TAKES LIVES RELENTLESSLY recovering addict, counselor weigh in

“When you see someone, either young or a child that has been exposed, got access to or even intentionally overdosed on a substance, it’s always impactful,” Calandrella said. “Not just to see the child, but the family, the people who are around that person, really makes it stand out.”

He added, “When we see someone coming in who, whether it was intentional or accidental, no matter what the age, we ask — ‘Could we have done anything to prevent this? What can we do to prevent this in other people?’”

Lee said, “A person came in as a near-fatal overdose. Once they were resuscitated, they became conscious that they’re in the emergency department. Now they’re awake and no longer under the influence and want to go home. ... You have to let them go, because you can’t hold anyone against their will.

“So we sent the patient home with their spouse. And a day or so later, they came back again as a potential near-death overdose. And that really scares me, because I know one of these days, they’re not going to have the opportunity to call an ambulance.”

The road to recovery can be an agonizing process, but it’s important that those around users don’t ignore the issue.

“It’s always a good sign when we see the family understanding the importance of having a Narcan kit at home, having conversations with other people in the home about substance use,” Calandrella said.

In sharing his recovery experience, however, Mike said his parents were helpful in their eventual choice to shut him out.

“I had hit a low point where emotionally I felt like I couldn’t keep living the way I was living,” he said. “And I think part of my success is I have a really great family and support system, and they kind of stopped entertaining my calls or talking to me towards the end. And that really felt impactful.

“I really felt alone. And it’s very hard for families to do that. I think back on it often, and I give my parents a lot of credit. When your child is struggling, and you’re not sure if you’re ever going to see them or talk to them again, it’s hard to say, ‘Listen, I’m not going to talk to you. I can’t talk to you until you get help.’ And I think that really did motivate me to do something about it.”

Mike also offered advice for those currently struggling and trying to get clean.

“Anyone who is currently sober understands the struggle more than you know, and we know how scary and difficult it can be,” he said. “But power through the discomfort and pain and keep going in sobriety every single day, and things will get better. That’s a guarantee. ...

“With no quick fix, it’s a lot of learning how to cope and regulate our emotions, which I think everybody has a problem with, not just addicts. But that, for us, seems to be a big trigger. So it’s something that we have to work on. And therapy is a really great tool, as well.”

Clemente, a licensed social worker, spoke on how LICC helps those with substance issues.

“All of our clinicians are able to address patients with co-occurring disorders, which is a big thing nowadays, especially with mental health driving self-medication,” she said. “We see patients coming in for mental health and discover the issues with substance use.”

Clemente added, “We have a male patient has been with us for several years, and has maintained sobriety and has a young child, who is one of the big motivators for him. He’s working to become a peer advocate. I know we see a lot more of the horror stories. ... But it does happen — people can beat this. ...

“Whether it’s mental health issues, whether it’s substance or alcohol use, people can manage those things and heal and live meaningful lives.”

Collymore also spoke on the importance of getting treatment. “There is hope. ... Never give up hope on your loved one. I don’t care how far down they’ve fallen. ... There is still hope for them. And if you can get them to treatment, there are a number of treatment programs.”

After overcoming his addiction, Mike has proven it’s possible to thrive and live a full, happy life post-recovery.

“I have a 1-year-old son now. He’s never seen me drink or anything, and it’s given me another renewed motivation to keep on this path. I feel very blessed and lucky.” Q