Hi. My name is Mike Tracy, and I’ve been employed by the Department since 2015 as an Maintenance and Construction Helper with General Construction at Haynes Generating Station. My sobriety date is December 13, 2002.  In other words, I wouldn’t have this job if I wasn’t sober. I started experimenting with alcohol and drugs around age 12. I’m a musician, and I have been in a band in some form since I was 17. I led the “party all night but show up for work” lifestyle for years. Eventually, it caught up to me. The drugs became harder, and the drinking became more frequent. I started having consequences with work, relationships, and the law.  My priority was getting loaded. I didn’t like what I’d become, but I had an issue with asking for help. The fear, guilt, and shame, coupled with being stubborn, did not help. I’ve experienced all levels of treatment, 5 detoxes, 2 residential programs, intensive outpatient, and the county jail.

When I finally surrendered completely and reached out to others like me, my life improved exponentially.  I have been sober ever since. If you’re struggling with addiction and have ended up here, any one of us Peers has felt the same way. We want to help.  You can contact any one of us confidentially, at any time, with the Department’s blessing. There is a way out. I promise. And that’s what we’re here for. Please know you’re not alone, and it will get better if you just try.

Thank you.