Intervention: Tressa – Follow up

Finally a follow up to Tressa’s Intervention story!

I while back I blogged about Tressa from an episode of A&E’s Intervention. She’s an amazing woman and athlete who traded in her dreams of being an Olympic shot-put champion for IV meth use.

If you haven’t already seen it, I recommend watching the video of Tressa’s Intervention.

Recently, A&E posted a follow up on Tressa and I am elated to know that Tressa has been sober since October 12, 2007; and she has stayed sober since. She is currently in a relationship and is working as a high school athletics coach. She admits that as an addict she was scared of being sober and leaving the life she knew behind, but she goes on to say that she “breathed a sigh of relief” when she walked into the room and saw Candy Finnigan and her entire loving family sitting there; she knew she was in for a change – more importantly: She was ready.

Tressa again has dreams and aspirations. She is training to make an athletic “come-back” and wants to someday open a treatment facility. With her experience and sober life as an example, I am sure she can help transform many lives.

I am so happy for Tressa and her family and I wish them the very best.

Related posts:

  • Meth Intervention: Tressa

  • Meth Intervention: Cristy

  • Meth Intervention: Coley

  • Meth Mountain

  • How to make meth: Shock Video

    • By
    Topics: Meth Related Videos, Meth Stories
    • http://www.pisceshanna.wordpress.com Hanna

      Watching Tressa's intervention, I felt a lot of anger towards the family. Yeah, they are down-home, all American farmers, but how is she supposed to recover when they all believe she is going to hell for being gay? How can they fully accept who she is when they are damning her? Tressa is NOT a selfish person. I watched Cristy's intervention and her selfishness and manipulation made me want to puke. Tressa just wants her family's love, without the “oh well, you're a good girl, and you could be so much better, but until you marry a man and believe in Jesus, you will never be happy.”

      GRRRR. I didn't get to see the end, because the youtube video cut off. I did watch part of the follow-up, which looked positive and I'm glad for it.

    • Elizabeth

      I've just watched Tressa's Intervention story and was very touched by her story. She seemed like such a beautiful person that has such a big heart. She reminded me of my sister so much and I just wish Tressa the best and hope she stays on the right path and fills her life with people that will only improve her as a person.

    • Cory Wilson

      First of all, I hope that Tressa somehow reads this. I happened to catch her story just last night and it left enough of an impression for me to do some searching this AM. Tressa, may be peace be with you…you are not alone, the way you feel towards women is PERFECTLY normal and never be ashamed of who you are!

      Putting her addiction aside, I really hope that her FAMILY seeks some counseling to help them accept and cope with a daughter that is only trying to live her life within the “deck” that she has been dealt. They need to be taught that their daughter will not go to hell for merely loving another human being. It still saddens me to know that there are people out there who so blindly accept that being gay = sin. I watched her story. It is so clear that Tressa was born a lesbian and for the family to tell her that she is on a path to hell for something that she has no control over is wrong and only underscores their lack of education on the matter.

    • http://somechicksblog.com SomeChick

      This may not be what you want to hear nor will it be the popular opinion But I believe the bible and I take what it says to its literal meaning – it says that being gay is a sin. BUT guess what – lying, cheating, stealing, and living together while you are unmarried is ALSO a sin and who of any of us can say we haven't done at least one of the above? God doesn't stop loving you because you are a sinner and unless you walk the earth free of sin yourself, then who are you to judge anyone else.
      I think Tressa's parents are very conservative and take the “tough love” approach and apply it to how God sees his children. God hasn't abandoned Tressa and her parents shouldn't act as if he has. I know they love her dearly, but they need to stop stating that she will go to hell for being gay — if sinning = going to hell then we would all be going to hell in a hand-basket.

    • Pearl Caster

      Unfortunately Tressa as part of her treatment apparently has become an ex-gay and is now dating a man, admitting she now believes lesbianism is a sin. It's so sad because although she admitted on the show that the gay scene had so much to do with her initial addiction (getting her into drugs), her healing has now come to revolve around the rejection of her lesbianism. How long do you really think that repression is going to last? If she really can't help being gay (sin or no sin) then dontcha think if she starts having lesbianic feelings again she might link this inexorably with her addiction, and return to drugs?

      By linking heterosexuality with sobriety, these “therapists” are setting the stage for any return to lesbianism to equate to a return to drugs. This is borderline negligence based on what science is available.

    • Pearl Caster

      Usury is also a sin. Jesus crashed and threw out all the moneylenders in the temple while he was alive. Yet we openly condone credit card companies who charge mega-usurious rates of interest. Conveniently this is forgotten or glossed over by 99.9% of religious groups in the name of modernity (or no name at all). Ditto for shopping on Sundays.

      God also hates figs and shellfish. But we eat those without a second thought. The problem with this line of thought guys is that if you're going to take the bible at literal value, you can't just pick which parts of the bible to take literally and ignore the rest. The whole thing is a living code.

      I'm amazed nobody from the Christian groups in the States have made a connection to the world economic situation and god punishing us sinners for engaging in usury.

    • Pearl Caster

      BTW the above comment is based on an online article I read a few months ago regarding Tressa and being ex-gay. I hope that the followup intervention video is more recent and that she isn't actually an ex-gay. She speaks of having a relationship with a female in the followup. I hope that's true and that she's able to come to terms with her sexuality instead of denying/repressing it.

    • anon

      As a straight male, I just can't imagine how tough it must have been to be her. It just seems like she got such a raw deal. At some point it just doesn't matter what her family thinks. The FAMILY needs an intervention to come to grips with what their daughter / sister / is… a lesbian. BIG DEAL! GET OVER IT. This poor woman has to get sober and then get in touch with the gay community that DOESN'T do drugs.
      I'd like to start an intervention show for religious families with gay children. Quit making your children hate themselves!

      If one person has a delusion, it's called insanity. If a group of people have a delusion, it's called religion. (someone smart)

    • Dennis Sullivan

      Tressa, You can do it. Your sexual preference is your own. God made you that way. There is nothing wrong with you.

      All my best for you,

      Dennis

    • Lux

      Pretty sure I saw Tressa at Claim Jumper in Long Beach yesterday w/ a chick and what appeared to be her gf's parents or something. AWESOME!

    • Lux

      Pretty sure I saw Tressa at Claim Jumper in Long Beach yesterday w/ a chick and what appeared to be her gf's parents or something. AWESOME!

    • Mike

      We all have our weaknesses. The nature of a man is to want more than one sexual pardner. But, because we have a choice to exhibit good character and because we love our wives we don't yield to our baser nature. It is not a sin to be a lesbian. You may have been born with that bent or acquired it as you grew up. It is however a sin to practice lesbianism, or to act out your pedophile tendencies,the same as it would be for me to have an affair. I have the highest admiration for those who are constantly tempted, but choose not to sin. The Bible says God loves all sinners and we have all sinned. Christians are to love all people regardless of their life choices. Jesus died for sinners and the good news is He is the Savior. Their is nothing loving about seeing people enslaved by sin and not trying to help them and calling that compassion!!

    • jmn

      glad to see Tressa survived. it's a shame her close-minded family cannot see past their arcane beliefs and accept her for who she is.

      all the best, Tressa.

    • haha

      I saw Tressa today shopping with her mom. It was funny that I recognized her from the show. I walked by her, and she smiled really big and said hi. She looked really healthy. I wanted to ask her how she was recovering, but I didn't want to embarrass her.

    • my4sons

      I am a mother of four sons, Catholic. This poor woman! She obviously needed help to get off of drugs and resume her successful path in life: but her sexuality? WHY is it an issue? SHe is who she IS! I was so angry watching these parents comdemn her and make her think sh'd go to Hell. I have 4 kids and believe that God would never turn his back on anyone for being true to themselves. Her parents should be ashamed. They need the therpay MORE than she did!

    • Lyn

      You are a moron. There's little evidence that it is the nature of a man to want more than one sexual partner and any study that does say it is in evolutionary biology which also usually says it's in a woman's nature. Anyway her dad was divorced which is a sin and as she said he's an adulterer. You also are sinning -I don't have to know you and I know that for a FACT. Reason being we all are. It is impossible not to. Ever have a dirty thought? Because that's one of the seven deadly sins. Religion is for your own piece of mind-not to lord it over others.

    • John

      I watched this episode twice. I wanted to find out what has happened to her. Sure glad to hear she has been sober. I am a guy but think she is such an inspiraion and wish her all the best. She is a strong, loving and caring person and I know she can do great things. All the best to her and her partner and to her family.

    • Lauren Barrett

      I always watch Intervention, but Tressa's story was very heartwrenching for me. I felt apathy for her and her ex girlfriend. Also, I was sad she couldn't draw a straight line between trying to quit meth and trying to quit her lifestyle. I wish her the best of luck and I hope she knows her story has many people pulling for her. She was a very magnetic personality and a beautiful soul. I hope her path to recovery goes well.

    • parsidokht

      I think Tressa is a very wonderful person. I think her family needs to wake up and accept her as the loving person she is and not burden her more with their religeous mambo jambo. Let her be. I'm not gay but very supportive of them. I don't understand all the negative hype. What is it to anyone what another person's sexulal oridentation is? Do they ever stop and think about why any one would choose to be gay? Why would they endure all the hardship that majority of them face when choosing to accept and coming out. Can these people imagine themselves in a homosexual relationship? Of course not, so shouldn't that slone be proof that homosexual do not choose to be interested in the same sex persons. It is how they are otherwise how could they possibly do what they do? Just leave them alone and love them. Tressa you deserve to be happy nad good lucj to you.

    • parsidokht

      totally agree with you.

    • Marisa

      Tressa you touch my heart!!! Like you, my sister was an addict and a lesbian. My mother didn't accept her lifestyle so she alienated herself and has never been able to fully recover from her addiction because she carries this guilt with her. You are amazing and if your family can't accept you then that's on them. God loves you no matter what and don't forget that. You carry your heart on your sleeve and I PRAY that someday soon you'll find a partner or soul mate that will LOVE YOU the way you deserve to be loved. Our GOD is a GOD of love. Keep it real and like you said, you can't change others.

    • Becky

      I just stumbled upon this…because I watched a rerun of Intervention.

      Hoping all is well with her….I sat and cried my eyes out watching her. I wanted to wrap my arms around her and hold her tight. Is there any kind of update?

      Becky

    • Lori A.

      It is bullshit! Tressa Thompson has NOT been clean and sober all this time. She began getting high (smoking pot) in 2008, drinking, and yes once again returned to Meth while in Cali. She lost her job, her place to stay, and returned to Nebraska. Immediately she also returned to stealing. jewelry, money, anything of value she could to keep her habit funded. she also returned to the tavern that her ex-girlfriend ran and became her slave once again for little or no money. Her father threw her out of his home once again in Bloomfield Nebraska so Tressa once again became homeless. She now is in Canada visiting a woman she met on-line and hopes for a relationship with her. Any money Tressa does seem to make from odd jobs goes for tattoo’s and her drug addiction. But no Tressa is not clean and sober and probably will never be able to achieve sobriety for any length of time again.

    • D Bottwell

      I wondered about that. I am a friend on her F.B. page and have seen numerous comments about her stealing. Her sis asks her what pawn shop the grandfathers ring is in, and Tressa seems to appear to be laughing like it is funny. I think she is a phony trying to continue receive all this recognition, when actually she is getting high and using still. I’m really not impressed with her. She’s all used up if you ask me.

    • Tressa

      Tressa here, just wanting to stop in and say that I am having a blessed day! Just living one “aa” day at a time!! I am clean living life to it’s fullest volunteering on average 10-20hours a weak to the disability community and learning what struggles really are on a whole “nuther” level (madtv). No one is perfect but striving to better ones life and accomplishing goals and acheiving dreams no matter how big or how small they are acheivements. With this national recognition as a “drug addict” we have people who lift up and want to see a successful path ahead of them. Others I have found love to dwell in mishapps and plant weeds of deception as though they know me and slander my name. Those folks I veiw as thoughs that follow the motto, “Misery loves company.”
      Anyone I have came across loves my personality and additude for honestly in where I really am that day. To say a show shows you in rehab and to automatically assume they wont relapse is ignorancy to the disease at hand, and they need to research more before bad mouth one through their struggle. I guess we can assume cancer patients are fraud and dont deserve attention is down right foolishness. why must people attack those that struggle from a deadlyh mental disease which is also life or death. hummm…. where as humanity gone in our country. To those I say go volunteer and give back instead of taking from those who maybe less fortunite.
      Perserve and follow ANY dream you may have!
      The one and only Tressa Raye Thompson
      TRayeFitness.com

    • Tressa

      Tressa here, just wanting to stop in and say that I am having a blessed day! Just living one “aa” day at a time!! I am clean living life to it’s fullest volunteering on average 10-20hours a weak to the disability community and learning what struggles really are on a whole “nuther” level (madtv). No one is perfect but striving to better ones life and accomplishing goals and acheiving dreams no matter how big or how small they are acheivements. With this national

    • Tressa

      wow interesting Love….. I must say you follow me but not quite so accurately. I actually don’t have to pay for any tattoo work (due to friends in the industry). I recently visited a friend of 4 years in Canada who actually related to my story on Intervention and wanted help, assistance in understanding who she was (lesbian) and coming out to family and friends about it. Also she struggles from the disease of Alcoholicism, which honestly it’s not place to put out there but I need people to hear the truths and not have 1/2 truths tied into lies from assumptions.
      I am impressed that you are so confident in sealing my fate to billions of people in the wireless world like you know me and who I am. Yet again actions speak louder then words and my actions speak for themselves.
      Dont give up on your dreams….. not EVERYONE can say they were the BEST IN THE WORLD and really acheive to “nothing”. That’s just plain ignorance ^_~
      TRESSA RAYE THOMPSON
      TRayeFitness.com

    • Tressa

      LOL ….. Pawn shops, well I have many friends who work there from years ago my friend. So lets clear your story up to now…LOL (oh, yes and if you did know me and my character I am a happy go lucky fun loving carismatic uhmm how do I say ALWAYS LAUGHING about life type of person). Well back to why my rings might possible even be in pawn. I have 2 specific rings I have pawned for over 10 yrs now. Obviously I dont have a stable job or normal employments like most, but a very get up and go carismaticly blessed life that my Lord and Savior has blessed me with. (Some people resent those that aren’t stable and fit into the norms of our society, sorry for their close mindedness). My Grandma passed away March 17 this pass year. During this month I traveled over 250miles each way from Nebraska City to Bloomfield many times that month. Not to get into to much personal business because you, the public really dont need to know my grandma’s final days and what it consisted of. But I was one of the favorite grandchild. I held my Grandma’s hand as she passed away. Experiencing a moment in life like no other, very monumental and moving. Well during many of these trips back and forth from Ne.City to Bloomfield which I was having Kettlebell classes in Bloomfield for 35 woman. I remained responsible to my work and family. I needed gas money and PAWNED my 2 favorite rings which I have done many times before and knew I would pick up again.
      During this hardship and being back in the enviroment that was not a productive time in my life , yes its true I did relapse but the drugs have no hold on me and I have been clean since July from Meth. Hummm…… 97% of recovering Meth addicts relapse before they do beat the battle or lose there life to it. I’m really glad to see you D. Bottwell am a supporter to see me dead and “ALL USED UP” O’ I dont think anyone asked you!!!!

    • Tressa

      you can friend me on fb or go to my webpage: Tressa Thompson
      TRayeFitness.com

    • Samantha

      Let’s all face reality. This seems to be a woman who is living the life of Reiley at everyone else’s expense. I’ve been to the bar Connections in Omaha many times and have heard the girlfriend who runs it tell stories of Tressa”dream life”, and how it is all a lie. I saw Tressa in that same place a couple years ago, totally ****ed up.Not sure who is telling the truth, or do any ofus really even care.
      This superstar is a glorified beach bum, looking to just make a buck however she can get it. I see no work ethic or a desire to further an education. Al the hype over Tressa should come to a halt. She’s not going to be a runner up for any competitive sport even, not at her age. I feel bad for all her fans and probably her family who havebeen so mislead by her.

    • KennyHarman

      Give the lady the benefit of the doubt. It has to be a struggle.Rumors are going to fly no matter who it is. No one truley knows but Tressa herself. I would like to see Tressa make another come back. I think it’s possible. I am in recovery as well,(4 yrs) , and have not relapsed and hope I never do. It’s a battle I don’t like facing everyday. I do think she is taking steps backward instead of forward, in all her travels and wasting time. It will be interesting to see if she does make a comeback. I wish her luck.

    • AMANDA

      HELLO THERE TRESSA RAYE, GUESS WHO? YES IT’S YOUR OLD FRIEND AMANDA, I THINK ABOUT YOU ALOT AND KNOW THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS STRIVE FOR THE BEST PERSON YOU CAN BE, I AM, YES, I AM SO BLESSED TO HAVE BEEN A PART, A BIG PART OF YOUR RECOVERY PROCESS AS YOU HAVE BEEN OF MINE…I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I AM ONE OF YOUR BIGGEST SUPPORTERS AND YOU CAN ALWAYS CALL AND JUST TALK IF YOU NEED TO, KEEP ON KEEPING ON MY FRIEND…LOVE YOU GIRL, AMANDA

    • Rose Bedard

      HI TRESSA,,,JUST WANTED TO SAY I WATCHED THE SHOW,,AND YOU CHANGED MY LIFE,,,HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY FAMILY,,,,BUT WHEN YOU SAID “NO MORE BEING DEPRESSED,,HELLO FUTURE,,,YOU GAVE ME TEARS,,AND MADE ME A HAPPY PERSON AGAIN,,I LOVED THE SHOW,AND I THINK YOUR GREAT Rosie Niagara Falls Ontario ,,rose.bedard@cogeco.ca

    • Emily Millington93

      Anyone who has went through this process, and knows the steps- please email me at emily.millington93@gmail.com – My mom is about to be on the show , and I have a few ?’s

    • been there….

      People can be so cruel, I applaud Tressa for her uplifting personality & strength. I would have to think that those of you who are posting these negative comments have never known anyone who has suffered with addiction. Addiction is very much a disease, & for those of us who are fighting this battle, it is wonderful to see someone like Tressa who has the strength & persevarance to admit her weakest moments, & rebound. I imagine many of you who don’t know the part of the country we live in would be astounded at the way people judge others and are unwilling to forgive the past. I saw Tressa yesterday at a local basketball tournament, what a wonerful person she is. She spent time playing with some of the kids & even took the time to bend down & talk to my 2 year old daughter. Shame on those of you who post these awful comments, how’s the story go…don’t judge lest ye be judged?

    • Simmy

      I’m so bothered by people who take the fiction offered in the bible and ruin lives with it. If you insist on following superstition, then keep it to yourself. Your make-believe god is YOUR god, not anyone else’s. Everyone has their own idea of what creator awaits them in the mythical afterlife. One of the tenents of recovery is righting wrongs because they are wrong, not because they offend a deity of some sort, and it’s only Tressa’s business how she handles that. One thing at a time. While I love your positive attitude, I can’t stand the idea of throwing mythology into it. I certainly don’t wonder what Zeus thinks about my life.

    • Anonymous

      Codeine is made from the dried sap of young poppy plant seeds.Humans have been making various drugs and compounds using the poppy plant for thousands of years.  Some of these uses are medicinal, while others are spiritual or recreational in nature.  Whatever the case may be, people have become tolerant to and physically dependent on many different opium products.  This includes codeine addiction, and as the second most common alkaloid found in opium, it’s likely that this trend of dependency and addiction will continue until more effective pain
      management techniques are discovered and implemented.
      Codeine Addiction

    • JestinW

      Tressa – Your looks are gone, your options are limited to straight women and low life’s. Wigger comes to mind, is dad proud? Take a look at what you once were , keyword being were.

      Your a lier, a user and basically a drug addict who is grasping for crumbs. You represent yourself as famous on Facebook and your a joke to most everyone following you .There is actually now a meth YouTube video featuring you and your progressive decay over the last three years . Stay off the Internet girl – why must we all see you distroy
      yourself.

      I pity you and those you leech off.

    • Dawnwatrous

      Calling yourself Catholic and ignoring the teachings of the church is like standing in a garage and calling yourself a car. I agree that no one ought to condemn this young woman and I HATED seeing how her parents did just that (despite the mom getting remarried, which Jesus says is adultery..but I digress). But I get so sick of salad-bar Catholics giving the impression that living an actively homosexual lifestyle is something to celebrate. It’s not. We can love these people and there is no need to bash them with “you’re going to hell for this sin,” either. Once they decide to live that way, it’s their choice and between them and God. But really…stop giving people the impression that it’s okay to be Catholic when you’re actively encouraging people to act sinfully. We’re called to love…and love does mean judging, condemning, OR encouraging them in sin. It means praying for, respecting, and helping the person, NOT their disordered sexuality. 

    • MethedUp

      Your so full of it , I saw that picture of you on Facebook after a recent bender . You look horrible and the drugs have really taken a toll on you. You used to be such a pretty girl but now you are all wrinkles and look so tired.

      Maybe you should put up that pix on here so people are reminded of what meth can do to a person . Maybe if they see the damage you did to yourself this year, they might not pick up.

      I know the pix is on the Internet but not everyone knows to google you and look for the images ..

    • Bythesea

      I met this Tressa chick last year in Canada. Does she have any morals what so ever?
      All I see is a washed up druggie who could have had anything she wanted. Now what is she ? She is worn, sleeps with anything and god knows what diseases she has.

      All sluts have diseases , this is a major punch board, yuck!

    • Bythesea

      Where is the video located? Several of us are trying to locate and view it.

    • Blythe Cozza

      Speaking as Tressas most recent girlfriend sorry to say but Tressa is far beyond repair. I have been with her for six months and the girl has no concept . Her family has belittled her to the point that she thinks she holds no worth. Her existence consists of stealing, whoring herself, shoplifting, pick pocketing and taking from her inner circle.

      Upon meeting Tressa I was drawn to her raw honesty and need to get out of Nebraska. I flew her
      to Long Island for a fresh start. I wrote letters to District Attorneys so she would not do jail time for shoplifting
      and a possession charge .

      Within three weeks Tressa’s step mother ( the woman who her father had the affair with ) had liver complications, was on life support . It was a no brainier, I was raised Italian Irish catholic, I flew us there .

      We arrived in Omaha Nebraska 14 hours after we got the bad news. I really felt good being able to be supportive and was there to watch Tressas back. From outside the hospital I felt a nightmare was to begin and it did. I threw myself into the middle of the bible belt and had no idea how much ignorance , selfishness , and abuse could be hide from even A & E’s writers.

      Before Tressa and I entered the private room her step mother lay – Tressa visited the ladies room just outside and shot up .

      I need not go further but to say – I am writing a book which will be available shortly as an ebook on Amazon .
      My Life with Tressa Thompson – The Bible Belts Gateway to Redemption .