Mike G’s Path to Recovery

My name is Mike G. and I am a grateful recovering addict.

My life of drug addiction started more than 20 years ago when I was just 13 years old. Like most, it started small and gradually progressed. By the time I was 18 I was fully hooked on opiates and any other substances I could get my hands on. I suffered through many years of pain, loss, regret, and ruined relationships, but I don’t want to focus on the bad stuff.

I would rather share how I turned my life around. Fortunately, my family never gave up on me and because of them, I was able to see that I didn’t have to live with addiction and my life was worth much more. I tried to get clean so many times through treatment centers, outpatient programs, and counseling, but sobriety just wouldn’t stick.

In February 2020, enough was enough. I came clean to my girlfriend, who I had been hiding my addiction from, as well as my cousin and best friend. We did some research and found Mountainside, where I went in for detox. I will always remember the feeling of pure sadness when they dropped me off, but I sucked it up and endured what I had to.

Mountainside is by far the best rehab I have ever been to, and they literally saved my life. I stayed clean for almost 1 year, however, during the holidays I slipped up for a couple of weeks. I immediately told my love ones and once again went back to Mountainside for detox.

Upon leaving, they set me up with an awesome counselor who met with me and helped me learn how to deal with all the emotions and triggers that come along with sobriety. I have now been clean and sober for more than two years and my life is drastically different and beautiful. I am married to an amazing woman who has always stayed by my side. We bought a house, have a great dog, and I enjoy happy and healthy relationships with my family and friends.

People always say that the sky is the limit in recovery. I can say first-hand that it is true. I am, by no means, cured of addiction and I continue to work at it everyday. The more time I get under my belt, the more I build a life I am not willing to give up for drugs and alcohol. The main message I would like to convey to those who are struggling is: don’t ever give up trying! It might not work the first or second time, but you just have to keep trying because you are worth it and we all deserve a great life. Good luck and God bless!