My name is Michael and I have been removed from all mind-altering substances since November 16th, 2013. Addiction began for me when I first injected heroin the summer after my freshmen year of high school.  I learned to cope and deal with life by using opiates and alcohol at a young age. This behavior would carry into my adulthood with incarceration, tethers, and halfway houses. Although, I have suffered many of the consequences of addiction, I am fortunate to have not died.

I was in a complete state of hopelessness when I finally accepted treatment. I had lost everything. I lost all connection with friends and family and was homeless. I was fortunate to have been welcomed with open arms by the men and women in the recovering community. With their guidance I have found myself again.

Today, I am a father who provides for his son, a graduate student at the University of Michigan, and working in a community that helped me become the person I am today. I have the privilege and honor to work with people who struggle with the same demons that I have. My work as a Counselor at a detox facility allows me to show people that there is hope and a way out of addiction. I also sponsor people looking for a better way and remain of service to those who seek help. The best gift that I have been given is the change that has happened within me and the person that I have become.