Phoenix couple shares their story of drug addiction to help others

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Margaret Fitzgerald and Danny Holder struggled with methamphetamine and other drugs for years after losing custody of their son nearly five years ago.

“I was just going through a severe depression and the drugs are helping me get through the day, by and large,” Fitzgerald said.

The couple said they ended up on the streets and eventually lost custody of their newborn daughter.

“After a few years, it just got to the point where I didn't care if we had a place. It was just about staying high, getting through the day, OK, we'll make it to the next day. Just staying high,” Fitzgerald said.

It wasn't until the couple came across Community Bridges Inc., an addiction and rehabilitation center in Arizona.

“When we got here, a huge weight was lifted off our shoulders,” Fitzgerald said.

Since 1982, CBI has helped thousands of people overcome addiction.

They recently opened their Rio Fresco location near Interstate 10 and 24th Street in Phoenix, which provides temporary housing for people struggling with addiction and homelessness.

“We serve them three meals a day. We help them connect with a case manager. We set some goals in motion. We let them choose their goals,” says Anne Marie, senior director of public relations at the CBI.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, nearly 4.5 million Arizona residents suffer from substance abuse.

That's why Fitzgerald and Holder want to share their story in honor of National Recovery Month.

They want to let people know that resources and help are available.

“There is help. We are living proof that there is help,” Fitzgerald said.

The couple said they have been sober for ten months now and will get their own apartment and regain custody of their daughter in October.

If you are someone you know who needs help, click/tap here for more information.

Have you discovered a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Click here to report it.

Do you have a photo or video of a recent news story? Send it here with a short description.

All rights reserved.