LADWP/IBEW-Local 18/JSTI

A joint company-union program

peer volunteer program

Help with alcohol and substance use disorder or coping with a loved one’s alcohol/substance use disorder

Helena Argote

My name is Helena, and my sobriety date is February 17, 2018. For a long time, I knew I had an issue. I thought it was just depression; however, now I know that it was alcoholism. Alcohol became my master, and I believed it cured me of all my pain and suffering. I started drinking… Continue reading Helena Argote

Mike Tracy

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… Continue reading Mike Tracy

Jonathan Gritzner

How ya doin? My name is Jonathan Gritzner. On November 4th, 2003, I checked into a place called Acton Rehab. I went there because I was scared of living the life I was living, and I didn’t know how to stop it. The reason I was scared? Drugs and alcohol had taken control of my… Continue reading Jonathan Gritzner

David Lopez

Hello, my name is David Lopez. I’m an addict and alcoholic in recovery. My sobriety date is May 22, 2018. I was first introduced to alcohol at the age of five years old. I didn’t understand what alcohol was, but I immediately had a feeling that I belonged to something bigger. Two years, later my… Continue reading David Lopez

Carlos Mendoza

Hello, my name is Carlos Mendoza, and I am a grateful recovering addict.  I was born to parents that were active in their addiction.  I was introduced to drugs at the early age of 14.  I used drugs to feel accepted by my peers.  At first I used socially, and then it progressed through the… Continue reading Carlos Mendoza