The Huffington Post
7.29.16 |
After years of being quiet, I am no longer afraid.
Warning: Some readers may find parts of this post to be triggering.
I was raised Mormon. For the most part, I was a decent kid. I went to church every Sunday and participated in weekly activities with the other Mormon youth.
During my teen years, sometimes I’d slip up and get into trouble. No biggie—I’d confess to the bishop, be given a proverbial slap on the wrist, and move on with my life.
But then, in 2004, I got pregnant. I was 17 years old and a senior year in high school, just weeks away from graduation.
It’s worse than it sounds.
Before I got pregnant, a male friend gave me a ride to an all-night high school party. He offered me a few caffeine pills, promising they would give me enough energy to stay up all night and have fun. I took them without a second thought. I had no idea they were actually Klonopin, a drug used to treat seizures and panic disorders.
Klonopin is also commonly used as a date rape drug.
Apparently, I spent the night walking and talking before leaving the party, which took place at the high school. The party was chaperoned by teachers and parent volunteers. It was supposed to be a safe space for the soon-to-be graduates. So what happened?
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