“A few of the people I ran with in addiction got clean first and started H.U.S.T.L.E. Recovery in Nashville to help others get treatment. Our group text changed from drugs to God and recovery. After going to rehab at Home of Grace in Mobile, living with my mom, and working at spas around Fairhope for 14 months, God told me it was time to move back to Nashville and work with H.U.S.T.L.E.. I have been adamant in my recovery about submitting to God’s will and trusting him with everything. I tried getting clean on my own and failed. This time, I surrendered to God and obeyed.

I moved to Nashville three weeks ago with a car and my own place to live. I am finding my purpose. Fifteen months ago, I couldn’t have dreamed this was possible.

My first job with H.U.S.T.L.E. is helping addicts into treatment, detox, or rehab. I pick them up from jail or meet them where they are. Drugs may be in charge, but the person is still inside. Not long ago, I was in their shoes and needed someone who wouldn’t give up on me. Now I am that for them.

God is bringing me full circle. District attorneys and judges in Tennessee have started working with recovery programs like H.U.S.T.L.E. for alternative sentencing. I am now a part of that team, and I get to see the positive changes in how they handle the addicted.

The best part is being a mom to my kids again. They are spending time with me and starting to trust that I am here for them. My 21-year-old daughter is moving in with me.

I put my mom through hell for a lot of years. The last four years she didn’t know where I was or if I was alive. She placed me at God’s feet, but never stopped praying for me. She is happy to have me back and made some cheesy Facebook posts that made my heart sing. Maybe now she can relax knowing I am okay.

Leaving addiction is hard, but it happens. Those of us who have gone through it must create the changes to help others. Logic isn’t getting us out of this mess because addiction doesn’t make sense to those who haven’t lived it. We need more prevention, treatment, and awareness – and less stigma and judgment. There are plenty of us in recovery showing change is possible.

The greatest commandment is love, and God uses broken lives to love others in their broken places. That’s how we heal.”

Leigh Anne (Part three, from our talk in April 2023)