After Decades of Addiction, Juanita Rises

Harlem grandmother finds recovery and support at NYC Health + Hospitals Outpatient Treatment Program

Juanita Figueroa had often felt like a ghost, drifting through life, unseen and unheard. Born to an alcoholic mother, Juanita and her younger sister spent their childhood in dozens of foster homes throughout New York City. When they were separated, Juanita started cutting class, drinking alcohol, and smoking marijuana. By the age of 22, she began using crack cocaine.

“In the beginning, I didn’t feel like I was addicted because the rent was paid,” she said. “It wasn’t until I was spending all my money on the drugs that I realized that I had a problem. And I didn’t get help.”

For the next 20 years, Juanita was raising four children and living with addiction. She used cocaine to mentally escape her partner’s violent beatings. Eventually, Juanita lost everything. She was evicted, became homeless, and lost custody of her children. Though she achieved sobriety briefly though a court mandated program, she relapsed.

“I did it on the weekends first, then every other day, then every day,” she said. “Over the years, I went to different detox and rehab programs. I stopped using temporarily, but always went back to doing drugs.”  

On September 11, 2023, Juanita spent the entire day getting high.  After midnight, she started having difficulty breathing and passed out. She later woke up in a hospital, where doctors told her she had suffered a heart attack, had an embolism in her lung, and also had pneumonia. The frightening experience marked a turning point in her life.

 “It scared me waking up in the hospital and not knowing how I got there,” she said, tears streaming down her face. “That’s what woke me up, and I said to myself, I’m not ready to go yet.”

Two days later, Juanita enrolled in Outpatient Treatment Program at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem. There, she received support from a team of dedicated addiction specialists that includes counseling and group therapy. Today, after spending nearly three decades struggling with substance use disorder, Juanita, 59, is sober.

“The program has taught me to know my triggers and what tools to use if I get the urge to use.” she said.

When asked what makes the program at Harlem special, she said it’s the staff.

“They make you feel comfortable. They don’t sugar coat anything. They’re real and upfront. They tell you how it is.”

More than 20,000 New Yorkers receive addiction services at NYC Health + Hospitals locations. In addition, over 6,000 patients seek treatment at NYC Health + Hospitals Outpatient Treatment Programs including the Harlem program that helped Juanita. 

“Every year, tens of thousands of patients receive our substance use treatment services and we have an opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact,” said Daniel Schatz, MD, MS, Medical Director of Substance Use Disorder Services.

“Our goals are to make our patients feel seen, treat them with dignity, reduce risk, and start life-saving treatment. We are dedicated to addressing the substance use crisis, better understanding and treating patients living with this disease, and creating a sense of community and recovery.” 

Juanita is now transformed. She works as a Poll Worker for early voting and general elections. She got her driver’s permit, quit smoking, reconciled with her family, and enjoys spending time with her four grandchildren.

“I feel good about myself. I feel better physically and mentally,” she said.

“I think about the good things in my life. I have two grandkids now, and they keep me happy.”

At a recent event honoring patients who have overcome addiction, Juanita fought back tears as she recounted her recovery journey. When she finished speaking, the room erupted in applause.

“Addiction is powerful,” she said. “You gamble with your life every time you do drugs because you don’t want to live life on life’s terms. But it works if you work it. It’s not going to be easy. But you can believe in yourself. You can do this.”

More Information

NYC Health + Hospitals Alcohol, Substance Use and Opioid Services
NYCDOH Alcohol and Drug Use Services
Prevent Overdose