Nick had a long and hard life where he was a heroin user and struggled to get clean from addiction. He would go into an ally way, throw his Heroin, needles, and spoons away.
He’d promise himself that he would never pick up another drug again. However, only to find himself going through the dumpsters the next day to find his dope. It was the only way to help him stop his heroin caused symptoms of withdrawal.
Effects of Gateway Drugs
His addiction started in 1965. He didn’t go straight to Heroin – he started out smoking weed. Back then, there weren’t many people who smoked because the effects were unknown.
However, not knowing the effects of marijuana didn’t scare Nick. He liked the feeling, he liked to escape reality.
Nick didn’t realize it at the time that he was smoking to escape reality, in the beginning, during his high school years he had a lot of fun.
He would go smoke with friends and watch live bands in the Los Angeles area. He was living the life and didn’t think smoking weed would take him down the path of destruction.
Consequences of Heroin Use
Nick was having so much fun in his early life, he didn’t think the consequences of using and experimenting with drugs would be what they ended up being. He thought it was all fun and games.
Having said that, when Nick started using Heroin, he could not stop. With the progression of Heroin addiction, his life slowly got worse and he got into a lot of trouble.
This prison was made for individuals like Nick who suffer from having a drug addiction. However, instead of paying attention and doing what he needed to be doing, Nick got involved with the wrong people in the prison.
These people introduced Nick to drug smuggling and drug sales which didn’t help one bit. Nick’s ability to get clean from heroin and get recovery wasn’t possible. His involvement caused him to be worse off in his heroin addiction than when he arrived at the prison.
Finding a New Life Direction
The day came when Nick was released into the real world. He didn’t get off easy though. The courts and federal system insisted he go into a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center for his heroin drug abuse.
Nick went into Impact Recovery in California in 1991. At this treatment center was where he was introduced to Narcotic Anonymous.
As soon as he started going to Narcotics Anonymous, he didn’t have the urge to use heroin again. On top of that, he didn’t have a need to use any mind-altering substance again.
At the time, he was 41 years old and scared. His whole life he knew was surrounded by drugs and how to sell them. He didn’t know there was any other way to live. Deciding to stay in the treatment center for seven months, Nick was able to get the hang of being in recovery and living life on life’s terms.
Working At a Rehab
Nick was at Impact Recovery for so long, the staff noticed a huge change in him. The change they saw led to him being asked if he would like to stay on as a professional staff member.
He took the position and started living life to the fullest. Nick was able to make this change because he met someone who took him through the 12-steps of Narcotics Anonymous.
He was there for him and truly cared about him which meant the world to Nick. Even after 28 years, he still talks with that man who showed him a new way to live at least once a year.
With everything Nick has been through, the thing that has meant most to him is that his mother was able to see him get clean and when she passed, she knew he was clean. He wishes it was the same for his father, but he knows he is watching over him and rooting him on from heaven and very excited about his recovery.
Opening a Drug Rehab
After some time in recovery, Nick spoke with a friend who also had a strong passion for individuals in recovery. They wanted to do something together to help everyone who has been in the position they were in when using drugs.
Subsequently, they opened Recovery in Motion treatment center, in April of 2015. This treatment center is Nick’s dream come true.
He has seen kids young as 11- or 12-years old walk through the doors of Recovery in Motion and it moves his heart that he can help these kids before it may be too late.
Nick also sees kids who are just 20 years old who have been down a worse path than him. It breaks his heart but makes him feel better knowing he can help these kids recover- if they do in fact want recovery and are willing to do the work.
Discover Happiness in Life
Nick loves to vibe with these kids because he went through the same thing and wants to show them that recovery from addiction is truly possible.
As a means of motivation, Nick takes pictures of his clients on the day they come in. This is followed by a photograph of themselves on the day they graduate treatment. The photos are put into the person’s certification when they graduate treatment.
Nick states that this is how he helps them see the progress they’ve made in treatment for addiction recovery. He explains that they can view their progress from a different viewpoint and will put it in their certifications when they graduate.
His goal is to help any and all people who are struggling with addiction. He wants to help them be well and become productive members of society. Nick strongly agrees with working a 12-step program and taking all the suggestions you can possibly take from someone who has time in the program.
Getting Clean and Staying Clean
It isn’t easy to get clean, but it is possible, you just have to want it. Sometimes when people go to prison, they understand it’s time to stop.
For Nick, things got worse in prison and he still had to go to treatment. Everyone’s story is different, and it is time to stop being embarrassed by yours.
Addiction does not discriminate against color, race, religion or income. It happens to the best of us and it’s your decision to ask for help or to keep hiding behind a wall.
It’s okay to be scared but we hope you get to be scared while supported by other people who love you in a 12-step treatment center.
However you decide to get clean from addiction, we are here for you. If you realize you need help, please give us a call. There is absolutely no shame in asking for help.
Reaching out for help from another only shows personal strength and power. Take your power back from addiction and give us a call today. Our number is (866) 578-7471. We hope to hear from you soon.
32 comments
This is an awesome story. I see a lot of ex-users wanting to take part in helping people overcome their drug addictions.
Wow, this so good to hear about Nick. With his experience, he discovered his purpose. It is good to also have good people around you in such plight, it goes a long way. Nice one
This is a good one because he would use his drug addiction experience as a guide. I think it is a welcome idea.
This will be a great initiative for man kind.
Great article
a lot of people like Nick experiment with drugs at their early life without knowing the effect of it …going to prison and mixing with the wrong people messed up his life more..I’m glad Nick went a rehabilitation center after he left prison and I’m happy he became a fool time professional member..that is so cute…thanks a lot for sharing your story
Wow, what a story. Nick tried quitting drugs but found himself going back. We said encourage people around us to use program that works.
Experience they say is the best teacher. This is his driving force. Keep it up.
Alot of mind-altering substance people result into when faced with challenges of life. But serious no good ending is ever recorded from doing drugs.
This is a great idea. He has what it is required to be effective in this line of service to humanity.
Wow, this is a good story to look at once, ti is good to also have good company around you who keep motivating you in such a tough situation.
Nick’s story is well detailed. Aside the sad side of his story and the Happy ending it has as well help others see through the great damage drugs can cause.
Wow Nick how great you are, after sober you prepare Dream come true treatment for addicted.God bless you Nick
Another substance widely abused is heroine, providing a center to cater and help people line this encourages more people to seek help. Very lo Ely of you guys, keep on the good works
Nick faced a Lot and was able to Fight through Addiction.
Like it was said in this Article, Addiction is For All and there exist no Discrimination.
Experience is at work here. I wish a successful humanitarian service.
This is very inspirational story. This is very helpful for all people who are suffering from drugs and alcohol. Thanks for sharing this video
This is a nice and intriguing story. Thank you detox for sharing. Am glad a lot of people wants to help those that are addicted to drugs
He discovered his purpose. This is good to also. With is experience. It goes a long way.
I love it when people uses bad experiences to extend a hand and make the world better. It aint much sure but it makes a difference. This guy knows what he is doing because he was once down that road. I like that.
This is a beautiful story. I’m so happy to know happiness was found at last.
This is great! There was a time when he was suffering from addiction himself and now he opened a recovery center where he is helping other people. There was a time when he was introduced to people who were involved in drug smuggling, but I am glad that Nick never got into this illegal business. i hope other people find help at his recovery center.
Aside nick’s story. This article has you know has really discuss alot about addiction, and how to reduce addiction in our society
Programs really works for everyone who had suffered addiction. Determination and be sober are the key to recover
Nick your story is really inspiring, it like moving from hell back to earth to change your story. Thank you for the good center for other addicts to be rehabilitated
What a great change, salute to you man you have done a wonderful job really treating people is the best service to god.
Experience is the best teacher. From this, he could use his wealth of experience to treat heroin drug addicts. It is a welcome development!
This is a wonderful initiative by Nick. Having the experience in addiction helped him in thinking about opening a treatment center. This development by Nick will go a long way to help those with addiction.
Building a treatment center takes a lot of courage. Nick’s experience with addiction g ave him purpose to help others facing the same challenges as he did.
So happy for Nick for having the mindset of helping others addiction. His experience in addiction can serve a new found hope for others that life can be better if step is taken towards recovery.
Discovering of happiness personally is a great service to self. When you recovery you need to give yourself the happiness you need . I hope others learn from this
This development is truly amazing and encouraging. It will go a long way to solve people addiction problem. It’s a good development.
Thanks for sharing such a great article really it is very helpful and commenting for reach ++>