“New Orleans has taught me so much about resilience. This city knows how to rise up, to rebuild, to find beauty in the hardest moments.”
It’s hard not to be drawn to Linda C. Her stylish clothes and warm smile may catch your attention, but it’s her vibrant energy and genuine compassion that truly leave a lasting impression.
A proud New Orleans native, Linda knows her city like no other. Whether she’s recommending a favorite local restaurant, sharing a great hidden music venue, or celebrating the city’s culture, her zest for life is infectious. But behind her radiant presence lies a recovery story of resilience, redemption, and an unwavering commitment to helping others find their way out of the darkness of addiction.
A Painful Path
Linda’s journey to recovery from addiction began in pain—both physical and emotional. Years ago, a series of debilitating back issues, led her to a diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease, which required multiple surgeries. The procedures, while necessary, marked the beginning of her struggles with addiction. Painkillers, prescribed initially to manage her chronic pain, became her way of coping with a life that felt overwhelming.
“It was about 15 years ago—actually, probably more than that,” Linda recalls. “I went to the doctor’s office, and he said I needed emergency surgery. That was my first surgery ever. But it never got better.”
Within months, she faced another operation, which left her in even worse shape. “They went through my stomach, and it caused me severe issues—stomach-wise, health-wise. I really didn’t recover well from the surgery,” she explains.
A Mother Struggling to Cope
As a single mother raising two young children, Linda felt isolated and overwhelmed. “I was raising a 5- and a 3-year-old, basically alone. It became acceptable to take opiates because everyone in my family was doing it,” she admits.
Over time, her dependence grew, though she tried to control it. “I stayed on the same dose for six years. But those pills just became something I was numbing with.”
Linda’s Recovery Story featured on WGNO New Orleans
Linda was honored as a Remarkable Woman by WGNO New Orleans for her inspiring journey from battling addiction to becoming a mentor and advocate for others in recovery.
WGNO shared how Linda mentors women in New Orleans who are also in recovery, inspiring them to find their own paths to healing, embodying hope and the transformative power of second chances. Her story highlights the impact of mentorship and the importance of giving back to the community.
The Road to Addiction Recovery: Taking the First Steps
Linda’s path to seek help for her drug addiction wasn’t straightforward.
“I first went to an old-school rehab program where, basically, they didn’t really understand opiate addiction very well at the time. I went for 45 days,” she says.
Unfortunately, her first experience in a drug rehab program resulted in her being prescribed a fentanyl patch to manage her chronic pain.
Reflecting on that decision, Linda shares, “I was not aware of how strong [fentanyl] was or what [the fentanyl patches] were actually doing to me. I didn’t realize that they had just taken me from three Tylenol a day to basically morphine.”
Despite setbacks, Linda’s resilience grew stronger. She began to understand her patterns and sought deeper healing.
“Nine months after I got home, I decided I wanted off that fentanyl patch. I threw them all away and did not realize the withdrawals that come with that. So, I then asked to go to rehab,” she says.
Transformation Through Treatment
Her second time in a rehab program proved transformative. Surrounded by others who had similar experiences and struggles, Linda found a community, and the understanding she desperately needed.
“In that program, I realized there were other people that struggled with chronic pain. It wasn’t just me,” she explains.
Connecting with people who faced similar challenges gave Linda a sense of belonging she hadn’t felt before. It was in those shared stories that she began to find hope.
Therapy also became a cornerstone of her recovery. “My therapist was a 65-year-old man, and he spoke some of the wisest words to me that I will always remember,” she says. Those sessions allowed her to confront the pain she had been numbing for years and start addressing the underlying causes of her addiction.
During her treatment program, Linda also learned the importance of setting boundaries and asking for help—both skills that had been difficult for her as a mother and caretaker.
“I had to make lifestyle changes as far as asking for help, which was very hard for me,” she recalls. These adjustments, though challenging, were essential in helping her rebuild her life with healthier habits.
Linda also connected with others in her program and recovery support groups on a deeper level, describing how shared struggles created a space of mutual understanding. “They had low self-esteem, too. They also felt trapped in their lives and what they were doing,” she says, acknowledging how much she identified with those emotions.
This sense of connection not only supported her recovery but also fueled her desire to help others find their own path to healing.
Rebuilding Family Bonds
The most challenging part of her journey was rebuilding her relationship with her daughters. “The first two years of sobriety, I did not see my daughters,” she says.
Though painful, Linda remained steadfast, knowing she was working toward a better future. Over time, she rebuilt her relationships with her daughters through family therapy, patience, and an unwavering commitment. Today, Linda’s daughters are her biggest supporters, celebrating her milestones and embracing her newfound perspective and strength.
“They’ve come every year I’ve gotten my chip,” Linda says proudly. “My daughters understand AA. They understand the reality of New Orleans and how we drink. They understand that it’s not always normal.”
Recovery has had a profound impact on her family, particularly during challenging moments. Linda has been able to apply the skills and lessons from her own recovery journey to guide her daughters, fostering a deeper understanding of support. The wisdom earned through her experience helps her empower them to navigate their own challenges with confidence.
Supporting Veterans in Recovery
Today, Linda celebrates over a decade of sobriety and lives her life with gratitude and purpose. Since joining Longbranch Recovery in 2019, she has guided countless individuals and families toward healing.
As Longbranch Recovery’s National Director of Military and Veteran Outreach, she works closely with Veterans Affairs (VA) and military personnel to help active-duty soldiers and veterans struggling with addiction get the help they need through specialized treatment programs.
This role holds a deeply personal significance for Linda. Growing up in a military family, she witnessed firsthand the sacrifices made by service members and their families. Her father’s service instilled in her a profound respect for the military community and a desire to give back in a meaningful way.
“Veterans have given so much to us. To be able to give something back, to help them find healing and hope—it’s an honor.”
Sharing a Message of Hope and Resilience
Her work extends far beyond her job title. Linda is deeply involved in the Greater New Orleans community, raising awareness about addiction and connecting families with resources. Through her efforts, she not only spreads hope but also reminds others of the power of resilience and community.
When asked what inspires her, Linda can’t help but smile as she points to her hometown.
“New Orleans has taught me so much about resilience. This city knows how to rise up, to rebuild, to find beauty in the hardest moments,” she says. “That’s what recovery is about—finding joy again, no matter what you’ve been through.”
Her message to those struggling with addiction is simple yet profound: “You don’t have to do this alone. Recovery is possible, and there are people ready to help you. Take that first step—it can change your life.”
Whether touring friends around her city, guiding someone on their own path to recovery, or advocating for military veterans, Linda leaves an indelible mark on everyone she meets. Her story shows the power of perseverance and the belief that no matter how far you might fall, there’s always a way back up.
More Addiction Recovery Stories
Like many veterans, Wiley struggled with the invisible wounds of war, turning to substances to cope. But at Longbranch, he discovered a supportive community of peers, tailored therapy, and a path to recovery.
Watch Jenny’s inspiring story of overcoming a 14-year struggle with alcohol and opioid addiction. Jenny found hope, and life-changing support, at Longbranch Recovery in Louisiana.
