I’ve struggled with substances most of my life. It started with a prescription for Adderall when I was a kid, then escalated through high school and college—marijuana, cocaine, opiates. I got married and tried to pull things together, but the truth is, I developed an addiction to opiates during that time. Toward the end of our 11-year marriage, my wife confronted me about it. I wasn’t willing to stop, and that choice ultimately ended the relationship. That loss forced me to take a hard look at my life. I checked myself into detox and rehab, and something finally shifted. After a brutal first month of withdrawal, I felt clear for the first time in years. I started using therapy seriously, leaned on the people who believed in me, and began rebuilding. Now I’m back in school, working toward a counseling license so I can support others who are walking a similar path. If you’re sitting with the grief and guilt of losing someone because of your addiction, I’ve been there—and I’d be glad to talk with you.