In her own words

Editor's note: Raquel has kept a journal documenting her challenges and triumphs during her recovery. The following is one of her writings:

Sometimes people make bad decisions, and whether or not they're sorry for it afterwards, there's still a consequence.

I chose drugs.

I didn't choose for my parents to divorce, or to be separated from my mom and sisters when I was 12. I didn't know how addictive and evil drugs could be, and that they would lead me to live the longest four years of my life.

I used so I wouldn't feel lonely without my sisters. Then I started using every time I was mad, bored, cold, alone, with friends, at school or at home. I came up with a hundred excuses, and when I got in trouble, I came up with a hundred more.

I was so busy getting high off of any drug I could get, that I believed that was what my life was meant to be like - and I forgot why it wasn't.

I lost my friends, my self-respect, my values, my trust, my individual personality, my home, money, clothes and time in school.

I almost lost my life in an overdose - even without the overdose, I was on my way to losing my life.

When I moved to Nevada, things changed. The law caught up with me, and I began to see and remember who I really was.

I wasn't a follower. I was a leader.

With the help and support of my family, counseling, probation officer and friends, I've changed my path.

I have goals, and I always look forward to doing something new.

I have to live knowing that it doesn't take long for drugs to take my life. I remind myself I love my life - and it's still getting better.