Home » Student Testimonials » Vista Bay Graduate, Andreanne U.

Completed the Program in 2006

Do you know what it’s like to be in hell, with no way out – because hell is your body and your mind?

That was my experience just a few years ago. I was a hopeless drug addict; hell-bent on sticking anything I could get into my arm. I had long ago forgotten how I got started on that path. For that matter I could barely remember what I was doing – literally and drug-wise, from day to day.

I was going to die. And I didn’t care. Friends and family reached out to help and I pushed them away. Fortunately, they kept pushing back. They wanted their old Adreanne back – and they weren’t going to take no (or my other, much more profane words for them) for an answer.

On March 23, 2006 my family drove me to Vista Bay. Imagine this: eight-and-a-half hours in the car with me kicking and screaming the whole way. I didn’t want help because I wanted to die. By that time, I was almost completely dead inside and out. When I arrived at Vista Bay my skin was grey. I had huge black circles around my eyes and red bumps from head to toe. Almost all of my hair had fallen out from drug use. On the inside I was angry. I hated everyone around me including my family, the Vista Bay staff and especially myself.

Now, as I write this five months later, I can truly tell you that I feel great.

Thanks to the wonderful staff at Vista Bay, they've helped me achieve the hardest goal I have ever set for myself. For the first time, I know what it feels like to enjoy life. I now know how to give and receive love from my family and friends. I can't remember the last time I have felt so good and enjoyed life so much. I'm not sure that I ever have. I now realize it's the little things in life that make it so wonderful and I no longer take these things for granted.

I'm now preparing to start my new life and be the mother, daughter, sister, and friend that everyone around me deserves. Thank you Vista Bay for giving me my life back.

- Adreanne U.