Eight Years of Hell: How One Woman Overcame Addiction

Nicole Koon's life was irrevocably altered by addiction, a struggle that began when she was 29, just as her son entered remission from a rare blood disorder. What started as a single drink to celebrate evolved into an eight-year battle with alcoholism, during which she consumed up to three bottles of vodka daily.

Her addiction stemmed from unresolved childhood trauma, including five years of molestation starting at age seven. To numb the pain, Nicole turned to alcohol and pills, even resorting to stealing from her young son to fund her habit.

During her darkest periods, Nicole neglected her health, going months without showering or brushing her teeth. She also engaged in self-harm, burning herself with a lighter in 2017, which required skin grafts.

The mother's struggles were compounded by her son Landin's battle with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH), a rare blood disorder. This led to extensive hospital visits and unfounded accusations from Child Services.

Nicole's addiction resulted in three DUI arrests (in 2015, 2017, and 2020) and the loss of nearly 10 jobs. Her marriage also ended due to her substance abuse.

She overdosed three times and underwent two 90-day rehab stints, first in 2018 and again in 2021. During her second rehab stay, she temporarily lost custody of her son.

Now sober for five years, Nicole has regained shared custody of her son. She has become a source of inspiration, sharing her recovery journey to help others understand that healing and hope are possible.