Bedford County woman breaks cycle of drug addiction by graduating treatment, becoming a recovery coach
“I can relate with them and understand that desperation”
Published:
Tags:
BEDFORD, Va. – Ashley Sweigart found herself back in a Bedford County courtroom Friday. It wasn’t to receive a sentence, but a certificate of completion for breaking the cycle of drug addiction.
“[I’m] grateful. I never would’ve thought that I would’ve been in this place,” said Sweigart.
She lost custody of her 11-year-old son in 2019 after a decade-long battle with opioids. That’s when Sweigart enrolled in Bedford County’s family treatment program, which is dedicated to reuniting parents and children as they work to overcome substance abuse.
Throughout her home, Ashley Sweigart has hung signs given to her by a close friend to help her get through hard moments during her addiction recovery. HEATHER ROUSSEAU, The Roanoke Times
Ashley Sweigart had just finished taking a few Roxicodone pain pills and had sat back to watch TV in her bedroom when she heard a car pull up outside her trailer.
It was the day after Christmas 2018, and her son and stepdaughter were in the living room playing with their new toys. Ashley walked out through the back door and met an unmarked silver car outside. Two women stepped out and Ashleyâs heart dropped when she saw the badges swinging from their necks: Bedford County Department of Social Services.