At Renewed Light Mental Health, we believe that every recovery journey has the power to inspire and uplift others, offering hope to those who may feel lost in the darkness of addiction & mental health struggles. One such story is that of our Admissions Manager, Nathan, whose personal battle with addiction has shaped his life in unimaginable ways. Today, Nathan is at the forefront of our admissions team, guiding others on their paths to recovery. His story is one of redemption, resilience, and the power of never giving up.
Recovery Journey
Nathan’s struggle with addiction began at a young age, though he grew up in a loving household with supportive parents and an older brother. Yet, despite the normalcy of his childhood, Nathan always felt different, disconnected from the world around him. As a teenager, in a quest to belong, he fell into a cycle of drug use that quickly spiraled out of control.
By age 12, Nathan was already experimenting with substances. What started with cigarettes and marijuana soon escalated into harder drugs, as he sought an escape from his feelings of inadequacy and loneliness. Despite discovering a passion for cooking and enrolling in culinary school, addiction continued to dominate his life. The more he tried to control his substance use, the more it consumed him.
After a series of overdoses and numerous attempts at treatment, Nathan hit rock bottom. He found himself living on the streets of Kensington, Pennsylvania—homeless, hopeless, and addicted to heroin and crack. It was there, in the heart of his darkest days, that he had a life-altering moment of clarity. After yet another overdose, a stranger—whom Nathan describes as “someone’s mother or a kind aunt”—approached him. She offered him a choice: continue down the path of destruction or get help.
“I can’t do this anymore,” Nathan recalls saying, as he made the decision to get in the ambulance that day. It was a moment of surrender and a turning point in his recovery journey. He entered rehab once again, but this time, he accepted God and the 12 Steps into his life, committing fully to the work of recovery.
Nathan threw himself into the recovery process with determination. He joined a sober living community, found a sponsor, and worked through the 12 Steps of AA. For the first time, he felt the possibility of a future beyond addiction. He began sharing his story in meetings, finding healing in helping others. As his sobriety strengthened, he decided to pursue a career in treatment, believing that his purpose was to guide others out of the darkness of addiction and into the light of recovery.
Yet, Nathan’s journey didn’t end there. After celebrating a year of sobriety, he grew complacent and relapsed. The relapse lasted only four days, but it was a humbling experience that reminded Nathan of the constant work required to maintain recovery. He returned to treatment with renewed focus and rebuilt his life from the ground up. It was during this time that Nathan truly found his calling: to work in addiction treatment and provide the same care and compassion that had been given to him.
Today, Nathan is the Admissions Manager at South Jersey Treatment Management Company, where he helps individuals take their first steps toward recovery. With over five years of sobriety, he dedicates his life to ensuring that every person who calls seeking help receives the support they need, regardless of their circumstances. His own experiences have shaped the way he approaches his work—empathizing deeply with each caller, knowing firsthand the struggle they face.
“Recovery is possible for everyone,” Nathan says. “You are loved, you are cared for, and help is just a phone call away.”
Resources
Nathan’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery is not a straight line but a journey. His dedication to helping others and his unwavering faith in the recovery process continue to inspire all of us at Renewed Light Mental Health. For those currently in the depths of addiction, Nathan’s story serves as a beacon of hope—proof that no matter how far one falls, it is always possible to rise again.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, we encourage you to reach out. Call us at 856-733-4949. Like Nathan, you can rebuild your life and find a future filled with hope, love, and purpose.
