Sharing his story is one way that Troy is showing up for his community.
Troy kept his experience with opioid use disorder (OUD) to himself—in part, due to the shame he faced. Today, Troy has found purpose in helping other people, and in not being ashamed of what he’s been through. “Now I’ve stripped away all those layers. I’m the real Troy,” he says. “Someone who cares about people, someone who’s dedicated his life to helping people.” Troy has learned that by sharing his story, he can help others overcome the stigma of OUD, too.
Troy is so thankful for the life he’s built. “Having employees work for me, having money in the checking account, helping people on a daily basis—it’s truly amazing where God has led me,” he says.
Troy is a person in recovery from opioid use disorder, and he believes in helping others begin their recovery journeys, too. That’s one way he helps people—by breaking down barriers, like stigma, to recovery. “There are people who maybe think, ‘Man, I can’t do that.” But Troy knows firsthand that it’s possible, and likely. “If you woke up this morning and have breath in your lungs, you can do it.”
Visit findhelpnowky.org to find quality treatment and get answers to your questions about recovery.
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a treatable medical condition—but not everyone knows that. Troy, who is in long-term recovery from opioid use disorder, shares what he would do to teach someone about OUD: “I would meet them where they’re at. I would say: Listen, I’ve lived it. I can tell you this is a disease of the mind, and it’s not something I ‘wanted’ to do; it’s just something that became this overwhelming urge. I would share my experience, strength, and hope. All I can do is tell them what road I walk, and countless others.” Troy is helping to end the stigma of his medical condition by telling his story, and by sharing this video with others, you can too.