Hey everyone! My name is Matt, and I’m an alcoholic. I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and am the youngest of five children. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always drank alcoholically, but I am absolutely a drug addict. I identify as an alcoholic because I work an AA program. But, to be honest, I’ve never done anything in moderation – it’s always been more, and the most.
It wasn’t until mid-pandemic that I found myself in the thick of my addiction. But I’ve been partying and up to my antics for the last two decades. I hit my ultimate low in early 2022 and found myself completely depleted, defeated, in a toxic, drug-fueled relationship, and truly out of ideas. I admitted everything to my older brother and asked for help. To my surprise, he didn’t hang up the phone on me and told me everything would be alright. On March 18, 2022, I checked into Riverside.
For the first time in pretty much my entire life, I surrendered. History proved that I’m not too great at running my life and don’t exactly know what’s best for me. So, I began taking suggestions and did what others recommended. At first, I completed residential at Riverside, then moved into sober living. From there, I finished PHP, IOP and OP. I went to 90 meetings in 90 days and got a sponsor who took me through the steps.
Riverside helped me to get sober and, more importantly, introduced me to the program of Alcoholics Anonymous, which is what keeps me sober today.
Today, I can say that I live my life with integrity. I am honest. I am on time for work, and I am a reliable employee. I no longer lie to my family or worry about having to keep up with the lies I once told them. I bought my first car in sobriety and, just recently, moved into a house with two other sober men. I attend meetings regularly, and I have a home group where I am an active home group member. Most importantly, I sponsor other men – because I have to give away what was so freely given to me if I want to stay sober.
I am three years in and truly feel like I am just getting started!
When You're Ready, We’re Here to Help
Matt’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery starts with surrender and grows through action, connection, and community. Whether you’re at your breaking point or simply tired of trying to manage things on your own, Riverside Recovery is here to walk with you through the next step.
Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we help people find lasting freedom from addiction. Your story isn’t over—it might just be getting started.