Our Stories
Share the power of long-term recovery. If you are in recovery, a family member, friend or ally of someone in recovery, we want to hear your recovery story!
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Voice of the Recovery Community Award
Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) is the recipient of The Joel Hernandez Voice of the Recovery Community Award!
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Our Stories
Kevin Young
Trenton, ME
I'm Kevin Young and I am in long-term recovery, which means that I have not used opiates, alcohol, and other drugs for more than 19 years. I am very committed to recovery because it has given my family back the hope and trust in me they used to have, and it has made me a stable, responsible person with great promise for the future. I speak out now because I believe that long-term recovery is possible for all and I'd like to help make that possible.
Like a lot of people I had a tough time before I found recovery. The truth is that I had isolated myself from family and anyone who wanted me to be healthy. I honestly wasn't sure how I could ever change my life. I was once at such a low in Boston that I knew what it was like to sleep behind the dumpster I was eating from and smoke cigarette butts I would pick up off the ground. I was unable to hold a job and lost my last good one at a major hospital in Boston where my drug use had escalated. I honestly didn't think there was hope for me, despair and loneliness seemed such a natural way of life for me and I had no idea they were drug induced. For the most part I was numb to the world around me and believed I was living the only life I was capable of.
In the summer of 1988, like many in desperation, I sought a geographical cure to Maine where it appeared life might be simpler. I had pursued a young lady I thought was interested in me and decided I was in love. It didn't take her very long to continually tell me to go back to Boston and leave her alone. She saw me as someone who couldn't or wouldn't stay away from those destructive behaviors.
Six months after moving to Maine, I finally found recovery on Thanksgiving Day, 1988 with the help of some very supportive people already in recovery, and that girlfriend who wanted the best for me but also didn't want anything to do with me. I started attending support group meetings and learned that I had to change my behaviors in order to change my attitudes and thinking processes. I found that surrounding myself with others who had long term recovery, I knew that road was possible for me.
Today I'm respected by my family and others. Long term recovery has taught me to hold my head high and deal with life as it comes. I'm able to hold a good job, make and keep friendships, and have awesome relationships with those close to me. 2 1/2 years into my recovery that girl I chased when I first moved to Maine married me. Today we've been married over 16 years and have a devoted and fulfilling relationship. She's not in recovery but supports me 100% in all I do that is recovery related.
I lost my Mom 2 years ago quite unexpectedly, and my Dad has moved in with us while he determines his next move in life. It's such a gift to be able to help someone who years ago I hid from so he wouldn't see me at my worst. Today I have the ability to look beyond myself and see others needs as well. I'm so happy that Dad and I have the best relationship we've ever had.
I am able to be supportive and help others find recovery for themselves.
I spend some time doing service work for my support program as well as being on the advisory board of the Maine Alliance for Addiction Recovery.
I produced and maintain a website for a local intensive outpatient program for alcohol or drug addicted persons, as well as one for the local recovery center. I'm able to support both websites with my time and money because I'm so healthy today.
I enjoy attending and participating in substance abuse conferences and most recently completed training by Faces and Voices of Recovery to learn messaging and techniques in dealing with the media to become a better recovery advocate. I'd like to further the message that recovery works and it’s awesome!
When I first found recovery, I had no material possessions. Today I have a wonderful house with the mortgage almost paid for. Summer is spent on the ocean in a beautiful old cottage just 30 feet from high tide. I have a beautiful sailboat there and kayaks to share with friends when they visit. I have hiked to the top of the tallest mountains in Maine and run many 26 mile marathons. I've been sponsored by several racquetball companies while pursuing my love for that sport. This year my wife and I bought motorcycles and explored the Maine coast in all it's beauty.
Today I have a life second to none. I love my life and everyone in it. My dream is that this way of life is available to all who have suffered like I have. Today anything is possible.
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