Sobriety is possible – if they can do it, so can you. In this series, Avenues Recovery presents true accounts of everyday heroes in recovery.
Hi! My name is Liam, and this is my recovery story.
I was born in Pontiac, MI to two people struggling with mental health issues and addiction.
Shortly before my 3rd birthday I was removed from their care by CPS, due to abuse in the home, and put into foster care with my older brother. Fast forward a few years and a few dozen court cases later, and my brother and I were adopted by a family that continued fostering/ adopting children until there was a total of 6 kids in the house - of varying ages, genders, and races. My foster parents then closed their foster license, and the 8 of us were one happy family.
Unfortunately, that didn’t last long, as we all had our own share of mental health issues. My foster dad had anger issues, and my foster mom had her own issues with drinking. I was an extremely angry kid, getting into street fights constantly, and even resorting to self-harm to numb the pain and anger. At age 13 I was introduced to cannabis which soon became my biggest vice, as it allowed me to numb the pain of abuse as well as suppress the feeling that I’d never have a normal, loving family. I carried these feelings and negative coping skills with me until I was introduced to prescription pain pills, beginning my struggle with opiates. I struggled for years with any and all drugs, searching for something to help me feel ‘normal’ - or simply feel nothing at all.
Beginning my healing journey was incredibly painful, but opened my eyes to just how easy generational trauma cycles begin and are perpetuated. Two of my siblings have substance abuse issues as well, which is why working at Avenues is so rewarding for me. It not only allows me to continue in my personal recovery journey, but gives me the chance to help other struggling addicts in honor of those still struggling in my family.
During my time working at Avenues as a BHT, I’ve not only grown stronger in my recovery, but have been able to give clients that come through our doors critical coping skills as well. Nothing brings me more joy in this job than seeing our alumni come back to speak or participate in events. Knowing I played a role in giving them the resources and confidence they need to succeed is more rewarding and healing than I could have ever imagined. Avenues is truly creating a sense of family and community for those who need it, and I am beyond proud to be a part of it!