Broken. That’s how BHS alumnus Brianna Stogran describes the point at which she was her lowest. 

 

“Spritually, physically, mentally and emotionally, I was truly broken,” said Stogran, who recently celebrated one year of being clean after a devastating and life-threatening journey with heroin.

 

“I would have never thought I would be an addict. I came from a loving, supportive family, made great grades and earned a scholarship to WVU,” she said. 

 

But the draw of drugs does not discriminate and what started out as curiosity ended up threatening her life.

 

Like many kids, Stogran started experimenting early, dabbling in drinking at the age of 13 and trying pills at 14. 

 

The dabbling progressed to regularly using prescription pain pills at the age of 15, propelling her into a battle that would take her through more than one cycle of rehabilitation, only to relapse afterward.

 

Instead of feeling sorry for herself, Stogran has chosen to share her story with others, putting a local face to the epidemic that has become so prevalent in our state. 

 

Now having been clean for a year, she recognizes the journey is just beginning, but has dedicated herself to educating others of not only the dangers of drugs, but also the dangers of wanting to fit in as a teen.

 

“I want kids to know it’s OK to be different,” she said.  “I have been so blessed in the recovery process to be surrounded by those who love me and accept me just as I am.  I want to use my experience to showcase just how dangerous drugs are and how easy it is to lose everything because of them.”

 

After a successful first semester at West Virginia University, Stogran was introduced to heroin by her boyfriend.  Within months, she had failed out of college.  Her parents, recognizing the problem, sent her to the suboxone clinic, which helped her to remain clean for about six months.  After a relapse, she found herself in the hospital, recuperating from surgery for abscesses at the injection sites. 

 

“I thought it was the wake up call I needed,” she said.  Unfortunately, she changed her method, but not her drug.

 

On May 21, 2014, Stogran was pulled over with underage dope runners from Pittsburgh. Officers found heroin in the car and she was the only one of legal age.  Clothed in shackles and an orange jumpsuit, she learned that her parents would not post bail, but would instead send her to Pavillion, a rehab center in North Carolina. 

 

“The place was truly wonderful.  They gave me my first real shot at recovery,” said Stogran.  “I even had the opportunity to go to horse therapy which is one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced.”

 

After another six months of being clean, Stogran’s grandmother got ill and she moved back to West Virginia. 

 

“The very day I moved back, I got high.  The cycle began again:  the lies, the avoidance and the addiction.

 

This time, her parents were able to check her into the Greenbriar Treatment Center in Washington, Pennsylvania.  This is the point at which she said she was totally broken, grasping for peace and desperate for a solution.  Through treatment, friends, and a very supportive employer, Stogran began what she says is the best life has ever been for her.

 

Her boss at Olive Oil’s Pizzeria recently honored her recovery efforts in an online post for the business. “I believe we are here to build each other up and create a good place for people to grow,” said Alan Coneybeer.  “I have been blessed with an extra dose of empathy and compassion and when Brianna walked in our door, I knew she was meant to be there.”

 

As he watched Stogran, along with another employee, struggle through their recovery efforts, he encouraged them both and showcased their strength.  “The transformation of Brianna from when she started to now has been remarkable,” he said.  “She is always smiling and laughing and bringing joy to the staff and the customers.”

 

Stogran credits her boyfriend and her friends with having a substantial impact on her recovery, many of whom are in recovery as well.  “Going through such a day-to-day struggle together allows us to lean on each other and makes us all stronger,” she said.

 

Last year, Stogran had the opportunity to go back to Bridgeport High School and talk to the students about the dangers of experimenting with drugs.  She told them not to stereotype drug addicts, that many of them are right here in our community.  She also took them through her journey of recovery and how education, faith, acceptance and vulnerability have helped her heal. 

 

With her story, she also hopes to raise awareness of the shortness of drug rehab beds in the state of West Virginia.  The waiting list is long as over 60,000 addicts are in need of care but only 750 beds available in facilities that treat drug addiction. 

 

“The conversation is difficult to start but it is also necessary.  There are drugs available in Harrison County, we hear about them in the news all the time.  I hope my story will give hope to those who struggle, to know they can find a better life and I hope I can encourage young people to be aware, educated and cautious when they think it will make them fit in.  I have been so blessed to reach one year of recovery and I am so excited to continue the journey to a healthy, productive life.”