TEXT ON SCREEN: SHE OVERDOSED ON HEROIN FOUR TIMES.

HEATHER WETZEL: I was 100 percent powerless. I made the first choice and that was to use, to pick up the first time, and after that I didn’t have a choice. Like it consumed me. At first it was mental. You know, I wanted it, I wanted it and now I need it, and then, I just ran out of money quick. And it was like downward spiral

TEXT ON SCREEN: HEATHER WETZEL STARTED STEALING FROM PEOPLE SHE KNEW TO SUSTAIN HER ADDICTION.

HEATHER WETZEL: I would go in people’s houses. If there was something that was worth value and I could carry it, I’m taking it.

TEXT ON SCREEN: HEATHER WAS AT HOME WITH HER 3-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER, BOBBI-LEE, WHEN THE POLICE ARRIVED.

HEATHER WETZEL: I told her Mommy’s got to away but I pinkie promised her that I would do everything I possibly could to come home as soon as possible.

TEXT ON SCREEN: HEATHER SERVED 11 MONTHS IN JAIL, AND COMPLETED A SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PROGRAM THERE.

HEATHER WETZEL: Missing my daughter is the worst feeling. And I don’t know how I ever lost sight of being a mother. But when I was using, I definitely lost sight of it.

TEXT ON SCREEN: AFTER HER RELEASE, HEATHER AND BOBBI-LEE MOVED INTO CAMEO HOUSE, A TREATMENT FACILITY FOR RECOVERING MOTHERS AND THEIR CHILDREN.

HEATHER WETZEL: I want to be sober, and I feel confident that I won’t use, but then again I haven’t had craving. I’m scared to have a craving. Like if I have a craving will I be strong enough? I have a lot to make up for. I do. I’m just going to be the best mother, loving, attentive. I lost a lot of time. And I know I’ll never get back—my daughter was three when I went to jail.  She’s almost five now.  That hurts.

TEXT ON SCREEN: THREE YEARS AFTER WE FIRST SPOKE WITH HEATHER SHE IS IN HER THIRD SEMESTER OF COLLEGE WITH A 3.4 GPA. SHE PLANS ON BECOMING AN ADDICTION COUNSELOR AND HOPES HER STORY CAN BE AN INSPIRATION FOR OTHERS STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION.

(END)