MY STORY
I’m excited to begin my journey to the 2022 TCS NYC Marathon
and even more importantly-run for a cause that is deeply important to me. My
name is Sean and I’m a recovering alcoholic and drug addict. I struggled with
prescription pills, heroin, and alcohol for over a decade of my life and I’m
living proof that there is hope of recovery from a hopeless state of body and
mind.
My addiction began in my college years and progressed well
into my adult and professional career. I was introduced to Oxycontin at 18
years old and had a profound sense of relief when I was under the influence of
this strong opiate narcotic. For the first time of my life, I thought that I
had found my solution on how to cope with life which gave me a seamlessly new
solution on how to deal with people, places, and things. The dynamics surrounding
my addiction completely changed when I was introduced to OxyContin via injection
and my life was turned upside down in the matter of weeks.
After completely losing all sense of reality, I came to the
conclusion that I needed professional help but was unwilling to accept that I
needed to identify as an addict or alcoholic. I thought that my body was just
physically dependent on these drugs and if I could just remove that part of it
then I would be OK. Multiple treatment center stints later, I found myself in a
much more precarious situation than ever before. I was now a 28 years old
heroin addict, jobless, living at my father’s house and completely ostracized
from any meaningful relationship. I was alone and isolated from society and had
no solution on how to cope with life.
I entered in to my 6th treatment facility and I truly
felt that I was hopeless in all aspects-spiritually, mentally, and physically. I
was at the point where I was too scared to take my own life but had no idea on
how to live life without drugs and alcohol. Thankfully, I was given the
opportunity of life and hope and stayed in treatment for over 6 months. I was
introduced to men that loved me unconditionally and selflessly gave me the tools
and resources to stay sober. Today, life is completely different and I’m no longer
afraid of my own shadow. I can genuinely look myself in the mirror and see a
new man that has profound peace and tranquility within. This peace and
tranquility is called RECOVERY.
In March of 2020, I was given the opportunity to work at an
amazing treatment facility in Kent, CT. Deep-rooted on the 12 steps of AA and a
sanctuary for hope and recovery. This facility has been helping individuals
since 1939 and a place that I can finally call home. I’m deeply invested in the
work that is being done at High Watch Recovery Center and will do anything in
my power to help individuals seeking treatment a facility that has been transforming
lives for 83 years. Therefore, I have decided to run in the NYC marathon to
help support individuals at High Watch through the Wilson bed program. This is
a scholarship program that allows individuals to come and find their recovery
at no cost when they might not have the financial means to do so. Please help
support this effort and in turn, I will dedicate my time and energy into running
my first marathon ever!
HIGH WATCH
High Watch
Recovery Center has a rich history of being the first substance abuse community
in the world founded on the 12
Step principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. We are honored
to be part of the legacy of AA co-founder Bill W. His presence was instrumental
in the founding of High Watch. Please read on to learn about the mission and
values of High Watch Recovery.
High
Watch Recovery Center is dedicated to seeing the disease of addiction go into
remission for each individual who passes through our door. The caring team at
High Watch provides compassionate care to every patient. We integrate the latest breakthroughs in
addiction medicine alongside the spiritual teachings of AA’s 12 Steps. Through
these teachings and treatments, we offer patients the tools and foundation to
live sober after leaving High Watch.
Your generous donation will benefit our Bill Wilson charity bed
fund to support those who would otherwise not be able to afford treatment. This
past year High Watch Recovery Center was able to give away over $2 million in
free care thanks to donations.
