The day everything changed

“I was almost 20 when fentanyl hit the streets. I didn’t know what it was—only that it got you super high. I started taking it…and I overdosed.”

What followed was a blur: two overdoses in one week, the second so severe that Enzo was found foaming at the mouth. He spent three days in a medically induced coma and a month relearning how to walk, use his hands, and even read an analog clock. The physical pain was immense; the emotional reckoning even bigger.

Key themes: teen addiction, fentanyl overdose, recovery story, wilderness therapy, therapeutic boarding school, family perspective, youth mentorship

Seattle roots, early independence, and the lure of belonging

Enzo grew up outside Seattle with present, hard-working parents—“a normal, middle-upper-class” life. A natural hustler with an entrepreneurial streak (selling chargers, candy, haircuts), he also craved loyalty and freedom. When a childhood friend group drifted, he found a new tribe—older, faster,...

Relapse is Part of Recovery: Real Stories of Trial, Error, and Success

Relapse doesn't mean you've failed in recovery. For most people, it takes a few tries before real, lasting recovery takes hold. In fact, 9 out of 10 people may experience a relapse after their first treatment, but that doesn't mean they failed. Recovery is a process—often one filled with setbacks and learning experiences.

I'm not saying this to excuse relapsing. Instead, it's to help set a realistic perspective on what recovery really looks like. To show what I mean, I'll share a few real-life stories that highlight the ups and downs of the recovery journey. These aren't just case studies; they're insights into the resilience and persistence that can lead to a new life.

Story 1: Barry's Battle for Sobriety

Barry didn't want to be in his Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). In fact, he signed up reluctantly and barely kept sober during treatment. His marriage was on the rocks, his wife was planning a divorce, an...

Falling in Love