Str8 On Addiction. Recovery & Resilience.

07/25/2026

My heart has been so heavy lately with all the lives being lost to fentanyl overdoses. My deepest condolences go out to every family, every friend, and every community that is grieving the loss of someone they loved. Addiction doesn't just affect one person—it leaves a ripple of heartbreak that touches so many lives.

Every day I thank my Creator for leading me out of the destructive lifestyle I lived for so long. Back then, I truly believed I was okay. I convinced myself nothing would happen to me, even after I overdosed countless times. Looking back now, it's heartbreaking to realize how close I came to becoming another life lost. My focus wasn't on whether I would survive—it was on where I was going to get my next fix because I feared being dope sick more than I feared dying.

Now, every time I hear that someone I knew, used with, or a family member has passed away, it hits differently. It reminds me that it very easily could have been me.

Today my life is different. I am not the same person I was before. Recovery has given me a second chance, and I don't take that for granted. I wake up with purpose, gratitude, and hope.

If you're struggling right now, please don't give up. There is hope—not just dope. Recovery is possible. I never thought I'd be able to say that, but today I'm living proof. If I can find my way out, so can you.

To everyone who has lost someone to addiction, I'm holding you in my heart. And to everyone still fighting this battle, keep fighting. Your story isn't over yet. ❤️🪶🦅

07/25/2026

❤

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07/25/2026

💛 Relapse Isn't the End 💛

Someone recently asked me, "Why relapse? Why turn back to the very thing that's destroying so many lives?"

The truth is... there isn't one simple answer.

People relapse because addiction is about more than drugs. It's often about grief, trauma, loneliness, pain, and trying to quiet a hurt that feels too heavy to carry.

Relapse isn't something I celebrate, and it's not something I ever want for myself or anyone else. But I also don't believe it's the end of a person's story.

I've learned that recovery isn't about being perfect. It's about being honest.

When I realized I was using co***ne to numb my grief, I had a choice. I could have hidden it because it wasn't fentanyl, or I could be honest and ask for help. I chose honesty. I chose detox. I chose recovery.

People sometimes ask, "Could relapse happen after 19 years?"

The answer is yes. It could happen after 19 years, one year, or one month. None of us are promised tomorrow. That's why I don't live in tomorrow—I live just for today.

As a Cree woman, my recovery is rooted in the Medicine Wheel. I respect the 12 Steps and the lives they've helped change, but the Medicine Wheel speaks to my spirit. It teaches me that healing is about bringing my mind, body, emotions, and spirit back into balance. When one part is out of balance, I know I need to pay attention before I lose myself.

I've said it before, and I'll keep saying it:

Fentanyl stole my spirit. The Medicine Wheel is helping me find it again.

So if you've relapsed, don't let shame convince you that you're beyond hope.

You're not starting from the beginning.

You're starting again—with more wisdom, more honesty, and another chance to walk your healing path.

One prayer.
One step.
One day at a time.

🧡 Ruby
Str8 On Addiction | Recovery & Resilience

07/23/2026

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07/23/2026

A photo of myself when I was nine.🦅

07/23/2026

If my recovering adult self could sit beside my younger self, this is what I would say...

Hey, little Ruby..

I'm so sorry for the pain you carry. I'm sorry you grew up believing you weren't enough, that you had to hide who you were just to fit in, and that the world made you question your worth.

None of what happened to you was ever a reflection of your value.

One day you'll search for ways to numb the hurt. You'll think the pain is too much to carry, and addiction will convince you it's the answer. But it isn't. It only buries the pain for a while before asking for even more in return.

I wish I could tell you that you'll never cry again, but I can't. Life will still bring heartbreak. You'll lose people you love, and grief will feel unbearable at times.

But I can promise you this...

You survive.

You get back up.

You find your way home.

You'll discover that healing isn't about pretending the past never happened. It's about learning that your scars don't define you—they remind you of how strong you really are.

You'll reconnect with your culture, your spirit, and the Creator. You'll begin to love the person you spent so many years trying to escape.

And one day, you'll use your story to help someone else believe they can survive too.

So hang on, little Ruby

You are loved.
You are worthy.
You are enough.

And one day... you'll finally believe those words yourself.

❤️🪶🪶

07/22/2026

🎥 Truth Tuesday

Truth Tuesday.

Here's today's truth...

I was discharged from detox today.

A week ago, I didn't think I belonged there because I hadn't relapsed on fentanyl. I told myself it was "just co***ne."

The truth is, I was using co***ne to numb my grief, and any drug I use to escape my pain is a problem.

Today, I leave detox with something more important than a discharge paper—I leave with honesty.

Recovery isn't about pretending you're okay. It's about admitting when you need help and having the courage to accept it.

I'm grateful to be back at my sober living home, where I can continue building healthy routines, stay accountable, and keep moving forward one day at a time.

If you're struggling, please don't wait until things get worse. Asking for help isn't giving up—it's choosing yourself.

I'm still clean from fentanyl, and today I'm also choosing to continue my recovery from co***ne.

This is Ruby from Str8 On Addiction.

Keep fighting. Keep healing. Recovery is possible—one day at a time.

07/22/2026

Home Sweet Home. 🏡❤️

It feels so good to be back at my sober living home.

When I was first accepted here, I'll admit I wasn't happy with all the rules—the curfew, no visitors in our suites, and all the structure. At the time, it felt like too much.

But after completing detox and getting a clear mind again, I see things differently.

The truth is, I need those rules. I need the structure. I need to be accountable. I need to get back into a healthy routine and, most importantly, get back to being me.

Recovery isn't just about putting down the drugs. It's about rebuilding your life one day at a time. That means finding sober friends, attending CA meetings, asking for help when I need it, and doing whatever it takes to protect my recovery.

I'm still clean from fentanyl (down) since November 25, 2025, and now I'm committed to staying clean from co***ne too.

This journey isn't always easy, but today I'm choosing recovery. I'm choosing honesty. I'm choosing accountability. And I'm choosing life.

One day at a time. ❤️🙏

07/22/2026

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