Peggie M., 51, has a long history of trauma, abuse, and addiction. At 7, Peggie’s father died in a car accident. Her mother remarried two years later and her step-father molested her from the
beginning. This abuse continued for many years. She started drinking alcohol at age 15.
“Everything about me was wrong and I was afraid that people would see that I was flawed. I used to be shy and have secrets… something wasn’t right with me.”
Peggie used to feel out of touch with the crowd. People were around, but wouldn’t help. “My first drink was eureka, my savior, everything was made right. Drinking was my elixir.” Soon, Peggie blacked out every time she drank. She also used cocaine, amphetamine, and heroin. The men in her life were physically and emotionally abusive. Peggie thinks she was “addicted to bad relationships.” 
After two inpatient treatment episodes, joining a women’s group, years of therapy, and getting a job, “Now, people see me as confident, take charge and lots of empathy. I am bossy enough to get things done. Lots more confident. People who now ask me for help wouldn’t talk to me at all.”
“I can’t believe that the old person …even existed. I was in little pieces before and now its whole. My life is boring and it’s wonderful.”