By Brittany Weldon | Associate Counselor, Recovery Works Georgetown
Hi, my name is Brittney Weldon, and I want to share my story with you. It’s not just a story of struggle but also one of hope and transformation. For me, addiction once defined my existence, but through recovery, I found purpose, connection with others, and a life filled with meaning.
How It All Began
I grew up in an environment marked by trauma. From a young age, I endured events that were too overwhelming for any child to process, leaving me feeling defective, ashamed, and powerless. I didn’t know how to cope with the weight of those emotions.
By the age of nine, I turned to drugs and alcohol to escape and numb the pain. At 13, my family moved to rural Appalachia, an area marked by poverty and social injustice. My exposure to drugs deepened, and I grew more defiant. By 16, I had dropped out of high school.
I eventually earned my GED and started community college, but I continued experimenting with harder drugs. At 19, I got pregnant and desperately wanted to be a good mother, but addiction controlled me. Within a month, I lost custody of my daughter, dropped out of school, lost my job, and faced a string of arrests. My life became a cycle of incarceration with no clear way out.
The Turning Point
In August 2015, I was charged with a felony, which became my wake-up call. Facing a choice between jail and long-term treatment, I chose treatment and finally began to confront my addiction.
That decision marked the start of my recovery. In my second year of sobriety, I found out I was pregnant again. I was terrified that history would repeat itself, but this time was different – I had a solid foundation, recovery tools, and a support system.
Today, I have sole custody of my youngest daughter, a happy, free-spirited six-year-old, and a repaired bond with my oldest daughter. They inspire me to be my best every day.
Finding Purpose Through Education
A big part of my recovery was rediscovering my purpose, and education became my lifeline. I went back to college, earned an associate degree from KCTCS, and continued on to the University of Kentucky. I graduated with a Master’s in social work while working full-time, taking a full course load, and being a single parent. Recovery gave me the ability to take control of my life and achieve what once felt impossible.
A Career Built on Compassion
I’ve worked in addiction recovery for over six years, starting as a Residential Aide and advancing to my current role as a Counselor. This journey has been deeply personal. Seeing the counselors at Recovery Works Georgetown inspire and guide others motivated me to pursue social work. I wanted to be part of the solution that saved my life and help others regain control and rediscover their potential.
Why I Advocate for Recovery
My grandfather’s wisdom means everything to me. He always rooted for the underdog, and I strive to do the same. I never give up on anyone, no matter how lost they feel. I’m living proof that change is possible—even in the darkest times, there’s hope.
Working in mental health and addiction treatment combines my passion for helping others with my own lived experience. There’s no greater honor than being part of someone’s recovery journey. The hardest roads often lead to the most beautiful destinations, and I’m living proof.
A Message for Anyone Struggling
If my story resonates, know that recovery is possible. Whether you’re starting to consider change or already on the path, remember you’re not alone. There’s a community of people, just like me, that wants to see you succeed.
If you’re ready, I encourage you to seek support through a group, therapy, or treatment program. Together, we can build a brighter, healthier future.
Recovery is Possible. Hope is Real. You are Worth It.
About The Author
