First Degree Attempted Murder Saved My Life

First Degree Attempted Murder Saved My Life

In this compelling episode of Mental Health News Radio, host Kristin Sunanta-Walker welcomes Guy Maxwell, affectionately known as Max, to share his transformative journey from facing charges of first-degree attempted murder to becoming the Program Director at Albuquerque Treatment Services. Max's story is one of profound change, resilience, and dedication to helping others overcome addiction and mental health challenges.

Max begins by recounting his tumultuous past, marked by drug addiction and violent behavior, which culminated in his arrest on January 3rd, 1989. This pivotal moment became the catalyst for his journey towards recovery and personal growth. Max emphasizes the importance of building a solid foundation of recovery, which he achieved through years of involvement in 12-step programs.

As Max transitioned into a new chapter of his life, he moved to Waynesville, North Carolina, where he discovered a program seeking individuals with lived experiences. His passion for helping others led him to become a peer support specialist—a role that was relatively new at the time. This position allowed Max to leverage his personal experiences to support others battling addiction and mental health issues.

Max's career evolved further as he became a certified substance abuse counselor, working on assertive community treatment teams and co-facilitating domestic violence intervention programs. His dedication to aiding those suffering from heroin and opiate addiction took him to various clinics across North Carolina. The episode delves into the challenges Max faced while working in these roles and highlights the importance of peer support and lived experience in the field of addiction treatment.

Max's ability to connect with patients and provide genuine empathy and understanding has been instrumental in his success. Today, as the Program Director at Albuquerque Treatment Services, Max oversees a team of professionals dedicated to treating opiate addiction. He shares how his personal history as a person in recovery has made him relatable to patients and effective in his administrative and financial duties.

This episode of Mental Health News Radio is a testament to the power of personal transformation and the impact of peer support in addiction recovery. Max's journey serves as an inspiration to many, proving that change is possible with determination and the right support system.