Happy thanksgiving BTW!Closing out our November “Dual Diagnosis: Mental Health in Recovery” series is the story of Andrew—a young man whose survival is nothing short of miraculous. A chronic relapser who overdosed more times than he can count, Andrew spent years fighting anxiety, depression, heartbreak, and addiction, yet somehow never lost the spark inside him that believed he was meant for more.The youngest of four brothers, Andrew grew up searching for his identity—first as the baby of the family, then as a young gay man proud of who he was becoming. At just ten years old, he lost his father to cancer, a grief too heavy for a child to carry. But love stepped in through his grandmother, who became the anchor of the family and a steady presence through his darkest years.Like many, Andrew started with “small” drugs—alcohol, marijuana—using them to soothe the storm of untreated mental illness. But a toxic relationship awakened a deeper dependency, and after his first overdose he found himself in treatment, hearing the message of hope for the very first time. Though he tried to rebuild—moving to a new home, starting fresh—his disease followed him. A simple cold, one over-the-counter medication, and he was off and running. Weeks of using led to three overdoses, escalating violence in his relationship, and emotional devastation. Eventually, Andrew attempted to end his life through an intentional overdose in a motel room.But he woke up. And that moment—filled with regret and gratitude—became the quiet beginning of his surrender.Even then, recovery wasn’t linear. He overdosed again in treatment after his grandmother, his greatest supporter, passed away while he was using. When his mother asked him, in despair, “Where would you like to be buried?” Andrew finally understood: he was digging his own grave.He chose life instead.Entering long-term treatment, Andrew accepted medication, therapy, and support for his mental health—finally allowing himself to become “balanced.” Then the pandemic hit. But instead of collapsing under isolation, he immersed himself in online meetings and found the foundation of long-term recovery. With the return of in-person fellowship, he found a home group, a sponsor, and a purpose.Today, Andrew is going on seven years clean.
A recovery coach.
A soon-to-be certified alcohol and substance abuse counselor 
A poet whose words heal him.
A makeup artist with a thriving following and brand.
And one of the brightest stars in his NA community.Andrew’s story is a testament to resilience, to the miracles of seeking outside help while in recovery, and to what happens when a person finally chooses to stay alive long enough to become who they were always meant to be.

Ver todos los episodios