In 2005, I was a 22 year old student at the University of Kentucky when I realized, for the first time ever, that I was an addict. UK had just told me to take an indefinite break from school, all the scholarships were gone, and my life was seemingly in shambles. I was deep in the grips of an addiction to OxyContin and heroin.  I had become a version of myself that was completely unrecognizable. Just three years prior, I came to college as the valedictorian of my graduating class, a Kentucky Governor’s Scholar, and a highly successful student athlete. Drugs and alcohol had stripped away everything I had ever known, and become my whole identity.  

I’d love to say that experience served as a wake up call, but that’s not how my story goes. I white knuckled it long enough to get myself detoxed and put on a good show for my family, but quickly returned to use with a solemn vow to “keep it under control.” 

For the next 13 years I tried every possible way to control and manage my drinking and substance abuse, little to no success. During that period there were good times, bad times, terrible times, great times and everything in between. I had all the major life events. I had successful jobs, made some money, and got married. I went back to school, graduated, and began a successful career. I had kids, got a Master’s degree, and owned my own home, but one thing never changed; I never learned how to live life without using drugs and alcohol to cope with and alter my reality.  I used every reason imaginable to justify my drinking and substance use to myself. I absolutely had to put some substance in my body every day to change the way I felt–the way I felt about life, and mostly the way I felt about myself.

In June of 2018, I was at my lowest point. At that time I was 6 years into my career as a high school math teacher.  I was using oxycodone and marijuana all day, every day, and had lost all control of my life, yet again. I asked for help, went to treatment, and found a world in recovery that I didn’t even know existed. 

Today, I faithfully work a program, I help others, and I do not let up on my own recovery. In return, I get to live a life free from the bondage of drugs and alcohol. I get to be a present father to my three beautiful children, partner to my amazing fiance, and son to my ever supportive parents. I get to live a life of service and gratitude. 

Recovery allows me to wake up every day and make a good faith effort to be the best version of myself. I have learned how to value growth, show myself grace, and strive for progress rather than perfection.  Recovery has evolved me, again, into a version of myself that sometimes seems unrecognizable, but this time in the most beautiful way.

I first heard about Accountable in 2022, in the midst of my career shift from education into the behavioral health field. Since then, I have closely followed Accountable’s success.  When AJ and Matt offered me an opportunity to come on board, I didn’t hesitate to say yes.  I am truly honored to join this team of like-minded individuals who are working tirelessly every day to improve themselves and help others find and sustain long term recovery.