My name is Jason and I am a recovering person with a substance use disorder.
On Feb. 14, 2022, I turned myself in to the Sheriff’s office and was faced with a five year prison sentence. After three months of being incarcerated, I was given the option of Drug Court instead of going to prison. The judge that offered this to me had offered this to me before. Not once, but twice. So for her to offer this to me a third time was a surprise and a gift.
On May 16, 2022, I was released from jail, and a week later I contacted AppleGate Recovery in Louisville. This was the single most important decision I made in my life. Since I was released from jail I have committed myself to working the AppleGate Recovery program and participating in all the services they offer. I have come to appreciate the staff more than words could ever express. At the time of writing this, I have been in recovery for almost a year and a half. In the past year and a half, I married my best friend of 10 years who is also in recovery. Applegate Recovery is also a huge part of her life too. I have worked as hard as I could at my job, and I was recently promoted to Chief Engineer which came with a significant raise.
Earlier this year, my wife and I moved into our first house together and we just bought our first new vehicle. My wife and I are now full-time students at Indiana Wesleyan University working on our Associate of Science in Public Service Management, so we can work and help others living with mental health and substance abuse issues.
It’s unbelievable to think that about a year and a half ago I was getting ready to turn myself in and preparing to do five years in prison, and today, I am sharing a little part of my story with you.
With all that said, it is very important for me to make sure you understand that without the staff at AppleGate Recovery, and the way they have impacted not only my recovery but my life, there is no way I would be the person I am today. I say that with every piece of my heart. I am truly grateful for them and I know without them, there would not be this version of me.