HANNAH DRELICH

A heaviness, a longing for numbness,
The fire and ice enter and distract from the noise,
A whisper saying more, a heart weary from the battle,
Black holes where a soul used to be;
Isolation and apathy,
A struggle to keep up with moving time,
Pulling at hair and scraping at the skin,
A desperation to claw out of this form;
A choking knot in the throat,
A burning sensation in the eyes,
Rapid shallow breaths,
The silence is deafening;
A daunting chill ran up my spine,
Tracks being left up arms and legs,
A flash of regret and acceptance,
Is this the formidable end to the fight?
Feelings of despair and regret,
A trail of tears grazing cheeks,
Prayer position, unbearable static,
A welcoming of nothingness, darkness engulfing.

• Share Your Story - At your comfort level, speak out about your resilience journey and let other victims know recovery is obtainable and sustainable; offer hope and advice through your victory
• Speak Up - With so many misinformed opinions and thoughts regarding addiction, help inspire change by speaking up when you see or hear words and actions promoting unintended unhealthy biases.
• Be An Advocate - Show your support by sharing your personal experiences with loved ones and friends who are also dealing with addiction. Stay involved in their constant battle during and after recovery to help eliminate the feelings of isolation that victims can have during detox and rehabilitation.