North Alabama woman shares battle with addiction in hopes of helping others

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)- Addiction affects the lives of many across the U.S. each year.

For Kim Lamar, drug use started at an early age.

“My addiction became my priority,” she said. “I started, you know, experimenting with drugs at 12…13,”

And with a DUI by 20, things were getting out of hand fast. It took finally going to jail, to realize she needed help.

“When I went to jail, it was like, you know, I came to an epitome of like, ‘I don’t want the rest of my life to be like this,” said Lamar.

She said this was the first time in her life she realized she wasn’t only hurting herself.

“When my mother was crying, you know, talking to me through that window visitation, I was like, you know, I’ve got to do something,” she said.

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After being released, she sought treatment to get help staying clean. Although, the journey wasn’t easy.

“When I got to the door, I was so scared I could not open the door,” said Lamar.

Now, she knows the amount of courage it takes for individuals who are walking through her door to take that first step. Lamar serves as the administrator of recovery resources at “Partnership for a Drug-Free Community.”

Now, Lamar is 25 years sober and she’s sharing her experiences in hopes of helping someone who is in her shoes.

“I think it’s so important to know the resources and the services that are available to you, whether you’ve used or drink today or you’ve been sober for 25 years like I have,” she said.

She said recovery is a life-long process, so helping individuals stay sober keeps her accountable as well.

“It’s not about how long have I been sober, it’s what am I doing today,” she said.

I f you or anyone is looking to receive help, call “988” to reach the crisis lifeline.

Partnership for a Drug-Free Community is located at 2608 Artie St SW UNIT 1, Huntsville, AL 35805. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and the nonprofit can be reached by phone at (256) 539-7339 .

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