Alumni of the Month Scott H

My name is Scott, I was born and raised in Port Coquitlam, B.C. Im 27 years old and this is a bit of my story. I grew up in a great family of 5. Ive got two sisters, one older and one younger. My parents raised me very well and I was a fun outgoing young kid growing up. I loved playing sports and snowboarding they were my huge passions. I played soccer, Ice hockey, golf, and football.

When I was 15 years old my parents divorced and I moved out with my Dad. I started hanging out with the wrong crowd in high school and started drinking and using drugs around the age of 16. Drugs were a way I learned that I could fit in and have lots of friends. My using progressed from partying on weekends to using every day.

This continued on into my young adult life and I started losing control. I went to BCIT at the age of 19 for a Trade, and my using and gambling affected my mental health and ability at school. I barely passed my first year and life wasn’t going well. I started my apprenticeship in a really rough and tough trade, which required me to work up north most the time. I drank, gambled and used daily, this went on for 8 years.

Money was a drug to me and I drank and did drugs for days when I was laid off from my stints up north. I felt I never was an addict due to having a job, having money, and working all the time. I was completely powerless to my addictions.

On November 24, 2016, I made a decision to reach out to a family member for help. I had hit my rock bottom and was either going to die or get help. I knew I couldn’t stop using and needed to get help. I was taken to a meeting of NA in the community of New West, and it was my first time I ever admitted to others that I was an addict. I was at the meeting completely high and people still cared and showed me love.

The next day I checked into the Last Door, which was a scary and nerve-racking decision to get clean. When I arrived I was welcomed with open arms and the staff and clients at the door were incredibly nice. I felt like there was a chance I might be able to change my life. I lived at the last door for 4 months and learned so much about my self and how to deal with problems in life, without using drugs or alcohol. I made lots of friends and found purpose in life.

I have lost the desire to use and life is amazing now, it’s not perfect but Im happy, found connection and can share what Ive learned with the new guy.

The Last Door taught me how to give back and how to be proud of who I really am. My Clean date is November 25, 2016 and I hold that date very close to my heart. It means a lot to me. Life is so good, I never imagined life could be this good without drugs and alcohol. Thanks Last Door for giving me my life back and showing me a new way to live. If your struggling reach out, for everyone has been there before.

I truly believe recovery has saved my life and given me a second chance at life.

Door Boy

Scott H

November 25th 2016