Following her tertiary education, Rachel Collins studied law for 4 years then worked as a Paralegal for over 5 years. After leaving the legal profession, Rachel worked for a United Kingdom based Christian conference organization, managing a highly successful conference that drew high profile leaders in business and the Christian sector. They addressed current issues faced by the business world, while researching how appropriate strategies could be implemented. Rachel also managed the Entertainment Program garnering well known Christian entertainers (such as solo artists, bands and comedians) from around the world to perform.

It was in the midst of a successful career that Rachel was privately struggling with dependency to the medications prescribed for stress and anxiety. And unbeknownst to those around her, this personal struggle continued for a number of years. But it was in 1999 when her doctor abruptly took her off Seroxat (Paxil, Paroxetine) and Ativan (Lorazepam) and switched her to Dothepin (Prothiaden), Valium (Diazepam) and Citalopram (Celexa) that Rachel’s world crumbled. Her anxiety soared and depression deepened, leaving her family deeply concerned. In 2002 Rachel became pregnant and once again her doctor abruptly stopped the Citalopram to protect the baby. Again, Rachel was thrown into another cold-turkey withdrawal and became so ill that her doctor reinstated her medication at the end of her pregnancy. Rachel would not attempt to withdraw again until 2006. And for two years she slowly lowered the dose of the pills, only to suffer the worst symptoms and lose hope.

In February of 2008, Rachel found Point of Return and by May had successfully completed the withdrawal program and fully regained her life. In September of 2008, Rachel became a valued member of the executive team and a moderator of Point of Return’s private discussion board. She uses her experience and subsequent recovery to inspire others worldwide. Rachel lives in Canada with her husband, daughter and dog.