Now, Crooks is helping others in their own battles with addiction as a peer adviser at the Chautauqua County Mental Health Association.

Crooks’ journey began long ago with addictions that had begun to spiral out of control, taking over Crooks’ life for about 18 years in total. By 2018, Crooks had noted that the problem was beginning to get out of hand, with thoughts of seeking treatment beginning to creep into her head. Crooks stated that while there were no definitive plans to enter treatment at that time, she had begun collecting contact information for various rehabilitation services nearby. Much of this was due to the severity of the situation beginning to set in, as Crooked stated that she had lost another house and had been forced to move back into her parent’s home. This yearning for sobriety would culminate in a massive wake-up call for Crooks, that being an overdose that occurred in August of that year. It was at this point that Crooks had recognized the need for treatment, and enrolled into a rehabilitation program the very next day.

Crooks would go through an extensive amount of treatments, beginning at the Terrace House, which is located on Elm Street in Buffalo. This is where Crooks’ initial detox would begin, and ultimately last for about a week. Once the initial detox was finished, Crooks would move upstairs in the building to begin the 28-day recovery program that is offered.

From there, Crooks would travel to Horizon Village, also located on Elm Street, which is able to offer more long-term treatments. This stay would last about three months in total. During this time Crooks would also begin taking Suboxone, a prescribed medicine that is supposed to help lessen the craving and addictive feelings caused by opiate withdrawals. While having acknowledged that it is not a permanent solution, Crooks stated that she still utilizes Suboxone as it has been a factor in helping to transform her life. Not only has Crooks reduced the strength to a third of the original dosage, but has also become a more knowledgeable advocate for a medicine that can save people’s lives.

Jessica Crooks accepting the 2023 Community Impact Award from The United Way. Submitted photo

“Just every couple of years I go down a couple milligrams. So I don’t plan on being on it forever but I will say that, as long as you take it as directed, it is nothing to be ashamed of,” said Crooks. “I know there’s a bad stigma around it. Some people say you are trading one thing for another, that is absolutely not true. While on suboxone I have been able to completely change my life in so many different ways. It’s kept me stable, I have not had one relapse.”

After completing the treatment programs in Buffalo, Crooks would return to the Jamestown area. To continue to make progress and stay sober, Crooks entered into the Chemical Dependency Outpatient program offered by UPMC. It was here that Crooks would learn about the open position of peer specialist at the MHA. While initially doubting herself, Crooks quickly realized that this is a position meant for somebody that has had these experiences in the past. Not only did hearing this boost Crooks’ career confidence, but it led to a job that continues to help people through recovery each day.

Because of sobriety, Crooks stated that life is exactly how she always dreamt it would be. Not only does Crooks have a successful job and good home, but there have been numerous developments beyond just material possessions. Crooks noted the importance of family, having referenced a close and loving relationship with her children. This beauty in life would have not been able to be seen had Crooks not bravely escaped addiction, something that drags most individuals down only to never set them free.

“You have to want it. You have to believe in yourself. You have to have control of yourself. You have to be kind to yourself,” said Crooks. “Everybody’s journey is going to look different , but all I can tell people is that it is possible. I know it’s very cliche to say ‘if I can do it you can too’, but it’s the truth. You just have to have the willpower inside of you and the confidence.”