John’s Story

Easter Seals UCP is proud to bring John's story to the forefront and would like to share the story, as written by John:

My name is John and I am currently employed here at Easter Seals UCP in the capacity of Peer Support Specialist. My credentials are my personal experience with mental illness and alcohol and drug abuse, and recovery from these sometimes fatal diseases.  I have been battling schizophrenia since 1980 and have been mostly medicine compliant.  I have been struggling from alcohol and drug addiction since 1977 and I truly believe these diseases feed on each other.  I believe now that I am no longer struggling to stay away from drugs and alcohol, and have been clean and sober, by the grace of God, since July 6, 2003; I can continue to improve physically, mentally and spiritually.

I have been an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous since 1999 and this has been my greatest gift.  There are lots of things in life we can't control, but I believe with all my heart that God instilled in all of us the power of choice.  With a little bit of willingness and action, I believe anything is possible, including the ability for a drug addict or alcoholic to choose to remain clean, or an individual with a mental illness to function as a productive member of society!  I have suffered from these things as badly as anyone and have been blessed with the ability to do very well for myself!  I hope to continue to grow in recovery so that I may pass the good news down to another suffering individual who may benefit from my experience.

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