Today we’d like to introduce you to Unique Dixon.
Hi Unique, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born on the Westside of Atlanta, Georgia. My parents were absent and on drugs. My Nana left NY once she saw how strung out my mother was on drugs. She came to Atlanta to care for us, me, and my younger sister, Special. My grandmother worked, which left me on my own a lot of the time. I lost my virginity at 12 to someone I didn’t know because of my lack of guidance and low self-esteem. I started running away from home, leading to years running from me. At 14, my mother died. I was constantly in and out of institutions. I served a year in juvenile at 15 because I was a habitual violator. By 16, I was a drug addict, prostitute, stripper, and a high school dropout. I stayed in the lifestyle for 11 years, always knowing I was Unique. In 2010, I was introduced to 12-step recovery after a stranger/angel intervened in my suicide attempt. I didn’t feel I had a problem. Of course, I thought I was ‘Unique’ and didn’t belong. I was too young; I hadn’t done this or that. I was constantly disqualifying myself. I just wanted my material stuff back. I decided to get my GED, but I would surrender only to go back out for more pain.
In 2015, my father passed, and my Nana was sick. I remember saying, “I could probably handle this better if I were clean. In 2016, I finally exited the lifestyle, graduated from cosmetology school, and had a car and all the trinkets I’d never had. My life appeared to be ‘normal,’ but there was still a gnawing inside me. My higher power sent another angel. She just asked if I was okay, and I was honest about it because I wasn’t. I decided to go to an 11:30 pm meeting, and I decided to surrender. I haven’t found it necessary to use any mood or mind-altering substances since June 15, 2016. In less than 24 hours, a friend of mine overdosed and died. My argument for not being “in recovery” was I was too young, but what that did was show me I wasn’t too young to die. Losing my friend and ultimately acknowledging what addiction did to my family made me want to fight with everything I had in me.
Since this journey of recovery, my life has been transformed. Today, I am a granddaughter, a sister, a friend, a productive member of society, a public speaker, and a first-generation graduate from Georgia State. I am certified by the state of Georgia to support individuals in their recovery. My higher power allowed all my liabilities to become assets. The certifications that I have can only be obtained with lived experience. I get the opportunity to share my story and help change their narrative.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not! Managing my emotions and taking accountability was my journey’s most challenging but rewarding part. I had to accept the mess I’d made of my life. I was an adult and could no longer blame my parents. Today, I use my recovery network, yoga, therapy, or whatever to cope with my emotions. 2020, on June 10, I lost my job, and on June 14, I was diagnosed with COVID-19. On June 15, I celebrated my 4th year in recovery, and by the end of 2020, I’d lost 17 friends, and it paralyzed me. It was rough, but I made the decision not to use drugs no matter what. It is imperative to navigate challenges in recovery to stay abstinent. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m learning healthy ways to cope and maintain my emotional, mental, and spiritual stability.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Recovery has allowed me the opportunity to share the message of hope around the world. As a public speaker, being a CPS has helped me share my experience, strength, and hope on platforms I could have never imagined, such as this. I’m studying at Georgia State University for my bachelor’s in social work. What sets me apart is my lived experience. As a social worker, I want to conduct a case study on myself, use the data to find ways to support vulnerable populations better, and use my speaking platform to share my lived experience and provide solutions. The state of Georgia provides individuals in recovery with certifications to help other individuals in their recovery—my title as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) has been the bridge to life for me and countless others. I am a CPS-MH (Mental Health), CPS-AD (Addictive Disease), CPS-WHAM (Whole Health Action Management), and a Forensic Peer Specialist.
After obtaining these certifications, I proved that I have what it takes to attend college, and here we are. You cannot become a CPS-MH without a mental health diagnosis. You cannot become a CPS-AD without experience with drug addiction. You cannot become a Forensic Peer Specialist without experience with the criminal justice system. We can provide services in a clinical setting, have a seat at the table, and be a part of the decision-making process to advocate for our peers. I get to use some of my most challenging experiences to guide someone in their recovery. That’s absolutely amazing! My life was changed when I thought it was over for me. I’ve always wanted to help people. I just didn’t know how.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk-taking is necessary for survival! You will never know what you are truly made of if you don’t take the risk. I can think of multiple risks I have taken in my life. I can remember not understanding why I needed to get sober. Today, I know it wasn’t for me at all. It was to help someone else. After receiving my certifications at the age of 30, I was going to take my placement test, and I sat in my car for about 30 minutes, going back and forth about not having what it takes to attend college. I took the risk, obtained my associate degree, and continued my studies. Taking a risk creates change. Change is uncomfortable, but it’s necessary for growth.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @iamuniquedixon
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmEBUwqMyLnyoJ2Z051zVow
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamuniquedixon?_t=8hPVmFdjsmE&_r=1
Image Credits
Aaron Marshall- Graduation Photos
