- Alcohol
- Drugs
Interviewed by Wendy Lee Nentwig
It took Adam more than a decade of abusing opiates and alcohol and a move across several states to realize the truth that “wherever you go, you go.” A location change won’t make a difference if what you’re really trying to escape is you. While substance abuse may be a component of the problem, the reason behind it usually runs deeper.
Adam started smoking pot at just 12 years old. At 23, he woke up every day feeling sick and tired of being sick and tired. His sister, who was pregnant for the first time, told him he wouldn’t be allowed in her home or have anything to do with her child if he didn’t make some changes. He knew he needed to get help and do something different or end his life. He couldn’t continue living the way he was living.
One fateful night in Georgia helped him make that decision. He went out for a drink (or a few), easily outlasting his friends who were sick and tired of watching him do the same thing over and over. On the way home, he blacked out while driving. The next thing he remembers is waking up about a mile away from his apartment. He had no idea if he had hit anyone or what else might have happened.
It was the chance Adam had been looking for. He went to emergency room and started treatment the next day.
He’ll have six years in recovery as of December 2012 and he’s continuing to work on the deeper issues that allowed him to hit bottom. He cautions others that pride and ego can get in the way but is happy to report that there is hope and healing on the other side.