September 11, 2017
Our 53rd spotlight in the FACES OF HOPE: WE DO RECOVER series will focus on Leisa Salyers story, Broken to Blessed.
My name is Leisa Salyer. I’m a wife, mother, and Nana. I’ve worked as a pharmacy tech for the past 10 years. I’ve been blessed with a good husband and two wonderful children, Laken and Skyler, a wonderful family, and church family. I have never taken the first drink or used drugs ever in my life, but I have been greatly affected by this terrible disease first hand.
I’ll start by saying in January 2010 my husband lost his job after working 28 years. He always worked hard and provided anything we ever needed or wanted. After a few months he became very depressed. It soon took a hold of him and forever changed his life. He sought help from a physician.
Unfortunately, he got hooked on some nerve and pain medication that soon was not strong enough to cover up his feelings of failure and financial trouble. He needed something stronger. He got arrested for the first time in his life January of 2015 and spent 11 days on a cold jail floor. He knew he had hit rock bottom and wasn’t sure how family would respond to him. We offered to get him the help he so desperately needed if he was willing, and he was. He spent 180 days at Belle Grove Springs (ARC) near Morehead, KY. This would be his home for the next six months. After two weeks of being there, he turned his life back over to the Lord. He was raised in church and knew better, but the addiction had taken a hold of his life. Family and friends would visit, send letters, and check in on him as often as allowed. Meanwhile back at home I continued to hold down a full time job, lost and moved from our home, our son broke his back, daughter got married, and numerous problems came about, but with the Lord’s help we made it. We are so blessed today. Then, in July of 2017 my precious parents were in a head on collision and almost died. Again due to someone under the influence of drugs. So I can honestly say my family has truly felt the pain of addiction. It is a heart wrenching disease and it destroys homes and families.
Why did you choose your path?
So that my family can maybe, in some way, help someone else in addiction. Whatever it is, there is hope
How does addiction still affect you today?
I’m reminded daily in my profession that people do seek help and maybe they just need someone that cares. Some people are so quick to judge. Whatever your addiction is, there is always hope.
What would you like to say to those fighting addiction?
Don’t lose hope. Seek help, and most of all, seek the Lord. He is the true answer and can help with anything you need. He is a healer, counselor, and friend.
Advice to those who have loved ones struggling?
Be there and support them, fight for them, get them the help they need. Stay focused and encourage along the way. My family is proof that God is so good.
Closing thoughts
You’re never too far that God can’t bring you back to where you need to be. I didn’t tell our story for anyone to feel sorry for us. But maybe we can in some way help someone else. We are forever thankful for ARC and all the people we have met along the way. But most of all we are Thankful for our Lord and Savior.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please call Addiction Recovery Care at 606.638.0938 or visit them on the web at www.arccenters.com.
There is hope. There is help.