Hey, I’m Ryan.
I’m a husband, a father, a truck driver, and a guy in recovery. Nine years ago I was drinking myself to death and hiding a crack relapse from my family. Today I have a career, a home, and a family that’s stronger than ever.
Addicts Rebellion is the site I wish I’d had when I was still in it.
My Story
Growing up, from the outside we looked like a normal, tight-knit family. Mom, Dad, three boys. But behind closed doors, things weren’t always easy — my parents fought, and when it got bad they would split. Every time they reunited, we’d move.
When I was 10, my older brother started getting physical with me. I learned to live in fear.
At 14 he offered me a joint in the backyard shed. I remember the feeling like melting candle wax. I was hooked from that first hit.
By 15 I’d left home for a youth transition centre. At 16 I aged out and ended up sleeping in an abandoned tractor trailer in winter. That’s where I got into Gravol — 40 pills at a time, tripping for days, talking to people who weren’t there.
First rock bottom got me into Westover Treatment Centre. Three weeks, my first taste of the 12 steps. I stayed clean for a while. But everyone thought I was using even when I wasn’t, so I figured I might as well do the thing they already thought I was doing. I relapsed, started slipping in school, and fell right back into the old me from before Westover.
The next years were couch surfing, partying, cocaine. I moved to Fort McMurray for a fresh start, reconnected with Tanya — my now-wife. We built a life, had kids, got married. After the kids came, the drugs stopped — but the drinking started. And it escalated rather quickly. Within five years it was several beers and a bottle of hard liquor every night.
In May 2016 Fort McMurray was evacuated for wildfires. My wife was frantically packing essentials for our kids. Me? I packed three pairs of boxers and as many beers as I could carry. That tells you everything about where I was.
In Calgary I crossed a line I’d sworn I never would — bought crack, got high alone while my kids slept upstairs. Did it again the next weekend with our last dollars. That night something clicked. I wrote Tanya a note, locked myself in the basement, and told her everything. I expected her to leave. Instead she got on the phone and found me help. That night I was in hospital on suicide watch. By morning I was headed to detox.
Then Claresholm — three months, science-based, structured. The hardest thing I’ve ever done. Graduated January 2017.
Nine years later: I’m happy, employed, a homeowner, and my family is stronger than ever. Not a day goes by that I forget what I learned there.
Want the full version? Read my complete story here.
Why This Site Exists
I built this for people like me — those in recovery, those still struggling, and those who love someone in the fight. It’s not about having the answers. It’s about truth, connection, and reminding each other we’re not alone.
For years I carried shame. Now I know sharing my story might help someone else find their way out.
This isn’t just a website. It’s a rebellion against addiction.
What You’ll Find Here
- Honest articles about recovery, relapse, and rebuilding
- Resources — crisis lines, recovery programs, and tools I’ve vetted personally
- A real person — if you’re going through it and need to talk to someone who gets it, reach out