Summary
In this heartfelt testimonial, longtime Affect member Brian shares how he has turned his addiction into support for others, now working on his peer support certification!
This National Recovery Month, we’re celebrating your power to change. Every day we witness incredible feats of strength and powerful reminders that with support and belief in yourself, recovery is possible. Listen to longtime member Brian who overcame addiction to cocaine and heroin, or read his interview, below.
What made you decide to join Affect?
Brian: Hi, my name is Brian. I am a person in recovery. So I picked Affect over other treatment options because, you know, in the beginning when I first quit using drugs and alcohol I was going through bad social anxiety and, you know, if I had to go somewhere and like drive to a place and go somewhere and be around new people, that would have, uh, that would have stopped me in the beginning and I wouldn’t have. I wouldn’t have gone to recovery or any kind of meetings or anything like that.
Tell us what your life was like before Affect. What were you struggling with?
Brian: So my life before Affect – I was struggling with severe heroin and cocaine addiction. For many, many, many years, and the times I would quit, I would go to heavy, heavy drinking. So, I mean, this lasted over a span of 15 years. Yeah, that’s what I was struggling with before.
How has your life improved since you joined Affect?
Brian: My life has greatly improved since I joined Affect. I was in Affect for over 2 years and along that journey, they were with, with me the whole time. I, you know, I’ve came a long way, uh, in the 2 years. I’m now currently, I’m a peer recovery support specialist intern and, doing a community health worker training. Right now, I’m here at school. So, yeah, you know, I’m involved in the recovery community and, recovery has become a huge part of my life.
What has been your favorite part of working with Affect?
Brian: My favorite part of working with Affect has been my counselor, Tracy. She’s been great. And I’ve also liked the groups too.
What advice would you give to someone considering getting treatment?
Brian: My advice for someone considering getting treatment is do it. You deserve it. You deserve to be happy and healthy and you can be.
