HunterTOur Stories· 17 hr

My story isn’t over and still being written

I started drinking and using drugs around age 11. Today, I have more than 15 years in recovery—but my story is still being written. Growing up, I struggled with my mental health and my parents’ separation. I got into trouble with the law, was kicked out of schools, and went through multiple treatment centers. For years, I couldn’t find lasting recovery. Eventually, I reached a point where I was mentally, physically, and spiritually bankrupt. After treatment, I did something different: I entered sober living, got involved, and took my recovery seriously. With support and a daily commitment, I began rebuilding my life. I moved to another state, became a peer recovery support specialist, and turned helping others into a career. At 30, I bought my first home. I met someone who was also in recovery, and we built a family with two children. We were preparing to get married when she relapsed. Today, she remains in active addiction. Loving someone who is struggling, caring for our children, and maintaining my own recovery has brought challenges I’m still learning to navigate. Years in recovery don’t mean I have every answer. I need support, too. That’s why I’m sharing my story on AskAnAddict. I want to offer hope through my experience while connecting with people who understand. I’ve seen how much life can change, and I also know how much it matters to have someone beside you when life gets hard. I’m here to help, listen, and keep growing—one day at a time.