Craig's Story

My name is Craig and I am an addict. First I would like to thank God and the rooms of Narcotic Anonymous for allowing me to express my experience, strength and hopes. My addiction started very early in my life. I began experimenting at the age of six years old. My parents would always have a house, card or waist line party, and everyone would be drinking, smoking and dancing, and when it was over, my parents would always leave a mess to clean up the next day, so I would drink what was left in the cups, cans and bottles almost every time they had their parties.

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Deborah’s Story

I arrived at Tuerk House in 1996, the year I lost everything. After the 28-day inpatient program, I went to live at Nilsson House for continued treatment. Through therapy and a supportive homelike environment, I was able to learn how to prepare myself for a life of comfortable recovery from addiction.

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James’s Story

I came to Tuerk house because I was tired of living the way I was living. I’d lost a home, a family, a car and most importantly, my children. Because of my drug use, I stayed away from my kids for three years. Though I was employed, my addiction kept me from performing well in jobs. I was tired, in despair, and scared of the violence around me.

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Kimbyl's Story

My name is Kimbyl and I am 41 years old. I began drinking and using drugs at the age of 13. I started out drinking and using Marijuana, then my drug use progressed to Cocaine and Heroine. For the longest time, I never thought that I had a problem with drugs and alcohol until I allowed my drinking and drug use to send me to prison.

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Mike's Story

I was recently asked if I would jot down a few notes to post on the Web page. How could I resist? After all that the Tuerk House has done for me, this is the least I can do.

It’s suggested that we give back in order to keep it. I am a newcomer so bear with me, OK?

Hello family, my name is Mike and I am an alcoholic and addict. It is suggested that we share our experience, strength, and hope. But if I were to go into what I’ve done, I would be writing a book. So, I’ll try to sum it up so that you can at least get a feeling of what it’s like to go from a pauper to a king and back again.

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Peter's Story

The path that has led me to Tuerk House’s Howard County Halfway House is about the same as anyone else’s who is lucky enough to make it to a halfway house. My name is Peter and I am 26 years old. I started the way it always seems to start for me with alcohol. I was about 12 and drank occasionally until I found a quicker means to escape and deal with life. From the first time I tried drugs, I was off to the races. I used anything that was accessible and living near Baltimore and D.C., a lot was in my reach.

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Sallie’s Story

In 2001, after 32 years of active IV drug addiction, homelessness, low self-esteem, and no desire to continue living, I was referred to the Tuerk House. With the help of my counselor and a women’s group, I began to feel better about myself. After completing the 28-day inpatient program, I took the suggestion to go to a recovery house, Nilsson House (also run by Tuerk House). I was at Nilsson for 18 months. During that time, I continued to work on my recovery. Through a mental health referral from my counselor, I was able to address the issues that impacted my recovery.

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