TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — This week, those struggling with sobriety can learn more about recovering from drugs and alcohol in the Tampa Bay area.
Footprints Beachside Recovery in Treasure Island is having an open house where people can learn how to help a loved one with addiction or find help for themselves.
One employee who walked into the center as a client opened up about her struggles with addiction.
"I started off with drugs and alcohol in my teen years," Footprint Beachside Recovery's Director of Business Development Kelly Lajb said.
Lajb explained she lost loved ones at a young age and dealt with sports injuries where she was prescribed pain pills.
"The opiates had escalated to fentanyl," she said.
Lajb knew she needed help, but struggled to find it.
"I got to a point in my addiction where I was suicidal. I didn’t want to live, but I didn’t see a way out either."
She then found the strength to get help.
"It was humbling and scary, but it was the most courageous thing I’ve ever done because now I have my life back," Lajb said.
Now, she shares her story with others battling addiction.
She first started volunteering at Footprints Beachside Recovery and since she has been promoted to different positions as an employee.
She hopes on Thursday, Dec. 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. she will meet more people she can share her story with in hopes of helping them. She said the open house will provide people with the right resources to find help for how to deal with addiction.
It's important people are aware of addiction this time of the year because the holidays can have a big focus on alcohol, Lajb mentioned.
But her most important mission is for everyone who is struggling to know there is help and treatment.
"I have felt the pain, I have been in the darkness and felt the struggle. I have seen my way out and I encourage you to reach out for help."
The open house will be at 9641 Gulf Blvd., Suite B in Treasure Island. Everyone is welcome to attend. If you are struggling or you know someone who is, there will be information available at the event.