Sarah’s Story

March 17, 2025

This testimony comes from one of our clients who recently graduated from Adeara’s program after a full 12 months in the program, all thanks to the generous support of our community. Addiction is destructive. It leads to a person’s loss of control over drug use, compulsive behaviour, the decline of physical and mental health, social isolation, loss of hope, and risk of overdose and death. At Adeara, we aim to empower women to cultivate lasting recovery that is sustained beyond the scope of our 1-year program. Sarah* is a powerful testament that freedom and healing from addiction are possible!

“Until I was 10 years old, I lived in a refugee camp in East Africa for 5 years. My father was an alcoholic who physically and emotionally abusive to my mother, siblings and especially towards me. 

“As the oldest of 8 children, much was expected of me, but I could never measure up no matter how hard I tried. I yearned for my father’s approval and love, but never received it. I always fell short and thus felt unworthy in his eyes.  

“When I was about 7 or 8 years old, a close family friend sexually abused me. For the longest time, I felt a lot of guilt and shame for being naive, gullible and stupid. I blamed myself. I know different now! I am not to blame, and it was not my fault. I am innocent! 

“Even though I grew up in a Christian household and attended church twice a week, I found it very difficult to form a close relationship with God. My father tarnished my viewpoint of how loving God is supposed to be. How can I possibly believe that God is love and that he cares for me when my father hates and abuses me? 

“In my early 20’s, I got into a relationship that, unknown to me then, resembled my father.  Down the road, [my partner] introduced me to drugs. Soon after, the relationship became toxic and unhealthy. He became manipulative and abusive, physically, emotionally, financially and mentally. For many years I remained stuck in a vicious cycle of abuse because I didn’t respect myself or believed I deserved better. 

“My addiction escalated as I slowly isolated myself from my family and healthy friends for “friends” who were addicts. It got to a point where I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror, because I hated the person I was becoming. Someone who was disrespecting their body, being [dis]honest and immoral. My life had become meaningless, hopeless and hollow. 

“When I found out I was pregnant, I continued to use drugs because I was powerless against my addiction. I used drugs as an outlet to cover up feelings of guilt, resentment, shame, pain and hurt. I tried to quit several times on my own but was not successful and relapsed every time. I hated myself so much that I didn’t see the point of living. I even considered ending my life and my unborn baby because I saw myself as a monster who was hurting an innocent fetus. 

“It wasn’t until after CFS (Child & Family Services) got involved in my life and I came close to losing my precious bundle of joy did I realize that I needed help in order to make some major changes in my life. 

“Adeara has provided me with a safe and loving space to face my demons of resentment and unforgiveness towards myself and my father. Being in recovery at a faith-based centre has reignited my faith and trust in my heavenly Father. I found connection, empowerment, friendships, support and encouragement from the women in the program as well as the counsellors, support staff, and volunteers. 

“I am here today alive and well because of the grace of God and the life-saving work of transformation that takes place at Adeara Recovery Centre. Over the years I have lost so many childhood friends and people in my community to drugs and alcohol. I know for a fact that I could easily have been one of them. 

“Instead, I said to myself, ‘No more disrespecting, neglecting and abusing myself.  I am not less than, I am more than enough. I am a daughter of a King, and I deserve the best of the best.’ So, I surrendered my will to God and chose life. In doing so I found joy, peace, freedom, love, forgiveness and acceptance. 

“Without a doubt in my mind I know that God has a bright and beautiful future in store for me.”

– Sarah*, former Adeara client (*A pseudonym has been used to protect this client’s identity.)

Every success story at Adeara begins with a donor like you making the work possible. Thank you so much for supporting the women who are making life-long change at Adeara.

If you share Adeara’s vision to see women in addiction experience freedom, we invite you to join us. Your donation gives a woman a safe place to make a change for herself and her children. No amount is too small to make a lasting impact.