Mike C - March 4, 2020

Mike C - March 4, 2020

Mike C's story is one of those tales that hits you right in the heart. Growing up in a religious family with a Baptist preacher for a grandfather, you'd think he had all the tools to stay on the straight and narrow. But life isn't always that simple. Despite his religious upbringing, Mike wrestled with anxiety and feelings of inadequacy, which eventually led him down a dark path of alcohol and drug abuse.

His first brush with alcohol came in middle school, leading to blackout nights and an early addiction to prescription drugs. College didn't offer any relief; instead, it amplified his struggles as he sought acceptance through fraternity life, only to spiral further out of control. The turning point came when he attended outpatient substance abuse meetings. The two-hour ride to Chapel Hill with his mom was tough, but it marked the beginning of his journey to recovery.

Finding a sponsor was a game-changer for Mike. This mentor helped him tackle the first steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, guiding him through the process of confronting his issues head-on. Today, Mike is sober and attributes much of his success to his spirituality and the support he's received from the AA community. His relationship with a higher power has become his anchor, replacing the void that alcohol and drugs once filled.

Mike's story is a beacon of hope for anyone struggling with addiction. It's a raw, honest account of falling into the abyss and climbing back out, stronger and more self-aware. Tune in to hear Mike C's journey on Sixteenth Street Speakers and find out how he turned his life around.