Justin

Topics: Substance Abuse

“I first started using drugs in junior high and used them all the way up until I was 21. At first they were fun to me and what I thought was the answer to life. Later on down the road, I realized my life wasn’t going very well. I would isolate myself when I used drugs. I was feeling lost and broken, not knowing who the real me was. Every time I was around friends and family members, I would wear a mask pretending that everything was alright.

As a result of my using, I damaged my body and many of my relationships. I was still living at my parents’ house at 21, and was never responsible or reliable for anything. I lived paycheck to paycheck. I became very depressed and hit a low point at 21. I realized if I continued using, I would most likely end up dead. I checked into treatment and slowly started seeing the truth about my life. I was going to have to make some major changes. 

A miracle had happened in December 3, 2002. I checked into an outpatient program at Banner  Behavioral Health Center for a drug overdose. There, I began to see the world in a new view. I learned much about honesty, openmindedness,  and willingness.  Three principles that were foreign to me at the time. Slowly but surely I began to recover. Alcoholics Anonymous and the road to recovery became a huge part of my life. I saw the secret in staying sober was by helping others. SO that is what I continue to do till this day. And because  of that I have not had a drink or drug since then.

Today, I continue to share my heart with troubled youth at Canyon State Acadamy. This place has motivated and inspired me to go back to college and to train for a marathon. Thank you CSA staff and  students for being a big part of my life.”