I hit rock bottom, too.

I want you to know one thing about me—I was once in your shoes, addicted to drugs and alcohol, feeling lost and alone.

I started playing ice hockey at a young age, and by 18, I earned an invitation to try out for the U.S. National Team Development Program (Team USA). It felt like a dream come true.

Unfortunately, drugs derailed this opportunity. I first encountered drugs and alcohol at parties, but I stayed away because of my commitment to ice hockey. However, after defending a teammate during my senior year, I was forced to transfer to Atlantic City High School. Feeling abandoned, I tried Percocet and cocaine, and that’s when my drug use escalated.

My turning point came after several arrests, including a DUI and violating my pretrial intervention with a possession charge. My parents disowned me, and I finally realized I needed help.