Overcoming addiction

Shelley Moses Collins, 47, had an extraordinary childhood.

Gifted with a powerful singing voice that she used as her talent in childhood beauty pageants, she went on to become something of a little country music star in South Louisiana, opening for such acts as Barbara Mandrell, Hank Williams Jr. and Willie Nelson.

But Collins’ world began to change when she was in her 20s. For the next two decades, she would follow only one dream almost exclusively — where to find more cocaine.

“I was so consumed with the addiction, I lost my way,” Collins said.

She’s found it again, though.

Read more about Overcoming Addiction on The Advocate