Jarrod’s story

Substance use and mental health disorders run in Jarrod’s family. He says that when he was young, he saw a lot of things that a kid shouldn’t have to see. It’s why he actively avoided drugs and alcohol for most of his life: He didn’t want to wind up like some of his own family members.

But he began experiencing depression in college, and he started regularly using drugs and alcohol. Looking back, Jarrod realizes that his substance use habits were likely a response to his father’s death, which he couldn’t process at the time.

“That’s when the slippery slope started with my mental health, and not being able to cope,” Jarrod says.

Jarrod’s substance use intensified, he dropped out of school and his mental health continued to deteriorate. In his late 20s, Jarrod started taking opioids and amphetamines. He would later overdose twice and attempt suicide, and it was then that he reached out to MultiCare for help.

“It took me coming to terms with the eventuality of what was going to happen to me,” Jarrod says, “whether it be six feet underground, in jail or institutions.”

Since entering recovery, Jarrod has received several promotions at his full-time job and has made new friends who also avoid substances, and he plays golf regularly. Much of his success in recovery comes from a conscious change in his environment, as well as his concentration on healthy social habits and hobbies.

“Now I can focus on being happy and looking forward to each day,” Jarrod says. “It’s hard to even fathom where I am today by comparison to where I was a few years ago. It all started with me making that choice to seek help.”