Kevin started using drugs as a teenager. At first, it felt like experimentation, excitement, and easy money. Over time, addiction slowly took control of his life, damaging relationships, opportunities, and his future.
In 2019, everything changed.
After returning to drug use following more than a year of sobriety, Kevin overdosed alongside his wife. She did not survive. Kevin later lost both of his legs due to complications from the overdose.
Today, Kevin openly shares his recovery story to help others understand that addiction can happen to anyone, recovery is possible, and asking for help can save a life.
“If I can make it, anybody can.”
How Addiction Took Over Kevin’s Life
Kevin says his substance use began during high school while spending time around older peers and party environments.
What started with marijuana eventually escalated into more serious drug use. As addiction progressed, it began impacting nearly every area of his life.
He dropped out of high school, lost athletic scholarship opportunities, strained relationships with family members, and became increasingly disconnected from the people who cared about him.
“By the time I was a junior, addiction had fully taken over my life.”
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The Overdose That Changed Everything
In 2019, Kevin and his wife relapsed after more than a year of sobriety.
That night would permanently change his life.
Kevin overdosed and remained unconscious for hours. When he woke up, he discovered his wife had died. Because of how long he had been unconscious, severe damage had occurred to his legs.
Doctors later told him he likely would not survive without amputations.
“The result of it was her life and my legs.”
Kevin underwent multiple surgeries, spent time on life support, and eventually lost both of his legs.
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Addiction After Trauma
Even after surviving the overdose, Kevin says addiction continued to control his life for years.
He experienced homelessness, depression, isolation, suicidal thoughts, and repeated substance use while trying to cope with overwhelming grief and trauma.
At one point, he says he intentionally used dangerous drugs hoping he would not survive.
“I was tired of living like that. Tired of feeling alone.”
Kevin says his turning point came when he reached a moment of complete exhaustion and desperation.
“I asked God, please help me. I just don’t want to live like this no more.”
How Treatment Helped Kevin Rebuild His Life
Kevin eventually sought treatment again and began rebuilding his life through medication-assisted treatment (MAT), counseling, structure, and support.
He says one of the biggest challenges early in recovery was simply accessing care consistently. At one point, he woke up at 5 a.m. every day and took two buses just to receive medication.
Later, he transferred to BrightView because it was closer to home and easier to access.
Kevin says the support he received from staff members helped change his outlook on recovery.
“This program saved my life.”
He also spoke openly about methadone stigma and the misconceptions many people still have about medication-assisted treatment.
“It’s not trading one drug for another. It’s trading a drug to save your life.”
Fighting Stigma Through His Story
Today, Kevin shares his story publicly at churches and in the recovery community to encourage others who may feel hopeless.
He says many people judged him throughout his addiction and even doubted his recovery after he got sober.
Now, he focuses less on other people’s opinions and more on helping others survive what he went through.
“Hate me or love me, I’m still gonna shine.”
Kevin regularly encourages people struggling with addiction to seek help before they lose everything important to them.
“Don’t lose what you still have in your life because of addiction.”
Recovery Is Still Possible
Today, Kevin says his mission is helping other people find hope.
He spends time encouraging people experiencing homelessness, sharing recovery resources, and reminding others that change is possible no matter how hopeless things may feel.
“I got every reason in the world to get high… but I also have every reason not to.”
Kevin’s story is a reminder that recovery does not always begin with confidence or certainty. Sometimes it begins with simply surviving long enough to ask for help.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, help is available.
BrightView provides outpatient addiction treatment that includes:
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Counseling and therapy
- Case management and support services
- Personalized recovery plans
