Steward, a 77-year-old Philadelphian, is a fixture in Rittenhouse Park. A stroll with him is never just a walk; it’s a social event. At every turn, he chats with neighbors and friends. His jokes have perfect Philadelphian timing, and he laughs with ease.
Steward’s compassionate nature stems from decades of personal recovery and from helping others overcome substance abuse. His journey offers insights for people struggling with substance abuse or concerned about a loved one using opioids.
At 17, Steward began injecting heroin. His first overdose took place in his sister’s bedroom. His parents did everything possible to help him, but Steward continued to use heroin.
“I was in a vortex of despair,” Steward recalls. “I had so much shame. When my wife kicked me out and changed the locks, she made me responsible.”
After one unsuccessful rehab attempt, he finally achieved sobriety at 35. A doctor at the old RAID clinic in Kensington helped him detox from heroin using methadone for withdrawal management and clinical stabilization.
After some years, the medical team worked with Steward to help him live opioid and methadone-free. A 12-step program provided the necessary structure and support to rebuild his life and gain coping skills. “I had lost everything and needed to start again,” he reflects.
Steward has been sober for 42 years. His journey led him from shame and despair to self-esteem and hope.
“Recovery is a tough road. You have to be committed and proactive in your recovery,” Steward advises. Steward remains vigilant in his recovery, stating, “You cannot forget who you are. The risk is too high for people like me.” He is at ease with who he has become but knows that, like with the management of other chronic disorders, he must stay responsible for his health and well-being.
Steward stressed a crucial point for family and friends worried about loved ones: “There is a tremendous impact on the family that the person using substances does not realize.” But there is also hope as “people using drugs are always trying to get sober. There is always a chance of recovery, but they have to face a moment of reckoning.”
While family support can play a role in recovery, ultimately, the individual struggling with opioid dependence must take responsibility for their own healing journey. Individual accountability is key to sustainable recovery. The family can provide encouragement, boundaries, and a supportive environment, but they cannot force recovery. Family support aids recovery but cannot create recovery in the absence of personal commitment and behavioral change.
“In 12-step programs, they give you a coin when you celebrate years sober. I always give my coin to my wife. She was as responsible for my recovery as I.”
For families seeking help, Steward recommends, “The first thing they should turn to is talking to someone in a 12-step program such as Al-Anon.” You can also consult doctors, mental health providers, or use the HealthyMindsPhilly confidential chatline to ask questions and seek support.