    • I believe that everyone has their way of finding themselves or cleaning themselves up. 12 step programs are excellent things to be a part of because you are surrounded by a community of people who have your back. And when you are recovering it’s imperative to be surrounded by individuals who have been where you are. I once considered going into rehab or being a part of a program, but it wasn’t for me for many reasons. My main reason is I didn’t want to leave my kids with anyone. Honestly, I didn’t trust anyone to take care of them besides me. Even though I was an addict, I still felt as if I was the only person who could care for them. So, I went at it alone. On a spiritual level, I wasn’t alone. I know God very well. And despite the things that I have done, the mistakes I have made he has never left my side. He loves me regardless of my flaws. And knowing that, having that knowledge within my heart keeps me strong. It keeps me grounded and in peace. Many times addicts feel like no one loves them or worse they feel like they are not worthy to be loved. And that is NOT true. God loves you!
      Deshawn Keiner recently posted…Building Trust and Your Product: Love Your List series Pt 4My Profile

  3. What a great post, Rachel. The vulnerability Deshawn shows is lovely. Her willingness to be open, and to try and find something other than a canned message in order to reach others is really beautiful. Great work, and thanks for sending this message out into the universe. Hopefully it will reach exactly the right person during their moment of vulnerability, and give them strength when they need it.

    Well done to you both!

    Blessings!

    ~Chanler

    • Hey Chanler,

      I met Deshawn through blogosphere and as soon as I visited her blog I was taken in by her honesty. I think we gravitate towards that. In all her posts she gives it her all as she did with the interview.

      I think Deshawn carries a message of hope and her story contains so much strength. It was an honor to do this interview.

      Thanks for your kind words Chanler.

      Rachel.

  4. Hi Rachel.

    Thanks for sharing this honest chat with Deshawn. First. I’d like to congratulate her for taking the stand to give up cocaine for the sake of her children and family.

    My own brother was addicted to smoking since his college days. He’d not listen to our requests to give up smoking till one day when he had serious breathing problems. He needed a serious jolt to embark on a journey to give up smoking, but it was difficult for him in the early days because of the withdrawal effects. I guess, giving up cocaine or similar drugs must be very tough as the withdrawal effects are much severe.

    I hope Deshawan sets an example to her friends and other addicts in her circle and inspire them to lead a drug free life,

    Keep up the good work!

    Sarika
    Sarika recently posted…7 Reasons to Love Your Husband More After Having a BabyMy Profile

    • Hey Sarika,

      The interview was amazing. I learnt so much and could not wait to share Deshawn’s story of courage. Making big decisions to move and leave her friends without saying anything, at a time when she could have done with support, is strength of character.

      I understand your brothers addiction, I too struggle with cigarettes. The breathing always is a reminder for me. When I used to smoke I would intentionally increase my heart rate in order to scare myself. Your brothers jolt with breathing must have been an incentive for change. Advertising seriously has built the withdrawals of cigarettes up. As its more psychological than physical. Small irritations for three days but not enough to keep you awake of a night.

      Thanks for your comments Sarika, that’s why I did the interview, because Deshawn in an example of what can happen when you decide enough is enough.

      Rachel.

  5. Hi, Rachel

    Outstanding interview post with Deshawn.

    I loved this victory story of one strong lady to cut off from addiction for the sake of her children. I grew up in the poor area of Macau. I could see drug addicts around the corners daily. I saw them becoming worse and worse as day go by. Their fortune and dignity just disappeared within short period of time.

    From Deshawn’s story, I understand why people hook onto drugs because they all chase the first feeling of high. They think the drugs can get all their pain and problem away.

    Thanks for this transparent journey of recovery!

    – STella Chiu
    Stella Chiu recently posted…Follow the Birds to Have Worried Free LivingMy Profile

    • Hey Stella,

      It is a victory story – isn’t it? Addiction is tough to get a hold off and not all are capable. But when your kids ask what is wrong and a mum finds this an urgency – bravo.

      Your observation Stella is exactly how it happens. Addiction is a rapid decline of mental and physical health. Mind you an addict can miss these signs and those around them notice. When the next fix far out weighs anything else – a poor state of health rises.

      Deshawn is an example of strength and courage. I’m a fan. Thanks for your wonderful comments Stella.

      Rachel.

  6. Hi Rachel,

    This is an inspirational interview with an encouraging message. Many people don’t believe they can come up again when they’re in hard times but you can. This is a reminder of that. I have not dealt with addiction personally but I can only imagine that when your body becomes dependent on something like that it isn’t easy to kick.

    It’s always nice to see when someone can be so transparent for the benefit of others and raising awareness. Hats off to Deshawn.

    ~Lea
    Lea Bullen recently posted…Make Life Easier with These 10 Simple TweaksMy Profile

    • Hey Lea,

      Its such an inspirational story. I am smiling while I write that. When I asked to interview Deshawn, one I was not sure she would want to be interviewed and two I was a bit worried I was being intrusive. She knocked all those barriers away and got on with it. Really giving her all. After she had answered a couple of questions I was so excited because this woman was going to be an example of strength. Coming back from a dark place and using it to encourage others. Her blog is a testament to that as well.

      I agree with what you say about transparency. But facts are facts and Deshawn does not hide the truth and for that everyone who reads this post will benefit.

      Thanks for your comments.

      Rachel.

  7. Hi Rachel and Deshawn,

    What a very powerful interview. I am so glad you have become stronger from your journey and learned who really has your back when it comes to friendships. Growing up, I was raised around a lot of alcohol/substance abuse. It is a very influential thing when you are young so I can certainly relate to much of your story.

    Your story helps many so stay strong and keep pushing on doll. You are beautiful the way you are. Shine on!

    Have a great week ladies.

    Irish
    Irish Carter recently posted…Save Energy with These DIY Home ProjectsMy Profile

    • Hey Irish,

      Its your first time to my blog so welcome.

      Thanks for sharing your story. When you have grown up around alcohol and substance abuse the odds are against you (research clearly presents the statistics – unfortunately). However from what I gather you started making major decisions for yourself (so admirable) because it is going against every thing you know. Its like jumping without a safety lever.

      When I think of Deshawn’s decision to up and leave – people she had known forever, she left everything she knew knowing she was going to come down, while stepping into a totally new world – its just totally WOW stuff. Such strength.

      Your a great encourager, thanks for your comments.

      Rachel.

    • Hey Cynthia,

      I agree, it is an honest interview. Deshawn shares herself so openly. Her strength I want to shout to the world. Thanks for your comments.

      Rachel.

  8. Hi Rachel and Deshawn,

    Thank you for sharing your story with us. I have a relative who has an addiction to pain pills. He’s in denial right now and giving us the “I can handle it” speech but we’re not giving up on him.

    I admire you for being so open about your drug addiction and how you overcame it and more for showing such strength on bad days.

    I wish you all the best!

    Great interview Rachel,

    Cori
    Corina Ramos recently posted…I’m Going on a Date and I’m Over 40- What should I Wear??- HELP!My Profile

    • Hey Cori,

      Thanks for sharing your family members issue. The ‘I can handle it’ stage means he still has not hit rock bottom. I know it sounds tough, but most people have to lose their job, get kicked out of their rented apartment, split with their partner. I’m glad you’re not giving up on him – he really needs you all right now even though he has no idea. Keeping the lines of communication open, letting him know you’re there is the best you can do. I bet you wish you could put him in a head lock and tell him what to do because you love him so much. That’s what I wish we could do to everyone at the edge of their own destruction.

      It’s due to Deshawn honesty that we have a post that is really inspirational and has the potential to help those who are feeling a little out of sorts or lost.

      Thanks for your kind words and comments.

      Rachel.

  9. Hi Rachel. Hi Deshawn.

    This —–> “The reason I started using drugs in the first place is because I felt like I was missing something. I felt like it took away all the pain I had bottled up inside me.”

    I think says it all.

    I think we all grow up being taught (or somehow encouraged) to bottle up our feelings. As though they aren’t right for some reason.

    We’re taught to be strong, to be successful and “to win in life”.

    So what the f*ck do we do with those thoughts and beliefs about ourselves that don’t support these ideas? What happens if we have self-doubt (who doesn’t?) or feel a lack of self-worth?

    We hide it. That’s what.

    We “fake it till we make it”. And then we stuff those feelings down where they become our shadows.

    The shadow rules everything. Those thoughts, beliefs and judgments we push aside and disown. Those parts of ourselves that desperately want to communicate with us about how we’re REALLY seeing ourselves and the world. But in an effort to fit in and project an image, we deny who we really are. These things take up residence and think our thoughts for us. We engage in an inner-war to which there is no winner.

    Except addictions – the thing that enables us to run from ourselves.

    I appreciate your story. I especially appreciate that you’ve pointed out the mundane messages of “don’t do drugs” and how simply saying this doesn’t work. It’s been said for years. Decades – but the issue is stronger today than it ever was.

    The only way to heal anything is to bring it into the light to be observed, accepted and healed. Not so easy to do in a society that encourages us to be alike.

    I wish you nothing but the best – and I thank you for being so honest and real about your life. It’ll help a lot of people.
    Dana recently posted…How to Use Anger Constructively (Instead of Allowing it to Consume You)My Profile

    • Hey Dana,

      You raise some great points. We all feel self-doubt and at times lack self-worth. We certainly are taught to hide, ignore and not give time to negative emotions. Yet they are blessings, news delivers, internal alarm bells. They tell us where to look into ourselves. We only need ask a few questions to discover areas in ourselves where we lack confidence and self love. How can we work on something when we have no idea what to do?

      Confusion falls upon us. We hurt without knowing why and even when we do understand what we are hurting from we don’t have to skills to steer ourselves through it.

      Drugs, abusive relationships, alcohol, gambling, over eating, self harm are blankets that cover up pain. Something that we generally like to avoid at all costs. I love how you put it. The shadows. And they do rule Dana. They are the underlying issues for all our behaviour.

      And that is why we need discussions like this, interviews like the one with Deshawn. We need to yell out to the world that self development is to better ourselves at the cost of looking right into our pain.

      ‘The mundane message about drugs’, I can remember adults giving me advise and me having to listen out of respect or I would get a clip across the ear. But as soon as I could get away I would – thinking those dumb old people what do they know. And I agree we are in need of a new message. That’s the question, how do we reach so many before they get their hands on drugs that nowadays can turn a person into an addict with first time use?

      Thanks for your wonderful comments Dana.

      Rachel.

  10. Such a great interview. Deshawn’s story is so honest and will bring people hope. You can get off drugs, even though it still may be a struggle every day. Kids are definitely a reason to want to be better every day.

    • Hey Shann,

      Your so right, it is honest and will definitely bring people hope. I really enjoyed where Deshawn made decisions based on the feedback of her children. Its really a tough move. Addiction into withdrawal is no easy task. The strength blew me away. Thanks for your comments Shann.

      Rachel

  11. What a story, bless her courage and strength and may we all learn from her. Life teaches us so many things, hard or easy, it depends on which avenue we choose to take and how we find the courage to break through.

    • Hey Sandy,

      I agree, strength and courage Sandy and I am certainly a better person for collaborating with Deshawn. A kind hearted woman who has shared her story warts and all. For that we should be thankful, she is truly an inspiration. Thanks for your comments.

      Rachel.

  12. Hi Rachel,

    First of all, nice interview conducted! Deshawn’s inspiring story will bring light in the lives of millions who becomes victims of drugs and spoil their lives every day!
    Thanks for sharing her story with us!

    • Hey Ana,

      Deshawn’s story is one of hope and strength. It certainly shows where you can be and what you can leave behind when your mind is made up. Thanks for your comments.

      Rachel.

  13. The idea of yours to host this interview should be highly appreciated. The most difficult part of an addiction is to come out of it. Many a young lives have been lost in the process. One more difficult thing is to leave the group of friends who once used to be everything for the person.

    I am glad Deshawn was determined enough to be able to come out of the cruel jaws of drugs.

    Posts like this should be promoted so as to motivate people to take a bold step toward a better life.

    Hats off to your will power, Deshawn and thanks Rachel for hosting this.

    • Hey Tuhin,

      I know, hows that? You are in a routine, the cocaine habit is a part of your day. Your kids start asking questions out of concern and then tough decisions have to made. Time to leave everything you know.

      Deshawn is a wonderful example of where her priorities were. So many addicts have lost their children to child services or family members because their addiction comes first. Its not intentional, but its a fact.

      Cruel jaws of drugs indeed, great way of putting it.

      Thanks for your wonderful comments.

      Rachel.

  14. Thank you for sharing this powerful testimony Deshawn…. In life we go through bad things sometimes someone caused them or we caused them our selves. I love when people are able to share what they went though. I think it is so powerful to be able to say that you were addicted to cocaine. I have not done any scary drugs but I know your interview will help so many out there. Thanks love.:)

    • Hey Homegrown Adventures,

      I agree, sharing the cocaine journey right through to leaving everything behind is a very powerful message. That no matter where you are, what has happened you can come back from it. You just have to want to. Deshawn is testament to that. Her blog also represents this in bucket loads.

      Messages like this need to be shared and shared because there are so many out there, that are looking for something. Thanks for your kind words and comments.

      Rachel.

  15. Hi Rachel

    Bless your soul for such a wonderful interview.

    I was touched by Deshawn’s story as well as inspired by her bravery. Addiction is so strong and it is difficult to get rid of addiction to live a better life.

    I can imagine what she had to go through; the constant temptations and the need to get more. It is awesome that she took the steps to make a difference for herself and her children.

    Thumbs up for a wonderful share. Take Care.

    • Hey Ikechi,

      Wooo Hooo, Deshawn and I made an impact on one of my people (you) who I go to for motivation. I’m doing a dance in my mind.

      On a more serious note, I see that Deshawn took the long way around. Her story had to be told and I was honored that she let me interview her.

      It’s a remarkable story of addiction, an awakening (her kids asking is everything all right), leaving a safety net (every one she knew), to get back on track (withdrawal – isolation).

      Thanks for you comments Ikechi, I always enjoy your visits and support.

      Rachel.

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