5 minute read
A Life Recovered: The Comeback
Living A Life Recovered
By Matthew Ward mward@cbhssd.com @aliferecovered
The Comeback
My name is Matthew Ward, I’m 34 years old and I’m in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. I will be sharing a little bit of my experience, strength and hope on what I went through with my drug and alcohol addiction and how I found a way out. My goal is to help the next man or woman who still suffers and let them know they are not alone.
Moving forward, I will be writing a monthly column, “Living A Life Recovered”. My goal is to help the next man or woman who still suffers. You are not alone. Please feel free to email me if you want to share your story or if you have any questions.
I discharged from the Navy in January 2018. Although mentally and physically taxing, the Navy taught me several invaluable things. I learned the importance of being on time, looking presentable, and that the right attitude can get you through the most difficult situations. I reflect on my time in the military and am thankful and proud for the opportunity to serve my country.
There are, however, certain aspects I am glad are over. I do not miss 18-hour days of manual labor while at sea. I do not miss getting so stressed out and then realizing that I’m in the middle of the South China Sea. The way I coped with the stress of active duty for over 7 years was with alcohol. By the time I discharged I was in active alcoholism and using drugs. I moved to East County, San Diego and I began to spiral after being introduced to methamphetamine.
I had major legal trouble in early 2018 and I narrowly missed prison time after two DUI’s and possession of a large amount of cocaine with intent to sell. I got lucky and received no felonies after they reduced some charges, but I was deep in my addiction. I asked the Judge for mercy instead of justice. I had a slew of commitments and programs to now attend including an 18-month DUI program. I sold my car to help pay for the fines. Despite all of these consequences, I still continued to drink and use and ended up going back to treatment for the fourth time on March 6th, 2019, with the nudge from my girlfriend at the time.
I completed 58 days of treatment at the Lighthouse in Anaheim and went to sober living. I started putting my resumé together. It was tough because I had no work history for 18 months, no car or driver’s license and a criminal record. The odds were against me. Even with the uncertainty, I knew I was smart, capable, honest, and possessed a great work ethic. I wouldn’t let alcohol and drugs define me for another moment.
I started applying and was turned down by nearly every single one. Some were government jobs, I knew it was a longshot. I started losing hope. I had applied to other financial and sales-type positions as well, insurance companies, banks, etc. I was always great with numbers and communication so I thought I might be good at it. I wanted to break the stigma that manual labor is your only option after criminal convictions. I finally got a call from a man who was an agency owner at a Fortune 500 insurance company. He saw my resume on Indeed and asked me to come in for an interview. I was psyched.
I had a jacket and tie for the interview with a pair of slacks and dress shoes that I borrowed from housemates. I was ready. When we sat down,
I let him know my goals, answered his questions honestly and told him a small part of my current situation. He called me a few days later and hired me. To my surprise, the background check cleared due to me having no felonies or financial related crimes. I passed my state license exam the first time up in August 2019.
Unfortunately, the Department of Insurance for California sent me a letter saying, “Due to your criminal history, we will not be issuing you a license to transact insurance in the state of California.” I appealed the decision. They sent me a letter saying I would have a court hearing in April of 2020. I was going to be going up against lawyers from the Department of Insurance. My job is to prove why I deserve a license, their job is to show why I am unfit.
I got my documents in order. I had proof of rehabilitation, letters from therapists and sober houses, proof of AA meetings, a letter from my sponsor, completion of my 18-month DUI program with fines paid, and several other documents from the military. My boss was present as a witness and testified to the court that I was a guy he trusted and wanted on his team. Three months later, I got a letter from the Department of Insurance. They issued me an insurance license.
It took me one full year to become licensed and I was eventually promoted to head of the Sales Department in 2021. The state that almost sentenced me to 5 years in prison is the same state that gave me an insurance license to do business with a Fortune 500 company. I say this not to boast but to let anyone in a similar situation know to stay vigilant and not take no for an answer. When one door closes, another opens.
After two and a half years in the insurance industry, I realized my true passion was in the recovery field.
In March 2022, I started as a Case Manager and Counselor at Confidential Recovery, an Intensive Outpatient Clinic in San Diego. (www.confidentialrecovery.com) We provide treatment to those with substance use disorder.
I am pursuing my master’s in clinical counseling and manage a sobriety inspired Instagram account (@aliferecovered).
“My goal is to help those as I have been helped”
- Matthew Ward
San Diego
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