- Drugs
Submitted by Sean
My phone call with Devin was delightful. I was so inspired by his passion to help others. He is a an advocate with an organization called Young People in Recovery. He also works in the field of addiction and mental health; his message is one to be heard.
Before Devin ever picked up a drink or drug, he recalled his addiction to sugar. He remembered the days when he could not stop eating sugar; in fact, his mother would hide the candy, sugar and sweets, but Devin would find what he wanted at any cost. At age 12, his parents got divorced, and this put a lot of pressure on him. He said, “I felt like the black sheep of the family.”
Devin did not pick up drugs until he was 18 years old. It was a slow and steady progression from alcohol to weed to crystal meth. The late nights out with friends, the parties at local clubs and the sneaking of drugs and alcohol led him to his rock bottom. First came the lying and cheating, then eventually he was isolating himself. It was not until he felt he had hit rock bottom, where he had nowhere else to go, that he was ready to accept help. He remembers it taking a few tries, a few treatment centers, and finally a rock bottom where he overdosed on pills because he wanted to kill himself that made him realize he wanted to live a better life. He finally decided to get serious about recovery.
Today in recovery, Devin lives a life he could never have imagined when using. Today he is a part of multiple recovery advocacy programs, he participates in the 12 steps, and he has found a purpose in helping others. He said his greatest inspiration was his mom for sticking by him. He has learned how to set boundaries with his family and friends.
Devin’s message of hope is that anyone can do this. You have to be ready to surrender and give up your old life, but anyone anywhere can change his or her life for the better.