“Hello. I’m Ryan. I’m a recovering addict/alcoholic. I gave up drinking at 24(approaching 39) but still struggled with cocaine for those 15/16 years of not drinking. I’m a high functioning addict; I would always attempt to juggle relationships, multiple jobs, social activities and parenting all while trying to hide my addiction. It wasn’t fear that held me back from quitting but shame. How do I tell my loved ones I’m a junkie? How do I tell my loved ones I’ve been high at the most inappropriate times? How do I tell my daughter…I wasn’t good enough to be her dad until now? The fact is, you just do. All the trash actions we did are just stories to tell and wounds to let heal. They’re not who we are or who we will be; it’s who we were. And from this, we show others how to swim through a river and come out smelling clean on the other side. We didn’t become addicts overnight. I imagine my sobriety will be a daily battle until my last grateful breath on this planet. To those that still struggle, we’re here for you “- Ryan