My story proves that recovery can help and is effective.

Despite coming from a happy family, I was dependent on alcohol and drugs by my early teens. Addiction quickly left me homeless, helpless, and penniless, robbing me of my youth and driving me to spend years in jail. Regardless, the love and commitment of the recovery community helped me learn the tools and skills to transform my life, return to school, and finally become a trial lawyer and advocate for people with substance use disorders.

It was because of the people who believed in me when I had lost faith in myself that I was able to earn my G.E.D. while incarcerated, and later graduated from college and law school. The Governor of Massachusetts graciously pardoned my past crimes, and I hope to become a judge in my home state. I have been featured in Parade Magazine and have appeared on CBS Weekend News.

Although I am a member of a 12-step group, recovery comes by many paths. It teaches responsibility and self-respect. Recovery has brought me a level of satisfaction and accomplishment I never dreamed was possible while using alcohol and drugs. Most importantly, recovery has shown me how to give back and to love: my community, my family, and most importantly, myself. Recovery works.