“I Feel Like a Man Now”: Benny’s Story of Recovery, Redemption, and Fatherhood

In a courtroom once filled with consequences, Benny Riddle found something he never expected—hope.

Benny didn’t wear an orange jumpsuit when he walked into court this time. He walked in as a graduate of Scott County’s Drug Court program—applauded by a room of peers, supporters, and the judge who had seen him fight for a new life.

After the ceremony, I asked him a simple question:
“What does today mean to you?”
His answer was immediate.
“It means everything,” Benny said.

The Weight of Addiction: Jail, Shame, and Absence from Fatherhood

Addiction once defined him. He was in and out of jail, absent in the lives of his two children, and convinced he’d never be worthy of more.
“I can’t read and write that good,” he admitted. “Before, I kind of just let it get me down. I thought I was never worthy, you know what I mean?”

But the Benny who stood in front of Judge Kathryn Gabhart that day was a different man. He’s nearly three years sober. He’s working through the 12 steps. He’s found a sponsor and built a future. And now, he’s preparing for something even bigger: the birth of his baby girl.

“I feel like I’m a man now,” he said. “I have two other kids, but I was never there. I was just an addict and an alcoholic. This time, I can be there. That’s the best feeling in the world.”

How BrightView Helped Benny Reclaim his Life

Judge Gabhart  praised Benny for his commitment—not just to staying sober, but to showing up for his life with a positive attitude, no matter what challenges came his way. Benny credited BrightView for helping him believe in himself again.

“Without BrightView, this wouldn’t be possible,” he said. “Back in the day, I’d try, but I’d fall back out. That voice in my head would tell me I wasn’t good enough, that nobody cared. But I didn’t let it get to me this time.”

He’s also made hard choices to protect his recovery, even when it comes to family.
“My own brother gets high, and I don’t go to his house. My kids get high too. I send them a text now and then, tell them I love them. But I think to myself, I can’t go to hell to save you—because then I’m stuck there too.”

Next Steps: GED Goals and Life After Addiction

Today, Benny is working on his GED and imagining a life he never thought was possible.

“Anything’s possible now,” he said, smiling. “And I want to do something with my life.”

Click here to read more about Justice-Involved Recovery.

To learn more about BrightView or to get help for yourself or someone you care about, visit brightviewhealth.com or call (833) 510-HELP.