Recovery story: 'There is light at the end of the tunnel'

Blue Sky Voice and Opportunity plans to celebrate recovery all year with its “Looks Like Me” campaign. The goal is to share the message that addiction and recovery don’t have a look — they have a story. The campaign aims to shift the way the community sees and supports individuals and families affected by addiction, focusing on truth, connection and breaking down stereotypes. This story is written by Clint Robinson.

I grew up in Coshocton County, the youngest of eight kids, probably nominated least likely to succeed in high school, which I got kicked out of as well.

I started using at a very young age back when pot was illegal at age 11, but I can trace my addictive habits back to kindergarten when I first tasted dopamine by lying and getting off the hook.

Throughout life I partook in almost every substance. I had almost eight outpatient or inpatient stays. After having a spiritual awakening with my higher power on my father’s porch, I picked up the phone and typed in best treatment in Ohio.

My parents dropped me off, scared I’d die before they did. My clean date is Aug. 30, 2021. Since getting clean, I got a job working in treatment, worked in housing three years, housing between 120-233 clients at a time, showing them there is another way to live. I lift, do CrossFit, go to church, choose healthy relationships in my life and found my people.

The reality of this disease is most of my using friends are either dead or incarcerated. I actually go into a prison and share the message to show others there is another way and get to walk out. We rely on one another as addicts. On those days when things are rough, pick up that thousand-pound phone. Reach out for help. It just might save your life.

I’ve since been commenced by judges, law enforcement, court liaisons and many fellow addicts. One thing I asked is if you see someone struggling, offer them a hand up, a way out or the solution to the problem. That solution is treatment and a conscience connection with a higher power.

Today I have good people in my life — my children, family and friends — who genuinely care about my well-being. I’ve been approved to buy a house, offered to work in a prison and gained freedom from active addiction.

Please reach out if you need help and offer help when able. These are our own people dying daily from this terrible disease known as addiction. The solution is found in the rooms, and many don’t know this is possible.

Lastly, I want to apologize for all the havoc and chaos I’ve raised over the years, possibly by giving back and helping others find their way out of that dark tunnel. There is light at the end of each one, I promise. It starts with admitting, “My name is Clint, and I am an addict.”