Emilia’s Story: Fentanyl Before 21 — Part 4

Emilia’s Story: Fentanyl Before 21 — Part 4

What can we learn from those who have battled addiction? Emilia’s candid story of fentanyl use before 21 offers a raw look at how quickly life can spiral, and how structured support can help someone claw their way back.

Told through an honest conversation, this episode follows Emilia from the moment a concerned co-worker alerted her parents, to the stark ultimatum she was given: “You can go live on the street… or you can go to treatment.” She talks about the heavy stigma around rehab, the shame of “not having enough willpower”, and how she came to see treatment as a lifeline rather than a punishment.

Listeners hear what a 35-day inpatient stay actually feels like, from medication-assisted detox to SMART Recovery groups that focus on how the brain and body adapt to drugs. Emilia explains how learning that “it’s not willpower… there is a chemical imbalance in the brain” shifted her self-blame into understanding.

She also shares what it was like being one of the youngest in treatment, surrounded by others who knew fentanyl all too well: “Fentanyl does not discriminate… it grasps anyone that it can get.” Long-term care, PHP, IOP, and a 12-step programme all play a part in her staying sober beyond the three‑month point where she had often relapsed.

Emilia gives practical reflections for people unsure if they “have a problem”, and for families walking the tightrope between support and enabling. She highlights the importance of medication such as Suboxone, mental health care, boundaries at home, and family support groups like Al‑Anon.

Now over two years sober and working at the same programme that once treated her, Emilia sums it up simply: “Treatment got me sober and the 12 steps keep me sober.” If you or someone you love is facing fentanyl, could her journey be the nudge towards asking for help?