I’ve been a DWP employee since 2011, starting as a Utility Pre-Craft Trainee and currently as a Steam Plant Operator at Haynes Generating Station. I’m also a shop steward, husband, father, step-father, youth football coach, and an alcoholic. Without recovery in my life, I lose all those things and anything else of value in my life. I’m the type of alcoholic that stops showing up to work and doesn’t come home. No way I make it to watch my kids play sports, and there’s definitely no time in my life to volunteer or help others, because that would get in the way of my drinking and using.

No matter how many times I tried to stop or control my drinking and drug use on my own, I failed. Every. Single. Time. I was hopeless. I resigned myself to the idea that there was no way out for me and that eventually I was going to die. At 18 years old, just after (barely) graduating high school, I was arrested. A few weeks later I made my way to a meeting where I spoke to a man who would introduce me to a program that would save my life, and on December 14, 2003 I surrendered to a new way of living.

The man I am today is a far cry from who I was when I got sober years ago. Today I am present in my life. Today I think of others and how my actions will affect them. Most importantly, today I have hope.

If you’re reading this and struggling with your drinking or drug use and can’t see a way out, know that I’ve been where you’ve been and felt what you’re feeling and there is hope for you.

Feel free to call me any time if you want someone to talk to or just listen. I currently work a rotating shift, so there’s a good chance I may already be awake for those 2am calls.