Sharon*, age 34 a mother of two children, came to St. Monica's after her addiction to methamphetamine turned her life upside down. Sharon lost her job as a registered nurse, her life savings had vanished and she and her husband's 10-year marriage was shattered. Her days were filled with trying to figure out where she was going to get money for her next fix. She lied to her husband, children and family members about everything, including how their $45,000 life savings had vanished. Her weight was down to 95 pounds and the drug usage was wearing on her young body and mind.
A physician referred Sharon to St. Monica's Project Mother and Child. She and her children entered St. Monica's with just the clothing on their backs. Over a period of time and hard work, Sharon learned how to overcome her addiction. She also learned important life skills, which helped her as she entered back into the community. Sharon gained valuable experience on preparing meals, managing her finances, parenting skills and job training.
Today, Sharon is drug free, living with her husband and children while working as a specialty nurse in the medical community.
Sharon and her family are one of millions of people who battle an addiction and the effects of addiction. Women of all ages, racial and ethnic groups, education levels, and income levels are chemically dependent. Consider the following facts...
- About 104 million people age 12 and older drink - this constitutes 46.6% of the U.S. population. Of the 46.6%, 20.6% or 46 million people binge drink.
- Nearly 6% or 12.6 million people are heavy drinkers and 30% of the 12.6 million also use illicit drugs.
- Each year more than 100,000 people die from direct or indirect causes of alcohol consumption.
- 75% of children entering foster care have parents whose alcohol and/or drug abuse served as a factor in their placement.
- At least half of all people arrested for major crimes tested positive for drugs and/or alcohol at the time of their arrest.
- More than 75% of women who were victims of domestic violence said their abuser was drinking or using drugs at the time of their assault.
- The economic cost of substance abuse is estimated at over $414 billion per year - this includes increased health care costs, destruction of property, and losses at the workplace (absenteeism, employee turnover, loss of productivity).
St. Monica's relies on individual and corporate donations to provide for the women and children in need of services. Please consider making a donation today. Your contribution is tax deductible.
If you or your group would like to make a monetary donation please contact us at 402-441-3768.
*The name of the St. Monica's client has been changed in order to protect her privacy.