Woman Celebrates 10 Years of Sobriety After Using with Her Mother as a Teen. ‘I Didn’t Realize I Had a Problem’ (Exclusive)

Darra Sargent Celebrates a Decade of Sobriety After Overcoming Addiction Alongside Her Mother

Darra Sargent, a woman from an impactful personal journey, is marking a significant milestone in her life as she reaches 10 years of sobriety. Sargent recently took to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to share a poignant video reflecting on her journey to recovery over the past decade. Her video montage encapsulated vibrant moments from her life, showcasing the transformation and growth she has experienced since deciding to embrace a sober lifestyle.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Sargent delved into the tumultuous circumstances that led her to battle addiction at a young age. Growing up, Sargent witnessed her parents fall victim to the opioid epidemic, which significantly altered the dynamics of their family life. She recalls her childhood being upended as her parents spiralled into addiction, leading to the loss of their home and the subsequent struggle to find stability amidst the chaos.

Tragedy struck Sargent’s family when her father passed away from MRSA when she was just a teenager, leaving her mother grappling with profound grief and mental health challenges. Sargent recounts how her mother turned to more potent substances following her husband’s death, leading to a blurred line between parent and peer-like behaviour within their household. The lack of parental guidance exposed Sargent to a world of substance abuse at a tender age, normalising unhealthy habits in her formative years.

Despite the rocky path paved by her mother’s struggles with addiction, Sargent found the strength to confront her own battle with substance abuse a decade ago. The turning point came when, after a night of partying and drug use with her mother, Sargent made the conscious choice to embark on a journey to sobriety. Reflecting on that pivotal moment, she attributes her decision to a sense of divine intervention that urged her to break free from the cycle of addiction and chart a new course for herself.

Acknowledging the challenges of maintaining sobriety at a young age, Sargent highlights the role of art, her supportive partner, and therapy in guiding her through the tumultuous waters of recovery. Embracing art as a form of self-expression and solace, Sargent found solace in creativity, which eventually blossomed into her distinctive signature style marked by vibrant colours and symbolism.

As Sargent celebrates a decade of sobriety, she reflects on her complex relationship with her late mother, who continued to battle addiction until her passing in 2016. Despite the strain in their bond, Sargent navigated the delicate balance of caring for her ailing mother while staying committed to her own path of recovery, imparting invaluable lessons of resilience and forgiveness along the way.

Looking back on her arduous journey towards sobriety, Sargent offers words of encouragement to her younger self and to others grappling with addiction. She emphasises the importance of self-love, acceptance, and growth, underscoring the power of personal transformation and resilience in overcoming past struggles.

Darra Sargent’s story serves as a powerful testament to the human spirit’s capacity for redemption and renewal. Through courage, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to healing, she exemplifies the transformative power of sobriety in reclaiming one’s life and forging a brighter, more colourful future.