Date of Award

12-17-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Rhetoric and Writing

First Advisor

Heidi McCauley

Abstract

My Beautiful Scars is a memoir written by AL Vineyard. Ms. Vineyard is a recovering methamphetamine and opioid user. She has a painful past and following an injury, fell deep into the world of drugs. Her substance use disorder progressed quickly. After the injury, she was prescribed opioid painkillers. The euphoria provided by the opioids numbed the pain that Vineyard experienced in her life. It became her. Over the years, Vineyard graduated to snorting and then, to shooting up her painkillers. A series of events led Vineyard to quit opioids and start shooting methamphetamine, which took her into a world of crime. Less than a year after starting methamphetamine, Vineyard lost everything, her home, her car, her kids, and her freedom. She tried to take her own life. When she failed, she decided to fight for her family, her freedom, and herself. Throughout Vineyard’s life, she used writing to deal with the most difficult times. In recovery, writing saved her life. It taught her how to deal with big emotions, combat triggers, cope, and love herself again. This memoir goes on a roller coaster journey through Vineyard’s childhood, substance use disorder, crimes, and recovery while highlighting how writing contributed to the beautiful life she has today. AL Vineyard is covered in track marks. Her scars will never go away, but if her story helps even one person, then they are beautiful.

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