Addiction doesn’t discriminate, and D’s story serves as a powerful reminder of how it can impact anyone, regardless of their background. Raised in the small lakeside town of Montague, Michigan, D had a childhood many would envy. He had a loving family, a solid foundation, and a promising future. “I couldn’t have asked for better,” D says about his parents. “My dad taught me everything—from hunting and fishing to learning a skilled trade. My mom? She’s a saint—always there for me, no matter what.”
Despite this seemingly perfect start, substance use entered D’s life at a young age. At 12, he first experimented with marijuana, and by 15, it had turned into regular use. Over the next few years, his “weekend fun” escalated to drinking, using ecstasy, and eventually experimenting with cocaine. What seemed like harmless experimentation took a much darker turn when D became a father.
After the end of his relationship with his children’s mother, D found himself struggling to cope with the loss. He moved back in with his parents for support, but the emotional pain was overwhelming. That’s when meth entered the picture. “I loved it,” D admits. Meth became his crutch, and what started as occasional use soon turned into a ten-year addiction. He even tried heroin, which intensified the cycle of substance abuse.
Over the next few years, D’s addiction grew worse. He lost his children, his job, his health, and his dignity. He overdosed five times and was revived with Narcan each time. But despite the repeated brushes with death, addiction kept its grip on him. D found himself stuck in a vicious cycle, waking up every day to the same desperate pursuit of his next fix.
The turning point came after D was released from jail in December 2024. His girlfriend picked him up, and as they drove away, he was high before they even left the parking lot. “Seven days later, I was back in jail,” D says. “That’s when it got old. I told my mom, ‘Don’t bail me out until they can find me a bed at a rehab.’”
True to his word, D’s journey to recovery began when the police took him directly from jail to Chester Ray, a treatment facility through Reach for Recovery. For the first time, D was ready. “I feel like this is the one,” he says with conviction. “I’m gaining back my self-respect and feeling optimistic about my future.”
Six days into his recovery, D shared how proud he was of his progress. “Six days might not sound like much, but for me, it’s huge,” he says with a smile. “It’s the longest stretch I’ve had outside of jail. And I’m finally beginning to break the cycle.”
As D continues his recovery journey, the staff at Chester Ray and the Reach for Recovery community are supporting him every step of the way. He’s forming new friendships and establishing his place in the group recovery meetings. He’s learning how to manage his addiction and build a foundation for a healthier, sober life.
“D is immersed in a tribe of brotherhood at Chester Ray,” says Jay DePoy, Case Manager. “He’s become more vocal in our group meetings and has started forming a stable relationship with his medications. We’re proud of how far he’s come and are excited to continue supporting him as he moves forward in his recovery.”
D’s story is a reminder that recovery is possible, no matter how long someone has struggled or how far they’ve fallen. It’s about breaking the cycle, finding hope, and embracing a future that’s full of possibility.
Recovery is possible, and there is support available. Reach for Recovery is here to help you take that first step toward a brighter future. Whether you’re looking for resources, treatment, or simply someone to talk to, we are committed to providing the support and guidance you need.
Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can assist you on your journey to recovery. Together, we can break the cycle and build a foundation for lasting change.
