My story began in high school. It was the first lacrosse game of my senior year. I Tore my ACL. After surgery I was put on pain meds. Took as prescribed. Finished the bottle and everything was fine.

Six years later the knee pain had gotten worse from a job that required constant strain. I went back to the doctor and got more pills, but this time it was different. I took them just for pain at first but then started taking them on weekends for fun. They would be a weekend addiction but before long it became daily. Taking upwards of 15 pills a day and that’s when heroin came into my life.

My bottom was when I was arrested for possession and a few months later for burglary. I was locked up for 5 years and it ended up being what saved my life. I got sober in jail and made a vow to live a life I could be proud of. I wanted to be a good father, son and brother.

I now have the love and trust of my family, a career that I can be proud of and the ability to support my own family and have a great future with the people I love. My support system is my family. I remain sober not only for myself but for them.

The life I have now is better than I ever thought I could have imagined. Recovery is possible. No matter how hard you think the road ahead will be, the work is worth the reward.