For much of my life, I felt as if a part of me was missing — a feeling underscored by a constant, underlying sadness that I couldn't put into words. It felt like having a small stone inside of my shoe. Invisible to others yet always there, a constant reminder that I carried with me, influencing my every step.

It was during high school that this feeling drove me to seek escape through substance use, beginning with pain medication. Before I knew it, I was addicted. I lost control. This lack of control followed me into college, where I used substances constantly. I sought escape in any and every substance I could find, rarely spending a day sober.

My addiction escalated, and I turned to stronger drugs, which eventually dominated my life. Even Suboxone, which helped me and initially offered hope, became another casualty of my addiction. I was reduced to a hollow version of myself, my world shrinking to encompass only the next fix, at the expense of all other interests and relationships. For years, I remained trapped in this empty, repetitive existence.

It wasn’t until I got sober that I began to understand what I had been searching for all along. It was like finally taking off my shoe and discovering the source of that constant, nagging discomfort — realizing it was a symptom of a much deeper wound.

Through rehab and recovery, I connected with people who shared my struggles. These connections changed everything. For the first time, I felt seen and understood, and I realized that I wasn’t alone.

My recovery journey isn’t just about staying sober— it’s about building a life worth living. It’s about finding joy, connection, and a sense of purpose. That’s what recovery has given me, and that’s what I hope to help others find for themselves.

Recovery is possible for anyone willing to take the first step, and I’m passionate about walking this path alongside those ready to change their lives.

If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone. Recovery is hard, but it’s worth it. And when you’re ready to take that first step, there are people like me who are here to walk with you, every step of the way.