Let me tell you a story about the nurse who treated me like a human being and how that made all the difference for me. When I was homeless on 103rd st and addicted to heroin, I overdosed and died. I woke up in the Park West ER with this nurse holding my hand. I was scared and alone and he spent the next couple of hours holding my hand and letting me cry with him. Every time I ended up with MRSA raging in my limbs from infections I gave myself from shooting up, he always happened to be my nurse and would help me. And finally on April 1st, the day I went to detox I went to a completely different hospital and he was there. He wasn’t my nurse but saw my name on the board and remembered me. He came in, gave me a hug, and wished me luck on my journey to rehab.

I’ve wanted since I’ve gotten clean to tell him the impact he had on me. Every other nurse had always treated me like scum and the junkie that I was because they knew I was just gonna go back out again anyway. He didn’t. He took time out of his busy schedule and made me feel like a person. He held my hand. He talked to me. And he helped me. Today I went back and found him. He’s a manager now which he totally deserves. And nothing made me happier than to thank him for saving my life and for the kindness he showed me in a really dark time in my life.

So thank you, Ali Fares. Hospitals need more people like you. Congratulations on your promotion. You most definitely deserved it. And if you’re reading this and you are wondering how you can help, just treat people like human beings

A little over a year ago, Mighty Ducks goalie Shaun Weiss was being ridiculed all over the internet for his struggles. Today, he celebrates one year sober. Why don’t you make THAT go viral!

At two years sober, if I could say one thing that y’all would listen to, it would be this. The next time you look at an “addict,” “druggie,” or “junkie,” try seeing a human being instead. You’d be surprised how much showing a little compassion can help someone else.

Good morning everyone my name is Courtney and I’m an addict. I know there hasn’t been a whole lot of good news in the world lately but today I am 20 months sober!

My name is Alex and today marks 3 years clean from crack and heroin. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way. I can’t believe I made it, y’all.

Hunter went from the psych ward at 19 to a police officer. Today he celebrates 6 years sober. Way to go Hunter!

Hey everyone my name is Tom and a little over a year ago in a drug induced stupor I cracked my forehead, broke both of my eye sockets, my nose, my cheekbones and two of my teeth. It was then that I decided I finally had enough. Today, I am one year clean and sober. Can I get an amen?

This is my daughter, Bradie. In active addiction, at the age of 18, she contracted endocarditis from her drug use and had to have open heart surgery by 19. She is now 21 and sober for 11 months! My prayers have been answered!

Hi! My name is Brittany and I started this recovery journey 16 months ago. After 27 overdoses, God felt that I was worth keeping around. A life that I never thought I deserved. I’ve been set free by my Lord and savior Jesus Christ.

My name is Carl and I am 27 years old. I started experimenting with drugs at the age of 13. I was born to a hardworking and honest family. In my 14 year battle with addiction, it brought me to the point of death multiple times but I always somehow managed to survive. However, I only physically survived. It didn't compare to the spiritual anquish and what I felt like at the time was my spiritual death. I was broken completley. Completley sick. I remember waking up at times and wondering how I was still here and even being angry about it at times. The problem was I knew I didn't want to live like that. I wanted to live the way I knew deep down I was capable of living, but I didn't know how to apply it. During my battle of addiction I suffered depression, anxiety, two open heart surgeries that were caused by congestive heart failure and undoubtedly my drug use, hemorrhaged kidneys, multiple seizures, multiple hospitalizations, and overdoses. I was involuntarily admitted to two psychiatric hospitals and attempted seeking redemption at three rehabs. The problem with all that I suffered through during that time period was that none of the pain that occurred during it was comparable to the spiritual agony I was going through. One day I awoke in an abandoned house, withdrawing and looking at my surroundings. I had something that I call a miracle — others call it a spiritual awakening or a moment of clarity. I decided that day I was going to do whatever it takes to not have to live or feel like this, so I entered my third treatment center. I went this time with something I had never experienced before. A open mind and an open heart. I was ready. Sick and tired of being sick and tired as we say. I did whatever I had to do and on October 29th I was released from rehab with the same goal. I was no longer asking why. I knew that even if my purpose was to just help one person fight their way out. That person could change the life of millions and so on. I hope my story changes the mind of at least one of us still suffering and gives them the courage to step up fight and start living. You can, we can, and we do recover.

If I can go from waking up in puddles of my own urine 3-5 days a week to waking up every day and going for a run, then so can you. I learned that I was worth a beautiful life and guess what — so are you!

I was addicted to drugs and alcohol for 23 years. Today, I have 4 years sober!

I was addicted to meth for two years. My mother told me I could sleep outside or I could go get help. I slept outside. Later that night, I decided to go. I did an inpatient/outpatient program and maintained sobriety for about six months. I then relapsed for six more months. I hit a different rock bottom. Everyone in my family was absolutely sick of me and my decisions. Glory to God that I got my head out of my ass. I’ve been sober from meth for two and a half years now. There’s always hope.

My ex-wife came across this photo of me almost 3 years ago. She was amazed that she couldn’t tell I was using. Those are the lies we tell ourselves about the ones that we love. I am now 31 months clean and sober and I am living life to the fullest. Keep on guiding people on the road to recovery

This is what recovery can do for you in 283 days! Keep it up, Chase!

Today I am 5 years sober and free from alcohol and drugs. I am a singer/songwriter from County Down in Northern Ireland and up until 5 years ago, I was lost in addiction. On January 2nd, 2016, I stood on stage going through the motions. I had come to the edge and decided that I wasn't going to live like this anymore. A few days before my epiphany, I had found out that my daughter was fighting her own battle. In late 2015, we found out she had been self-harming and had developed a voice in her head telling her to end her own life. This is what urged me to turn away from the cliff and be there for my daughter. The only way I could do this was to be clean and have a clear mind to face what was to come. Fast forward 5 years and we are both healing every day. We have both become the best versions of ourselves. She saved me from me by going through her own hell and in return I saved her. They say God works in mysterious ways, well I can tell you he does. He can show you the way but you've got to stop being selfish and work hard at it. In 5 short years I have passed my driving test, climbed a mountain with my father, written and released my first album ‘Happy Being Free.’ Life is good, life is possible, and you are worth it.

From being filmed overdosing to coming up on 3 years of continuous sobriety. Don’t ever count an addict out!

I'm now 21. I battled the addiction for 7 years years and I was on the verge of death. I was living in doorways and just distancing myself from life and anyone who cared for me. I got into trouble with law, lost amazing people, and even lost myself. I got rushed into hospital in July weighing 5 stone 9. That’s a child's weight. I ended up with septis and almost died. It then left me with a serious heart infection called Endocarditis. I am still recovering from it, but I am now 14 weeks clean. It may not seem like a lot to you, but to me it’s amazing. I'm also now 8 stone 4. If I can do it, trust me you can do it. Don’t let anyone else say otherwise.

Hi my name is Jacquelyn and I’m a former IV Meth Addict that has 3 years clean today!

At the age of 18, I started injecting heroin and meth into my body. Two years later, I was diagnosed with HIV because of my drug use. That caused me to go further down the rabbit hole. At age 25, on December 12th, I was left in an ally to overdose and die, but by the grace of God a woman found me and happened to have Narcan. On December 17th, I decided to get clean. I've now been sober for 17 months and 15 days. I am living proof that Narcan is not enabling or a waste of money. I am living proof that we do recover. If you need help send a message into the page

Let’s show some love and support to our friend Кat who is celebrating 90 days clean! Keep going, Кat!

1 year clean off of everything. I was shooting molly, coke, and dope. What did it for me was my girl telling me that we’re going to have a baby. One year later, I work full time and support my family. God is good!! Since I got clean, my oldest daughter’s mother allowed her back into my life! I love life and I love my family! Believe me, if I can do it so can y’all!!!

Hello my name is Sierra and today I am celebrating 1 year sober! Today, I'm grateful for who I am. Today, I don't have to change how I feel. In this past year I have quit all mood/mind altering substances. I'm so grateful for my feelings today. I was an IV drug user and I thought I was going to die that way. Today I just want to spread hope that We do Recover! I did not get where I am by myself. I attend 12 step meetings and I work and live the program. I have service positions and I enjoy working with others. My drug addiction effected every person on this earth in a negative way and today I strive to have my recovery light the world one day at a time!

In 2015, I was strung out and arrested with 12 grams of heroin with possession to distribute, an unregistered firearm, as well as a plethora of other charges. Luckily my judge (who I am good friend with today) believed in rehabilitation as opposed to incarceration. I made him and myself a promise that if given the chance, I would get clean and stay the course. I kept my word. My life is amazing today. Well beyond my wildest dreams. I have peace and freedom. Today I do whatever I want.

I’m Kailyn and I’m a recovering heroin addict. December 8th, 2016 was one of the worst and best days of my life. It was the day I tried to end my life and ended up in a hospital bed...but little did I know, it was also the first day of the rest of my life.

If I wasn’t homeless or living in a hotel, I was missing my kids grow up because I was in and out of jail. I was broken. I was tired. I was miserable. So so miserable. I was 90 pounds of misery. 90 pounds of despair. My family all prepared to say goodbye. My mother started planning my funeral. My kids thought they would never see their momma again. But by the grace of God, I pulled through. God gave me a second chance at life, and I’d be damned if I was going to waste it.

God is SO good to me today! I had to completely rebuild my life from scratch and was it easy? No. But was it worth it? Absolutely! My life is unrecognizable today. I have almost 4 years sober!

4 years of happiness. 4 years of FREEDOM. I’m married to the love of my life, and am the best mom I can possibly be! My kids have their mom back. My parents have their daughter back. I now live my life sharing my story and showing others that recovery IS possible. You CAN live the life of your dreams if YOU choose to. You just have to want it more than anything else. Remember your past does not define you!! I am living proof. I BEAT THE ODDS. And you can too!

I’m 1 year clean from meth and adderall today, guys. I can’t believe I did it. By the Grace of a loving God, I’ve been set free.

Hi my name is Chad and I am 15 months clean and sober! By the Grace of God I have been spared and given the gift of recovery. Can I get an amen?

I'm a 27 year old single mother of 3 from the UK. I have had a 2 year battle with cocaine. In that time, I lost 90 percent of my family. I was in thousand and thousands of pounds worth of debt to drug dealers. I had completely and utterly lost myself. Today, not only am I clean off drugs, I've also kicked a 40 a day cigarette habit and I am now back in contact with all my family. Every day is a constant battle, but one that I will continue to fight!

Thank you Jesus! 31 years old, and after years and years of IV heroin and meth use, Jesus set me free. This November will be 5 years sober for me!