Recovery means keeping my promises. It means believing that I am a man of promise. It means learning to live a life full of promise. A little over 11 years ago, fresh out of rehab to address my substance abuse issues, I was walking King, my oldest son, to his wrestling practice, with my oldest daughter –  ‘Bug, short for Lady Bug –  who was 5 years old at the time. Holding my hand with a serious “kung-fu grip,” Bug looked up at me with these big, most beautiful brown eyes, and she challenged me by saying, asking, “Daddy never let me go!?!?” By the grace of my Higher Power, with a lot of prayer and tears, with the help and support of family and friends, and by putting in the hard work, I have been able to keep my promise. Not only have I kept my promise, but I have also learned how to get a better grip and improve upon, as well as consistently continue to double down on, my efforts to keep my word. Today, I am a present husband, father, son, brother, friend, and living, breathing human being. I have been able to go back and get my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, something I swore I would do while I was still in active addiction. I [...]

“Twelve and a half years ago I was in active addiction . . . and eventually I ended up in a hospital for mental health. I am now 7 1/2 years clean and sober. For anyone who wakes up thinking ‘oh god not again,’ I promise you there’s a way,” tweets Stranger Things actor Jamie Campbell Bower. His story of addiction recovery and mental health is one that resonates far and wide. Addiction affects about 22 million Americans. What most people don’t realize is the chances for healing are excellent. It is not always easy, or fast, but it is most certainly possible. 12 and a half years ago I was in active addiction. Hurting myself and those around me who I loved the most. It got so bad that eventually I ended up in a hospital for mental health. I am now 7 1/2 years clean and sober. I have made many mistakes in my life — Jamie Campbell Bower (@Jamiebower) July 27, 2022 Mental health and addiction recovery Mental illnesses and addiction tend to go hand in hand. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that substance abuse disorders and mental health issues share common risk factors such as genetics and early exposure to stress or trauma. In particular, those who live through [...]

I was at work and as usual, we were very busy on the unit. I work in a program named Miracles in Progress. It is for unhoused men challenged by life adversities. I received a call on June 26, 2021, from my niece. They told me that Ty was in the emergency room. He had stopped breathing.  My heart raced. I immediately left work and caught the bus, switched to the train, and got off at the transportation center and raced for six minutes to get to the hospital's ER. I went to a window, told the attendant that my cousin Ty was in the emergency room and I went right back. I saw my sister, his mother, and other cousins. I went over to the bed, kissed and hugged him. I  started praying. Then I sat down to speak with his mother. She told me he had stopped breathing at the house and his girlfriend performed CPR with no success. The doctor came in and told us that he was dead. We were in shock. The days following his death and up to the funeral were difficult for my family. Folks started whispering, that he really died at home from drugs his girlfriend gave him. Then at the funeral emotions were running high. Family members were arguing.  A couple [...]