Addiction Stops Here
Success Stories
Jack
From Behind the Bar to Beyond Addiction:
Jack's Story to Recovery at Swift River
From Behind the Bar to Beyond Addiction
For Jack, the journey from bartender to recovery warrior began on June 8th, 2023. His story illustrates how a career in hospitality can intertwine with substance abuse, and how the right support can transform a life spiraling out of control.
The Bartender's Descent into Addiction
“I used to bartend, so not a day went by without starting my shift with drinking and continuing on throughout the wee hours of the night,” Jack recalls. Starting at age 18, he found himself immersed in a culture where alcohol was constantly present. But it wasn’t until he discovered cocaine that his addiction took a devastating turn.
The progression was swift and severe. “I was fully addicted to cocaine after about a month,” he shares. “I think in a year my drug dealer had told me I’d put his oldest daughter through college. I was dirt broke and every penny I made was going towards drugs.”
Hitting Bottom and Finding Help
Legal troubles mounted as his addiction deepened. Multiple DUIs followed, including an arrest on St. Patrick’s Day. When he attempted to control his drinking independently, he discovered a harsh truth many addicts face: “I found out I could not stop. I tried to control it – we all know how controlled drinking goes.”
The turning point came after his second family intervention, where Jack finally disclosed the full extent of his substance abuse. This moment of vulnerability led him to Swift River, where his transformation began.
A New Life in Recovery
“My life had started to kind of completely turn around,” Jack reflects on his time at Swift River. The program provided him with the tools and support needed to maintain his sobriety, creating such a profound impact that he regularly returns to share his story with current residents.
Today, Jack exemplifies the possibilities that recovery opens up. His commitment to sobriety has allowed him to rebuild his life and give back to the recovery community. “I’ve used everything that I’ve learned here to help my sobriety flourish,” he says. “Swift River’s become a real big part of my recovery.”
Hope for Others in the Industry
Jack’s journey from behind the bar to sustained sobriety demonstrates that no matter how entrenched one might be in addiction – even when it’s tied to one’s profession – change is possible. His story serves as a beacon of hope for others in the hospitality industry and beyond who struggle with substance abuse.
His willingness to share his experience and continued involvement with Swift River shows that recovery isn’t just about stopping substance use – it’s about building a new life filled with purpose and connection.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, particularly in the hospitality industry, know that there is hope and help available. Swift River’s experienced team understands the unique challenges faced by professionals in high-risk environments. Our comprehensive treatment program can help you write your own success story. Call us at 888-451-5895 to start your journey to recovery in our supportive, understanding environment.
