ALVIN

I began struggling with my opioid dependence in my early 20s, using various opioid pills before moving on to heroin use. Despite being in college, my drug dependence began to take over my life. I began to steal, cheat my friends and began selling off my possessions in order to support my habit. I found myself in relationships that would further assist in my downward spiral, costing me close friends and personal and family relationships. I was reluctant to seek out help until I realized that I had no options left.



I sought out treatment at the Hartford Dispensary, and after struggling for some time, I began to realize that being part of a Medication Assisted Treatment Program and receiving methadone could be a great tool to assist me as I slowly began to put my life back together. I was able to attend daily groups to openly discuss my drug use, I was able to make positive connections with counselors who genuinely cared about my well-being and I was able to begin advocating for those who were in similar circumstances as myself. Being in the Hartford Dispensary Program afforded me the opportunity to build myself back up. I was able to go back to school and find meaningful employment. Because of the opportunities I took advantage of while being in treatment, I was able to gain employment at the Hartford Dispensary as a recovery coach/case manager and client rights officer, become a husband, a father to 3 children and a homeowner, and with the support of the people here I was successfully able to discharge from the program and truly find a life of meaning.

OTHER RECOVERY STORIES