By: Joseph P., Olympus Alum
I got to Olympus in February at the lowest point I had been in my life. I had lost my job; I had no friends, and my family wouldn’t speak with me. Everyone was tired of hearing the apologies and broken promises that I would do better. Because if I am being honest, that is exactly what they were. Broken and empty promises. I didn’t want to get better. I would just hope it would all magically go away. As we all know that isn’t the case.
I grew up in a small town in the panhandle of Florida and was introduced to alcohol at a pretty early age. But that was kind of normal for small town living. I will never forget the first time I got drunk. It was like the kingdom doors had opened for me. It was sort of like a rush. I felt invincible. But most importantly I felt like I had a voice. For the most part I was always the quiet kid in the class. I had a small group of friends, but not many. Drinking gave me more friends because it made me get out of my comfort zone. Or so I thought.
Drinking would continue into my college years but never really pose a problem. Until at the peer pressure of a few friends I decided to join a fraternity. I knew what Fraternities did and what they were known for, and it did sound exciting. But I also had hoped it would help me with my experience (or lack thereof) with females. But, I also knew I could use some more friends. And what better place then in a fraternity?
I had never tried drugs up until this point. Other then the occasional joint. They kind of freaked me out. I had heard all the stories back home and what I would see on TV. And in my hometown drugs weren’t really a thing. But like I mentioned previously, I was able to be peer pressured into doing things. And one night I was offered cocaine from a Brother. He assured me it would be ok and of course that “everyone was doing it”. I took that first bump and BOOM! Rocket fuel. I felt like a changed man. Not only did my energy spike, but so did my confidence. And it allowed me to party longer, which was the biggest selling point. Until the next morning.
I remember waking up and feeling like I had been hit by a ton of bricks. It was awful. It was like no hangover I had ever experienced. I ran into my Brother that gave me the cocaine and asked him if it was normal. Maybe I got a bad batch? He assured me that I was fine and I was just having a bit of a coke hangover. But this is also when he gave me the remedy. More coke. At first I was skeptical because it seemed kind of off that I was doing this in the morning, feeling like crap, from this substance, but I was being encouraged to take more to feel better. But again…..peer pressure won.
This circle would continue for another year and change. And to say I had some hiccups along the way would be putting it lightly. A DUI, a possession charge and ultimately failing out of school. I also couldn’t hold a job to save my life. I would do everything I could to get by. This would include scamming and stealing from my family and friends. Of course I thought I was being cool about it, but that was the cocaine talking I finally got busted stealing my mom’s debit card in the hopes of buying some stuff only to return it and try to get cash back to then go and buy more with. But my mom was gullible, and I told her it was all a misunderstanding. And it worked. I should have left it at that. Bit like any other addict, I kept going. After the 5th time or so, she finally had had enough and threatened to call the police on me. I couldn’t believe it. My own mother calling the cops on me?! For what?? Stealing from her? How dare she. Again, an addicts mind.
Then one day I got arrested stealing an air fryer from a Walmart in the hopes I could return it again and get some cash. Only it didn’t work out that way. When I came back in to that exact same Walmart I had just stolen from, they were there waiting for me. You would think the DUI and Possession charge would’ve done it for me, but this was the worst one. This one really hit my ego. I was stealing an air fryer from freaking Walmart to fund my habit. This is some stuff I would see on TV and laugh about and probably make fun of the person doing it. But it wasn’t TV and I was the person. I knew something had to change.
Because I’m still under 25 I am on my parent’s insurance. And I was able to do a little research to find a place to go. Because I knew I couldn’t do it on my own. Plus, it would give me a place to stay for a bit. At this point I was just couch surfing with friends. And I found Olympus. I will never forget my first day there. I didn’t think I belonged. I wasn’t like some of these other people. Until I heard them talk about their experiences. And then I realized, I am like these people. I am JUST like them.
I spent a little over 30 days at Olympus and am forever grateful for the time I spent there. From the staff to the condos, I was blown away. It definitely surpassed my expectations. But I found that I also surpassed my own expectations. I even became community leader! If I am being honest, I actually enjoyed being there and doing the work. For the first time in my life, I was being honest with others AND myself. The healing that took place there (and Crossroads, shout out!) was unreal.
In a few months I will have one year clean and sober. I am back in school and plan on getting a degree that will help me get in the Mental Health and Addiction field. I want to help people that are just like me. I have a great job and am making more money than I ever have before. All because I am able to be present and give people the best version of myself. I have a home group, a Sponsor and am sponsoring two other young men. The life I have been given in recovery is like no other.
If you asked me years ago if this is where I would be, I would be offended and probably have some choice words for you. But little would I know, this life is better than what I would have expected years ago. I am happy, I am thriving, my family life is great and most importantly, I am happy with myself. I am happy with the person I am becoming. If you are reading this, just know that it can be your life, too. You just have to want it.
Last but not least…..THANK YOU OLYMPUS!
