I have firsthand lived experience with substance use disorder and psychosis. At one point in my life, I was nestled comfortably in addiction. I had abandoned all rationale and logic, along with my responsibilities as a father and member of my family. I had completely lost myself. Many people had lost hope in me, and quite frankly, I had lost hope in myself.

On November 9, 2023, I made the decision that enough was enough. I stumbled my way into a treatment center, and I never looked back.

Today, the version of me you see is far removed from the person I once was. I have worked through the pain of yesterday, and I am building a better path for tomorrow. I am privileged to say that I am the father of two beautiful boys, a husband, a son, an uncle, and a brother who can be relied upon.

Now, I have the opportunity to go into the community each day and help those who are still lost in the very same way that I once was. My journey has taught me that recovery is possible, hope can be restored, and no one is beyond change.

I grew up surrounded by substance use and alcohol, and I began using at a young age. For much of my early adult life, my days revolved around getting, using, and finding ways to get more substances. As a result, I spent a significant amount of time incarcerated and trapped in a cycle that seemed impossible to escape. Everything changed when I entered Treatment Court. That program not only saved my life but also taught me how to live with purpose, accountability, and self-respect. Today, I am living a life that once felt completely out of reach. Recovery has given me the opportunity to become the mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend that my loved ones deserve. I am grateful for the journey, proud of the person I have become, and committed to helping others find the same hope and freedom that changed my life.

I was brought up around drugs and alcohol, it was normalized for most of my life, and eventually I found myself lost in addiction for many years. My recovery journey truly started when I first met a peer support specialist and entered into sober living, and that experience changed everything for me. It was there that I made a commitment not only to rebuild my own life, but to give back to my community and help others who were struggling like I once was. Through support, accountability, and staying connected to the recovery community, I’ve been able to continue growing in my recovery and purpose. Today, I work at a recovery community center where I have the opportunity to support individuals and families on their own journeys and show people that change and healing are possible.