My name is Shawn and I am the Director of The Sober Zone. I am also an alcoholic and a drug addict living a free life today thanks to the many blessings a sober life offers. That was not always the case.

I was brought up in a wonderful, loving home. On August 16, 1981, when I was 10 years old, my father, mother, brother and I were on our way to visit relatives in the family car. A horrible traffic accident changed our home forever. My brother and I were seriously injured. Both of my parents were killed. Thus began the detachment from life and those around me—I began to disengage from life and engage in those things that would allow me to escape the pain, misery, and sadness that I faced on a daily basis. Food and video games were first, followed some time later by marijuana and alcohol. Cocaine, LSD, and other substances came and went until I met my mate.

Methamphetamine promised deliverance and it was this deliverance that I sought. It brought me to my knees, instead. There were many trips to jail and prison followed by numerous stays in sober living facilities. I sank into a bottomless pit of self-loathing, depression, pain, and endless fear. I contemplated death; thoughts of suicide were welcomed. I continued to do the only things I knew how to do—I drank, I used, I ate.

Being reintroduced to the concept of recovery, I clung to it as one would a lifeboat. That’s exactly what it became for me and I was able to climb in. I’ve struggled as we all do at points in our recovery, but I have endured and in doing so I’ve come to see and learn more about sobriety and the wonderful gifts it gives. For me the gifts are as endless as my misery once was, as large and deep as the bottomless pit my life had become. I get to live life on life’s terms today and greet each day with the idea of hope.

I’ve gone from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body to a functioning, giving, and essential member of society. I’ve gone from prison, both internally as well as literally, to helping others begin and walk the road of recovery. In addition to a degree in Human Services and my Certification as an Addictions Treatment Counselor, I am currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work. I have faith and the hope of a new day.

Today I live a free life thanks to the promises of sobriety.