Reflections from an HIV Advocate's Journey: Theresa Nowlin

By: Theresa Nowlin, Board Member, ADAP Advocacy Association, and HIV advocate 

I have been living with HIV since 1986, and living my truth in recovery since 1995. Oddly, I didn't know anything about recovery nor did I think living life without self-medicating was even possible for me. In fact, I thought that it was my life, and that it was the way I would die.

At age 11, I started using heroin. I knew nothing about addiction or the fact that you can get addicted to heroin. I went through my first withdrawal at age 16. I didn't even know how it would feel to experience withdrawal because heroin had become such a 'normal' part of my life. My life would change...for the better.

In 1990, I got pregnant with my son, Mark. At the time, a child born had only a 60% chance of being HIV-negative and a 40% chance of being born HIV-positive. I got on methadone and that's when I learned recovery was possible for me. Though I got enrolled in the local clinic in 1990 it took me until 1995 to totally leave heroin alone. That's when my journey to recovery began, but not without many challenges. 

In 1993, I got pregnant with second son (my sunshine), Sean, but mother-to-child transmission positivity rates had only slightly improved - there was a 80% chance that he would be HIV-negative and an 20% chance that he will be HIV-positive. By the Grace of God, both of my boys are HIV-negative. And for that, I am very grateful.

Since the birth of my second son, I have become a strong proponent of anti-retroviral therapy because these medications have not only saved my life, but they helped me grow so much by building a life with my children. I'm not saying that my journey was easy, but it's a lot better than chasing drugs. I was on methadone until 2007, and that year is when I started taking Suboxone. For me, it was a game changer. I feel so much better about myself, because I don't have to go to the clinic every day and see everyone passing drugs and talking about we're going to cop. For me, it feeds into my addiction.

I participated in Narcotics Anonymous therapy group counseling and the Boston Living Center's group programs, which is where I learned about addiction and how to use recovery tools to help me. I don't think I could have ever stopped using drugs if it wasn't for medication assistance treatment. It changed my life...for the better! 

Since 1995, I have accomplished so much in my life. I have witnessed so many sunsets with clear eyes. Because of recovery, I raised my boys. Because of recovery, I have become a HIV peer advocate and activist. Because of my recovery, I have learned to use my voice to fight stigma and discrimination for both HIV and substance-use disorder. I'm now dedicating much of my advocacy toward Ending the Epidemic, such as participating in the Getting to Zero HIV Infection Academy (that's me on the left in the photo).

Today, advocacy is a central part of my life. I serve on my local hospital consumer advisory board. I belong to the Positive Women's Network (PWN), which is a national women's HIV advocacy organization. I serve on the board of directors for the ADAP Advocacy Association. I fight for more public health funding, locally and federally. I educate anyone who will listen that HIV isn't over and why it's important to know your status, get tested regularly, and get on PrEP, if possible.

I am proud to be sober in my recovery. I am adherent to my medication therapy and regular doctors visits. I am a voice for marginalized communities most-impacted by addiction and HIV/AIDS. And most important, I am the mother of two beautiful boys who helped to change my life. 

Disclaimer: Guest blogs do not necessarily reflect the views of the ADAP Advocacy Association, but rather they provide a neutral platform whereby the author serves to promote open, honest discussion about public health-related issues and updates.