Evi Cardenas’ Journey to Recovery: Overcoming Addiction and Embracing Life
Life can be full of struggles that feel impossible to overcome.
For Evi Cardenas, the battle against addiction was one of those struggles.
Today, Evi shares her incredible journey with the Level Up IOP SUDC group, offering hope and inspiration to others.
Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-reflection, and the willingness to seek help.
Table of Contents
The Grip of Addiction
Evi’s journey began when she was just 13 years old. She found herself drawn to street gangs, drugs, and the fast life.
“I was addicted to the streets, the money, and the partying lifestyle,” she shared.
For years, she used this lifestyle to avoid facing painful truths.
Addiction took over, and the consequences began to pile up.
Evi Cardena's Wake-Up Call
After years of living on the edge, Evi’s world was shaken by two life-changing events: losing her father and going to prison.
“Losing my dad was my final wake-up call,” Evi explained.
When prison officials refused to grant her leave to attend his funeral, the pain and regret became unbearable.
She realized she didn’t want to lose anyone else due to her selfish choices.
Starting the Path to Recovery
Evi’s journey toward recovery wasn’t immediate or easy.
While in prison, she joined a residential treatment program but was removed twice because she wasn’t ready to change.
It wasn’t until she hit an emotional and mental breaking point that she decided to ask for help.
“I went to my therapist and said, ‘What do I need to do? I’ll do anything,’” she recalled.
Evi discovered two life-changing methods through therapy: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT).
EMDR helped her process past traumas, while MRT gave her a structured way to reflect on her life and make meaningful changes.
Writing down her experiences became a powerful tool for healing.
The Challenges of Healing
Despite her progress, Evi admits that some wounds remain unhealed.
She struggles with visiting her father’s grave and hasn’t been able to go through his belongings.
“Forgiving myself is the hardest part,” she said.
The guilt and shame from her past still linger, but she’s learning to approach love and relationships with selflessness and wholeheartedness.
Helping Others Heal
Today, Evi Cardenas works as a licensed case manager and trauma informed specialist at The Family Support Center at Life Start Village, a self sufficiency program that helps single parents rebuild their lives.
Her role allows her to support others who are on similar journeys.
“I see myself in a lot of our clients,” she said.
“I see the selfish behaviors and manipulation because that was me.”
Seeing clients grow and leave successfully brings Evi immense joy.
She celebrates their small victories and provides unwavering support, even when the emotional toll is heavy.
“It’s the small wins that matter,” she explained.
Helping others has also been an essential part of her recovery journey.
Love and Recovery
Evi’s journey isn’t just about overcoming addiction; it’s also about learning to love and be loved.
“When you love someone, there’s nothing you’re not willing to do to make it work,” she shared.
Relationships in her life has taught her the importance of fighting for what matters and letting go of selfishness.
The Importance of Asking for Help
Evi’s advice to anyone struggling with addiction or life’s challenges is simple yet profound: “Ask for help.
No one can do life alone.”
She encourages others to reach out and build a support system.
In recovery, she believes it truly takes a village to succeed.
A Message of Gratitude
Evi’s story is one of courage, growth, and transformation.
By sharing her experiences with the Level Up IOP SUDC group, she hopes to inspire others to take the first step toward healing.
Her honesty and resilience remind us that change is possible despite life’s toughest challenges.
Thank you, Evi, for your bravery and for being a fountain of hope to those still finding their way.
Your journey shows that with determination, support, and a willingness to heal, a brighter future is always within reach.
Conclusion
Evi’s story demonstrates the strength it takes to confront addiction, the importance of therapy and self-reflection, and the joy of helping others.
Her journey is a powerful reminder that even the darkest moments can lead to light.
With her work as a licensed case manager and trauma informed specialist at The Family Support Center and her commitment to recovery, Evi continues to make a difference in the lives of others while embracing her own path to healing.
