Ryan Perry traces his path from trauma, grief, depression, and painkiller use to opioid addiction, devastating losses, and three overdoses. Recovery began when he stopped waiting to be saved and focused on accountability and one small decision at a time - a lived-experience story for Recovery Month.

Addiction isn’t a character flaw — it’s a pattern written in the brain. But the same brain that addiction rewires can also heal. Understanding this changes how we treat substance use disorder, how we support recovery, and how we see ourselves.

Content Warning: This article discusses drug use, heroin addiction, and trauma. John Makohen, a seasoned substance use counselor and author of *A Heroin User’s Guide to Harm Reduction*, shares his lived experience of life on the streets, the risks of drug use, and the lessons that shaped his journey toward recovery.