Through sharing her story, Iris has become a light for other people affected by SUD.
Iris has been achieving so many things in her recovery from substance use disorder (SUD), and a strong support system has helped her do that. She’s particularly proud of her educational successes. “I went to the community college, and I did well. Transferred at a four-year private institution here in Louisville. Did so well I graduated with honors from the School of Social Work. And then it just kept going.”
Iris stays busy. She has found her people here in Louisville, and today she celebrates 23 years in recovery. “You know, I still cry at stoplights sometimes. Just the gratefulness of knowing that I have my own vehicle with my name on it, my car insurance. Sometimes I’m taken aback when I put my key in the locks of my apartment. When I turn on the water to cook dinner or take a shower or just wash my face, it’s in the gratitude of remembering when I didn’t have those.”