Addiction is cunning, baffling, and powerful. It has this subtle way of sneaking into your life when you least expect it. One day you’re hanging out with friends experimenting, and the next day you’re starting down rock bottom. That’s how Rick’s story began - but thanks to residential addiction treatment and a second chance, that’s not how it ended.
Rick’s foray into substance abuse started earlier than most. “I started smoking grass when I was 10 years old,” he shared. “Everything was about being cool, trying to fit in.” But while he started earlier than most, his path looked like many others that came before him. What began as a way to fit in, soon went off the rails.
After an injury, Rick was prescribed narcotic painkillers—and that’s when things really went left. “It pretty much snowballed from there,” he said.
As his addiction to opioids deepened, Rick lost everything that mattered to him: his business, his freedom, and the ability to care for his kids. “I had to sign over the rights to my kids to the grandparents, because I couldn’t control myself anymore.”
Rick’s addiction hit an all-time low when he began hurting the people closest to him. “I found myself actually robbing the people that treated me most like family,” he admitted. “And it got pretty bad.”
When he lost his freedom, Rick ended up in jail. “Drying out in jail is nowhere you want to dry out,” he said bluntly. While the experience was painful, it was the wake-up call he didn’t know he needed.
Court-ordered treatment brought Rick to Florence, SC—but what started as a legal requirement soon turned into a lifeline.
“I’ve been clean for a while now,” he said proudly. “Working this program has changed my life totally. I no longer want to use.”
Rick’s been around long enough to know addiction doesn’t just disappear. “I’m not saying I’m not an addict,” he said. “I’ll be an addict the rest of my life, and I do think about it.” But now, he’s got tools to stay spiritually fit and stay clean.
One of the high notes of Rick’s story? Music. He found his way back to the stage - this time, with a clear head and steady voice.
“I’m in a band, and it’s amazing what you can do when you’re not all tore up,” Rick said with a grin. “You can actually remember the words on stage!”
Even better—he’s reconnecting with his kids. “I’m actually talking with my kids again,” he said. “And trying to right the wrongs that I did in the back.”
It is never too late to turn things around. Whether you’re coming into treatment by choice or because of a court order, change is possible. Healing is possible. And yes—even rock and roll comebacks are possible.
Reach out to us today. We’re ready for you.