Connection is the Kryptonite Against My Addiction

For nearly twenty years, alcohol controlled my life. I drank every day, fully aware I had a problem but unable to stop. I went to treatment more than once, always thinking it would be a quick fix—thirty days and done. It never worked. I relapsed, missed out on the first months of my daughter’s life and eventually, my marriage fell apart.

By the time I came to Caron, I was in the middle of a divorce and fighting for custody—things I never imagined would happen to me. Life felt hopeless and out of control, and I knew my disease would only get worse. I just didn’t want to die.

Caron was unlike any other place I’d been. From detox to inpatient, the connections I made were life-changing. I had honest conversations with people who had been through what I was going through, and they gave me hope that I wasn’t alone.

For the first time, I understood that recovery doesn’t end after thirty days; it’s a lifelong journey. I describe my experience like this: before Caron, I sat in the driver’s seat of a car but didn’t even know how to start the engine. At Caron, I learned where the keys go, how the pedals work, and that I didn’t have to jump on the highway right away. I could take it slowly on the back roads first, one day at a time.

Now, two and a half years later, I share 50/50 custody of my daughter, who is the light of my life. When I’m with her, she gets 100% of me. She wakes up excited for the day, and she’s taught me to do the same. I’ve also found purpose in my work as a middle school educator. Recovery makes me a better teacher and father, and being around these kids makes me stronger in recovery. It all comes full circle.

Recovery is an important part of my life as I continue therapy and remain active in my recovery community. I’m also proud to be a sponsor to others and offer others the same encouragement I once needed. Connection is the kryptonite against my addiction—it weakens the disease every time I reach out, open up or help someone else.

I don’t see my alcoholism as the end of the world anymore. It’s something I live with, but my recovery gives me the tools to move forward. It wasn’t an ending, it was the beginning of a new life built on hope, honesty and community.