Twenty-one women graduate from Recovery Point in Charleston

On Saturday, 21 women graduated from Recovery Point in Charleston. The women were at different phases in their recovery, but celebrated completing the program together.

As the graduates went on stage, they shared their stories and talked about what Recovery Point has given them. Each woman said they did not expect to be standing on that stage.

Dustina Spears, a recovering heroin addict, spent one year at Recovery Point. She began using when she was 20 years old. "Before I knew it, it was over. I couldn't stop," Spears said.

The domino affect then took her to new lows. She lost her jobs and two kids. Dustina became a prostitute in Huntington and had two other children. They were both born addicted to drugs.

"People need to know, this is real. I'm a human being, I'm funny, I'm outgoing, I'm ambitious, but I'm also a drug addict, I've lied, I've cheated, I've stole," Spears said.

The real turning point in her life was when her older sister died of an infection from shooting up heroin. "When I came to rehab this time, I couldn't help her because I couldn't even help myself," she said.

Dustina found herself at Recovery Point for a second time. She graduated on Saturday alongside 20 other women. She said, although it hurts, she keeps her past in mind. "I have to feel that hurt and know that it's sickening the things that I've done and I've hurt people and stuff because if I don't remember it then I'm gonna go get high again and I possibly could die next," Spears said.

She now works at Recovery Point and urges anyone struggling with addiction to ask for help. "You never know who's life you're going to save by saving your own life," Spears said.

Recovery Point has different programs where clients reside at the facility for six to 12 months. They have several locations, including one in Charleston and one in Huntington.

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with addiction, you can call Recovery Point at 304-523-4673.