THE JOURNEY From Addiction to Recovery

THE JOURNEY From Addiction to Recovery - Kara's Story

Рет қаралды 102,034

Жыл бұрын

Meet Kara, a woman who has overcome numerous challenges with addiction, incarceration, recovery, and relapse, and emerged as a powerful voice for change. After serving time in federal prison and overcoming a difficult struggle with meth addiction and relapse, Kara has dedicated her life to helping others break free from their own personal struggles.
Kara is living proof that no matter how difficult the journey, it is always possible to overcome challenges and achieve greatness. With her powerful message of hope and determination, she is inspiring people everywhere to take control of their lives and make their dreams a reality.
In Houston, learn more about Sober Girls and find support at www.sobergirlshouston.com/
For support in the U.S., visit the National Alliance for Mental Health & Substance Abuse Recovery at www.namhsar.org/
In the U.S., you can also easily access 24/7 support and guidance by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org/chat to connect with a caring counselor.

Пікірлер: 318

@catielong7514 6 ай бұрын

I've found out the hard way that I don't have an off button either. I've relapsed so many times but today I'm grateful that I have 25months 10days clean and sober today. I truly appreciate you sharing your story

@TexasPictures 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing!!

@karaburns9793 6 ай бұрын

Outstanding! we are all together.

@magyarmainer4692 4 ай бұрын

Awesome! Keep going !!

@hansmueller3029 3 ай бұрын

Awesome!

@elizabethburkett9592 13 күн бұрын

How are you doing now, I have 12 years now

@candyhunter4262 7 ай бұрын

Opiate addiction is literally the hardest thing I’ve ever had to cope with in my lifetime so far!

@donnabryant4844 22 күн бұрын

Wow I'm sorry. Right now I'm in bed..I've shingles and I'm old. They gave me pain killers. Anda I always HATED them. I feel so nausead..they make feel so bad to to three 3: 3:51 days is all I can even after surgery... I never really drank..but I'm in denial about another substance...I wish I could figure out why

@valeriehayes5555 7 ай бұрын

One of the mantras for me was, "It's not as much about quitting as it is about never starting again".

@robertcarpenter3020 11 ай бұрын

I didn’t have an off button but I didn’t know I didn’t have an off button. What a fitting way to describe addiction.

@robinward7637 11 ай бұрын

I am praying that my daughter will be in your shoes one day! I'm so happy for you!

@hardknoxtalkspodcast 7 күн бұрын

I'm 7 years clean, my wife is 6 years clean. I've been held hostage, lost my son to the ministry, lost the cars, the house, the money, the business, my wife left to a life on the street where she spent 18 months escaping extreme domestic and gang violence. She ended up pregnant and clawed her way out, she had to escape for two now. we spent 5 years apart healing in recovery. we've been back together for 2 years now and after losing all, today, we closed on a home. I run this podcast full time thanks to a bunch of great organizations in my community. I have a life I never saw coming. its possible. It's an epic adventure. We can recover.

@TexasPictures 7 күн бұрын

Great story. Thank you for sharing.

@motleymama6587 Жыл бұрын

No offense but when they chased you down 6th avenue you WERE a dangerous criminal. Drug dealing is bad. But I have big time respect and can relate to your story as a recovering addict myself. Relapse was my downfall too. Happy to say I’ve been sober for 18 years. Keep going Kara!🙏🏻

@brandishiverdecker8228 Жыл бұрын

Are you judging her by the person she is or by her behavior? Congrats on 18 years!

@motleymama6587 Жыл бұрын

@@brandishiverdecker8228 i totally didn’t mean that to come across that way. I was just being honest in my feelings. I’m blown away by Kara’s journey and success.

@kellyford5903 Жыл бұрын

Motley - agree with your first sentence 100%. In the throws of addition, we ARE dangerous…to the stranger on the street-someone’s Mom, Dad, Son, Daughter, etc- and to ourselves. congrats on 18 years - but MOST importantly…Congrats on TODAY 💕

@brandishiverdecker8228 Жыл бұрын

@@motleymama6587 no worries ❤

@ef2512 Жыл бұрын

@@motleymama6587 Nothing you said was judgmental. You stated a fact and that fact is "drug dealing is bad".

@zachboldt 7 ай бұрын

I’ve been to rehab numerous times in my life, have also abandoned my family, and lost my sense of self over and over again. I used to pray for a heart attack or stroke, and watching you tell your story was more powerful than I hope you know. You are a bright light in a world of darkness. Thank you for your strength.

@jc7887 6 ай бұрын

"Something magical happened inside of me when I realized, I am the creator of my world. I am the creator of my day today. I am the creator of my day tomorrow and yesterday. I am UNSTOPPABLE!" Thanks for this. I jotted it down to have whenever I need to remind myself. Keep on being amazing.

@patricia739 5 ай бұрын

That statement got to me as well. I’m going to jot it down. 👍🏻💕

@kriskros38 3 ай бұрын

morning columbus

@HardcoreRecovery Ай бұрын

"TRUE SOBRIETY" is key. I went to a meeting today and we talked about the mental haze, and how frustrating it can be. YOU ARE NOT ALONE, and it does get better.

@wendyh943 6 ай бұрын

So articulate and intelligent! I know your daughter must be so proud of her mom! What an inspirational story of hope.

@SeventhSamurai72 Жыл бұрын

Overcoming addiction is so incredibly challenging. I have lost friends and family to both alcoholism and addiction. Some of the greatest people I've known were those in recovery. One day at a time, often one moment at a time. Life can be so difficult, my best wishes to us all.

@karaburns9793 Жыл бұрын

Best wishes to us ALL!! xx

@Terri-zn9sr 5 ай бұрын

@@karaburns9793 Is this you, Kara? You have such a force in your testimony! You are so inspiring.

@karaburns9793 5 ай бұрын

@@Terri-zn9sr that’s me. I’ve been through some stuff for sure. Thankful to be on the other side and sharing solutions. Much love you and thank you for the kindness. Xx

@Ahardee Жыл бұрын

So happy for her! She can stay clean! Happily clean since 2009 myself ♥

@ilonagasiorska7112 8 ай бұрын

I have no words, I cried for the first time in 20 years. Most powerful journey, no, sorry, not only journey, but most powerful woman🌹You have beautiful soul ❤

@ltothejtothep1983 Жыл бұрын

Kara I don’t know you. But I love you and thank you for your story. Thank you for giving the world your best. You deserve that megawatt smile because it accurately shows your beauty inside and out. Keep being obsessed with empowering women. I don’t know how else to say it other then I really relate to a lot of your pain. Our stories at 16 are almost parallel. I’m doing ok. Everyday I’m working harder and harder. If I ever have a misstep I’ll watch your video ❤

@nikkinoo8721 9 ай бұрын

I loved listening to her. It felt like I was talking to a friend ❤

@NijamAzwad-fy4jr 6 ай бұрын

Life breaks everyone. You were strong in the broken places, that is what got a brave girl like you to plough through the dark days. Have a similar story , recovered by finding my higher self and connecting to the divine..went through 40 years of hell. You are a beautiful soul of god ,and it will be all ok.

@rosearellanes5648 11 ай бұрын

May Jesus continue to walk beside u and hold your hand through your recovery. So proud of u for sharing your story and giving hope to others

@carolynloughran5450 Жыл бұрын

Wow. Helluva story. I’ve been there too. It’s amazing to be alive and sober. You should do a Ted Talk. You’re so well spoken and have so many important things to share. Congrats!! You are amazing.

@annie45689 Жыл бұрын

You are beautiful and so is your story. Well done girl, you are well spoken. Keep going!

@lori-anwentling6027 5 ай бұрын

I cried thru this whole video. So much I can relate to. Thank you for being transparent and being that example that it could be done no matter how far you’ve fallen. ❤

@longbranch11207 Жыл бұрын

What a gorgeous woman, wishing you all the best

@alexpiper1115 Жыл бұрын

i havent even been addicted to drugs but connected with a lot of her journey and that part about trying to prove you have value through others.

@rulu5587 5 ай бұрын

The most relatable, beautiful and inspiring story I have seen. Thank you for sharing.❤

@MBT2024 7 ай бұрын

What a story! Thank you for sharing it! Beautiful!! And the dentist did a gorgeous job on your smile!! God Bless You!!!❤

@matthewcrome5835 Жыл бұрын

So proud of this woman for overcoming her addiction! I've struggled with an eating disorder and I know it can be hard to break something that feels so core to your being. Obviously I've never been through the sort of shit she has, so I'm not claiming that, but it's still so empowering to see someone who has overcome something so tough. So glad to see a story of optimism on this channel among all of the fentanyl death stories (which are of course important too, but it's good to see something uplifting).

@karaburns9793 Жыл бұрын

We recover! Best to you

@juliamallik9316 11 ай бұрын

A lot of people with substance abuse disorders have had or currently have eating disorders. Imo the addiction works in the same ways. I jumped from eating disorders to drugs to alcohol to all of the above and I think it's from my lack of self esteem and needed numbing and control. I wish you the best in your healing ❤

@lynnbaker2336 6 ай бұрын

I'm sorry, but, I went through significantly more trauma than this, including having my innate potential suppressed to the point of lifelong emotional disability, becoming homeless due to the emotional damage caused by said damage. As a homeless person, I stood on street corners begging strangers for their spare change, dug in garbage dumpsters, stood on public heating grates while fighting winters deadly bid, and yet, never turned to drugs or alcohol. Why? Because, I knew that in the long run, it would only make things worse.

@tianalee4126 Ай бұрын

@@lynnbaker2336this is such an ignorant comment. also why are you comparing trauma? your brain defines trauma and how deeply something affects you. it’s remarkable you never turned to drugs but not everyone has the choice to not make that choice. i started using because i was suicidal and i was going to kill myself if i couldn’t numb my thoughts. if i had to wait around to go to therapy or something i would’ve ended my life. it’s great you never started using but that’s why addiction is a disease that not everyone has. you never had the calling or the craving of substances you’ve never used bc it’s already in your genes waiting for you to introduce it to your body and brain. i’m sorry but this comment came off as super ignorant and dismissive of addiction and why ppl start using or what causes them to use.

@MissNevada08 8 ай бұрын

Ahhhh... I love this lady. She's done SO much growth in this Incarnation.

@karaburns9793 6 ай бұрын

😍

@audraarndt1824 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing. You are helping others.

@user-cg5jy6fi5x Ай бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing your story.

@Messpinoza80 6 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing your inspiring story and journey. Wishing you nothing but happiness 😊

@temprary580 Жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you for sharing. Very relatable

@CancerRising432 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your story openly.

@bigjacklittle1320 5 ай бұрын

Thank you! I can relate to you on so many levels. Very powerful.. again, one of the best stories I've seen on KZfaq

@ashantapovey4590 7 ай бұрын

I take my hat of to you for your pure honesty I hope you find peace within the Lord God bless

@mpirtle616 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your story. Keep up the wonderful life you and your daughter deserve!

@zenawarrior7442 Жыл бұрын

I lived in Denver, know 6th Ave. Dealers can be dangerous. So glad you stopped drugs & alcohol✨️👏. Thanks for sharing, keep moving forward💜

@sandife4nandes365 Жыл бұрын

Your message is so empowering! Thank you.

@amyrobinson9606 8 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing your story

@diaslamure6048 Жыл бұрын

You are so strong and beautiful!! You inspire me so much!! Thank you!!!

@BotakiHlalele 6 ай бұрын

I dont have words, but to say I respect you. Your daughter is ok, she will make it through this life as you both will be working on the future you deserve

@carielswick8892 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your story. I know the struggle and I know that your story will connect with someone and it will help someone. Stay strong, never give up because you got this.

@karenslaven3772 Жыл бұрын

WOW Kara, thank you for sharing your story. It has really helped

@trishhodgson1559 Жыл бұрын

What a powerful testimony. Thank you so much for sharing ❤

@riskrunner42 6 ай бұрын

Thank you for your story… you are so strong. God bless you, and your daughter … just remember, the past is gone / over… tomorrow is not for sure … TODAY is what we focus on. Sending you nothing but respect and love! ❤

@shelleymalone2456 Жыл бұрын

Good story. I pray she stays strong and in alignment. She is inspiring.

@kcchiefsgirl7026 7 ай бұрын

My story is eerie similar to yours. Prayers for strength and continued sobriety.

@muariistv2805 26 күн бұрын

You have a beautiful heart and indeed a good mother. Thank you for sharing 🤗

@jly697 7 ай бұрын

Thank you for your story! I am so happy you are doing better! Always get back up right! 🤗🤗🤗

@Radmxray 8 ай бұрын

God bless you. You made me cry. I was watching this because I struggle trying to quit cigarettes. I had no idea your story would pull at my heart so much. You are helping alot of people by being out there with your story.

@johnjankowski6814 2 ай бұрын

Kara, you are a beautiful soul. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us!

@showboat4613 Жыл бұрын

Blessed this beautiful lady for her powerful story

@vincegiambattista6022 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Kara your story touched my heart and definitely gave my defective alcoholic mindset something to work towards. I'm a year sober this month from alcohol. keeping my ego in check is something I'm struggling with and your story spoke directly to that need I live with

@ginnielynnwomer8048 11 ай бұрын

You go Kara. Im in recovery and I want you to know you're story hits my heart. Thank you for sharing.

@ashsawyer07 Ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing 💖

@loriallen2772 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing❤❤❤

@euginiaburress4981 7 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing.

@jesse.magee.2023 10 ай бұрын

Your story is powerful!! Keep sharing your experiences, strength and hope with others. May God continue to guide you. ❤

@shawnapattison5389 26 күн бұрын

I’m new to AA and you explained some things I’ve heard in meetings and now they make sense. Much appreciated and good luck on your evolving journey Kara!

@JS-yf9xh Ай бұрын

I can not thank you enough for sharing your story. I relate SO MUCH with your journey. I feel so validated, less alone, and full of hope. Relapse is a part of many of the chapters in my story. I begin to do the work, begin to challenge the way I think, begin to heal, begin making friends in recovery, start building a new life only to then get off the path. I then of course begin again. It's so encouraging to hear these testimonies where people have had to fall a few times to really once and for all stand up. Hearing about your new beginning with your daughter is so touching. I am beyond thankful the universe guided me to your story tonight. ❤❤❤

@joel.974 7 ай бұрын

Amazing. Much love from Korea. May God continue to safeguard your mind, body, and soul.

@denisefarah6558 4 ай бұрын

Amazing story so glad your happy and you have done brilliant...very inspiring lady ❤️

@user-pl2wf2ls5r 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for your story! You are a wonderful example to me and many more I'm sure that if you never give up and choose the next right thing life can be better than we ever imagined! HERO!!!!!

@karlaplascencia7998 Жыл бұрын

You are such a beautiful human. Drug addiction is a lifelong battle and you are such a fighter. It is not easy. The fact that you’re doing so well shows how courageous you truly are. Thank you for sharing. This is a great video!

@psmartypants1967 2 ай бұрын

You are a beautiful soul and a true inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story with such brutal honesty and complete vulnerability. You know you are healed heart and soul when you can do that. Much love to you, Kara. From Ontario, Canada.

@kellyandersen3856 4 ай бұрын

You are beautiful Your story touches my soul You are so strong

@aggiesart6 2 ай бұрын

What a beautiful daughter mom, bless you❤

@carltwidle9046 Жыл бұрын

My way is with the lord. I handed over my life. It's not my will anymore, it's the lords. The lord loves you. He knows your pain.

@TimeToShine768 Жыл бұрын

💯💯🎯🎯

@carltwidle9046 8 ай бұрын

@@Stacyaj10 I had an issue with alcohol for many years. I had been traumatized years ago and i started drinking. I hit a rock bottom and i cried out to God for the first time in my life for help. That was seven years ago and i haven't touched any liquor since. Praise the lord. It works.

@marccas10 4 ай бұрын

What beautiful eyes. So full of life and sparkle. I'm so glad you survived to thrive.

@kimnaff1153 Жыл бұрын

It’s a SUPER BIG DEAL when we change our direction😊 Thanks for sharing your story I’ve been sober from the opioids for 8 years now and I’m 58. I had very similar feelings as you. The daily joys of being a great mom and grandma now is something I never thought possible. Good luck with everything and congratulations 👏 May god bless and keep you safe.

@nereidarestrepo6509 12 күн бұрын

Thank you for sharing your story Kara. You are sooooooo beautiful, I’m so glad you and your daughter had the chance to rewrite your future. I felt your story deeply!

@ginausseglio3580 7 ай бұрын

Your story is real and vulnerable. You’re a beautiful woman. Stay strong and thank you for the truth because I am struggling myself.

@heidismith976 Жыл бұрын

What an inspiration Kara, I am also in recovery and really felt your story. So happy that you are building your relationship with your daughter and experiencing the beautiful gifts that recovery gives. You give so much hope to others, keep being you ❤

@karaburns9793 Жыл бұрын

Appreciate you! xx

@merrisl6685 Жыл бұрын

Kara, you're a bright and beautiful woman, and so inspiring. I wish you all the best in life.

@lashanda8977 Жыл бұрын

Bless you Lady ❤️

@johnnyalvarado7590 Жыл бұрын

I'm so proud of you. You went through an awful experience with drugs and u said ur truth I've been in ur shoes and I've been clean for like 10 years ,. God bless you and your daughter b proud of ur self my friend

@tracywall5182 8 ай бұрын

So much respect and admiration for you . Keep going abd always have faith in yourself . Love & prayers for the future ❤🙏🏻 uk 🇬🇧

@faithwarren9212 Жыл бұрын

Kara, your message of love, growth, accountability, and ownership of working to be a good mother is beautiful. I hear you, and love that you have found your freedom. Thank you for sharing your story.

@georgia1191 4 ай бұрын

You are so strong lady! Inspiring Kara

@annaclaire9927 4 ай бұрын

Bless you Kara. You are amazing. ❤

@DJFANTASY7 7 ай бұрын

God Bless You❤

@georgia1191 4 ай бұрын

I’m so proud of you for making it out for yourself but I’m especially proud of you bc you worked so hard bc of the love you have for your daughter! I’m pretty sure all of us on the page look up to you and believe in you! You’re an amazing mother! Thanks for sharing your truth! I’m thankful you introduced the idea of being the creator in my life! Thanks again

@berlynify 11 ай бұрын

..what we got right here? A walking, talking definition of "don't give up before the miracle happens"..G:)d bless you & yours Kara, much ❤🙏🏽

@banana_hammock7158 Жыл бұрын

Good for her...amazing story

@Lisa-vj6pz 23 күн бұрын

Love you mama.... your strong. You got this ....in my prayers

@milena7043 Жыл бұрын

Such a beautiful woman, such a beautiful soul. May God bless you 🙏 ❤️.

@jomurphy771 11 ай бұрын

Great story. Spirituality is an amazing way to not care what others think of you. You are inspirational and yes...a good mum. I had a friend who is now an addict. She's really far gone Lost everything ..her kids, friends, family. I tried to help but to no avail. I gone one day she has an epiphany and sorts her life out. Thank you for sharing tour story and all the best for the future for you and your daughter ❤

@ronaldrizzuto5238 6 ай бұрын

Hey amazing esh, and an amazing woman with a pure soul. You have strenght and courage to pass on to suffering alcoholics/addicts. After 15 yrs of clean time i also relapsed into the crystal world and still there today. Don’t ask me why, i have no clue. I am grateful you are clean and i pray you and daughter will have a good life. Thank you for sharing, made my day. Ron R

@bernieryan1343 7 ай бұрын

Good tor you. I am hapoy fir you and your daughter. Hope my son gets better. ❤

@BossNeechie2023 Жыл бұрын

God bless this lady❤

@gladyssaez2733 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing stories like these are what keeps me clean after being on fentanyl 300mcg every72 hrs because of multiple surgeries I did on my own and it was extremely painful but I’ve been clean for about 4-5yrs and now my daughter is on soboxone after having a surgery as well I constantly talk to her and she’s finally on soboxone!!!!!!!

@CheriDawn 7 ай бұрын

I love your candid nature and your honesty. Kudos to you for not giving up. Never forget you have received a gift of mercy and grace from God for your sobriety. That’s precious. 🥰❣️

@JessicaRodriguez-zy5gz Жыл бұрын

I’m in recovery since 2015. My DOC is opiates. It also is very, VERY important that you find a facility that actually CARES! I live in Oklahoma, but went to rehab in Michigan. It was the best facility. Holistic, and we were unable to leave at all. It was a great experience, and I’m forever grateful for BDR in Manistee Michigan

@karaburns9793 Жыл бұрын

Love hearing you found a good facility - game changer for sure. xx

@angelfortruth12 6 ай бұрын

What is that facility

@benmeins8624 Жыл бұрын

Thanking you for sharing Kara's story :) It was very powerful to hear.

@karaburns9793 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the kind note. xx

@LuvLight13 5 ай бұрын

The story of my life. Exactly the same. Some differences. But mostly the same. My daughter saved my life. Much love❤❤❤❤

@courtneyfurlotte Жыл бұрын

I am just so very happy for you! Language helps! And you are a lovely looking woman! Sending you all the love

@shaner67 3 ай бұрын

All I can say is congratulations on finding the path to freedom.. You are gorgeous and so friggin strong!!! You have always been good enough for this world so please know the strength has always been inside of you. Glad you found the off button as many of us survived but way too many never did.. Many blessings and so damn much love to you.. Love yourself always.. Peace be with you forever 💪🙏

@noforyes2447 Жыл бұрын

Well done and edited video!

@kimbone4546 Жыл бұрын

Oh, my...crying! Kara and Ansley 🌈

@pauletteinboston6894 11 ай бұрын

I showed this video to my clients at the men's program I work at. It was so powerful... it spoke to me personally about my own journey. The guys loved it and I want to thank you Kara for sharing your story.

@karaburns9793 6 ай бұрын

grateful to know our stories matter!