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Mysti Lopez - Admissions Director Level Up IOP
Mysti Lopez is the Admisssions Director and Peer Support Specialist dedicated to serving her community through advocacy and group therapy.
Mysti specializes in trauma, addiction, and sexual abuse.
She models healthy boundaries, assertive communication, and leadership through cognitive behavioral therapy.
Mysti understands addiction, trauma, and sexual abuse through her own experience as a child of addicted parents, a survivor of sexual abuse, and the time she spent in foster care.
Mysti is a House of Hope graduate, a Drug Court graduate, and a compassionate mental health advocate.
Table of Contents
Mysti Lopez: A Journey of Resilience and Recovery
In the heart of Salt Lake City, a remarkable story of resilience and recovery unfolds.
Mysti Lopez, a woman who has faced unimaginable challenges, is now a beacon of hope for those struggling with addiction.
Her journey, marked by unwavering resilience, is not just a tale of survival; it’s an inspiring narrative encouraging others to seek help and embrace the possibility of change.
A Troubled Beginning
Mysti’s story begins in a home overshadowed by addiction.
With a mother deeply entrenched in drugs and a father-absent due to incarceration, her childhood was anything but ordinary.
Growing up in an environment where the police were seen as enemies and addiction was the norm, Mysti learned early on to navigate a world filled with chaos and fear.
“I thought it was weird because I was raised to just know like cops are bad, lie to cops, protect the family at all costs,” she recalls.
This “us versus them” mentality created a sense of belonging within her family.
Still, it also set the stage for a tumultuous life ahead.
The Descent into Addiction
At just 15 years old, after a series of traumatic events, including the loss of her father, Mysti hitchhiked back to Utah from California, seeking connection with her family.
However, the very family she longed to reunite with was still trapped in their own cycles of addiction.
It wasn’t long before she found herself using meth, marking the beginning of a long and painful struggle with substance abuse.
By the age of 19, Mysti was a mother of two, but her addiction had spiraled out of control.
After a series of legal troubles, including a felony charge for possession, she was court-ordered to enter treatment.
“I didn’t want to lose my son,” she admits, reflecting on the moment that led her to seek help.
Finding Hope in Treatment
Mysti’s first treatment experience was at Valley Mental Health, where she found solace among women who shared similar struggles.
“For the first time, I just kind of felt like, oh, they understand,” she shares.
Despite her initial success in sobriety, Mysti struggled with feelings of superiority over other addicts, which ultimately led to complacency in her recovery.
After a decade of sobriety from meth, life threw another curveball when her son was diagnosed with a rare medical condition.
The stress and trauma of this new reality pushed her back into the arms of alcohol, leading to a devastating relapse.
The Turning Point
It wasn’t until Mysti hit rock bottom, homeless and addicted to heroin that she realized she needed to make a change.
“I was either going to go to prison or die, whichever came first,” she recalls.
Thankfully, a series of events led to her arrest, where she detoxed in jail and was given a second chance through drug court.
Upon entering the House of Hope, Mysti faced her past traumas head-on.
With the help of a dedicated therapist, she began to unravel the pain that had been buried for so long.
“I realized I was going to keep going back to the same thing if I didn’t change,” she reflects.
A New Life
After completing her treatment, Mysti reconnected with her partner, Manny, who was also in recovery.
Together, they embraced a new life, focusing on healing and growth.
Manny, a strong pillar of support in her journey, is also pursuing a career in therapy.
‘We’re both in school to become therapists,’ she shares proudly.
Their journey is a testament to the power of love, support, and shared experiences in recovery.
Today, Mysti is a loving mother and an advocate for others struggling with addiction.
She underscores the vital role of community and connection in recovery, stating, “I lacked connection last time, and that’s why I failed.”
Her words resonate with the shared experiences of many, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding.
Join the Level Up IOP Addiction Program
Mysti’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery is not just a distant dream but a tangible reality, no matter how dark the path may seem.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, consider reaching out to the Level Up IOP Addiction Program.
This program offers a supportive environment where individuals can find healing, connection, and the tools needed to reclaim their lives.
Conclusion
Mysti Lopez’s journey from addiction to recovery is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Her story is not just about overcoming obstacles; it’s about embracing the possibility of a brighter future.
No Shame but with compassion, support, and the right resources, anyone can embark on their own journey of recovery.
Join Mysti and countless others in the fight against addiction—because every story deserves a chance at a happy ending.
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