South Dakota Resource Hotline 1-800-920-4343

Melanie’s Stories

This doesn't happen to me.

DescriptionTranscript

Melanie was sure she had prescription opioid use under control. Addiction was the furthest thing from her mind until it all came crashing down. If you need help, don’t wait. You just might save a life. Call 1-800-920-4343 now.

I had three surgeries within about a three year time frame. By the third surgery, I started using the medication more and more to get through my day. It totally changed who I was. I know deep down that I am not a bad person, that I’m a really good person. But I did a lot of bad things when I was using.

In the beginning there was still a part of me that thought, “I’m stronger than this.” Like, “This doesn’t happen to me.” I really didn’t think that I could be an addict. But I am.

If you’re struggling, find help. There’s hope. Life can be good again.

Opioids—you cannot outsmart them.

DescriptionTranscript

Anyone can struggle with addiction. Listen to what Melanie has to say about their struggles with opioid addiction. If you or someone you know feels lost and unsure of where to turn, call the Resource Hotline. A Care Coordinator will help you find your personal path to recovery. Don’t wait. Learn more at AvoidOpioidSD.com/Care-Coordination.

I think for me, when I started feeling like I couldn’t get through the day without the use of opioids is the point where I wish I would have asked for help.

I want to tell the people of South Dakota about opioids—that you cannot outsmart them. They are like an entity on their own. And they will change who you are as a person.

If I could do this all over, I would ask for help. I wouldn’t be afraid to reach out to people and let them know. Because knowing now what I know, and being in the recovery community… there’s no judgment in the recovery community. It’s okay. It’s okay to get help.

This doesn't happen to me.
Opioids—you cannot outsmart them.

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