Small Steps. Big Change. Podcast

Recently I crossed 3.5 years in recovery after many years abusing alcohol and using co***ne. Around the same time, I was also asked why I post/share my story so publicly.

The answer is simple—visibility and representation. There were so many moments and opportunities throughout my 16+ year battle where I had the chance to change the trajectory of my life and get healthy— and I didn’t. Why did I hold off for so long? I ask myself this question often. When I reflect back on those 16 years, I see a void when it comes to seeing people thrive in recovery. We are so conditioned in surviving that we forget that we are worthy of thriving.

By sharing my story, I hope that I can help the many versions of me that didn’t have the strength to change. The 17 year old Andrew who cared more about how they were going to hide the 30 rack of beer for the weekend from their parents than studying for their next exam. The 21 year old Andrew that didn’t feel comfortable in college and needed to blackout every chance they had to feel a sense of belonging. The 24 year old Andrew that didn’t know how to deal with the pressures of adulting and turned to booze to numb the pain. The 30 year old Andrew who felt so lost in the Boston LGBTQ community that being the guy who always had the “blow” to share was my way of feeling like I mattered.

If I can impact any of those former versions of me by sharing my truth, I always will. Why? Because it’s not about me anymore. I am good. I am thriving. I am living my best life. I know the formula that brings me peace and I work at keeping it going every single day. Being loud and proud regardless of my struggle is about healing those that are currently battling and showing them that even on their darkest days they matter, and that they too, can have a second chance at life.