Ryan is originally from Mayville, a town near Jamestown, NY. However, he moved to Buffalo to help further his recovery. Ryan’s journey with substance use began when he was just 11 years old. He started with marijuana and prescription pills, seeking solace from the trauma and mental health struggles that plagued his youth. By the time he was 19, he had become entangled in legal troubles, leading to probation and a brief period of sobriety. However, his battle with addiction persisted, escalating with methamphetamine and heroin use in 2019 following the loss of his grandmother, who had been his primary caregiver.
Embracing Recovery
In August 2023, after years of chaos, instability, and strained relationships, Ryan decided he had enough. “I was tired of not being able to keep a job, tired of not having self-respect,” he recalls. He entered a 28-day rehab program at White Deer Run, followed by a 90-day program at Horizon Health’s Delta Village, and transitioned to Unity House in January 2024. This marked a significant turning point in his recovery journey. The supportive environment of Unity House, combined with Ryan’s determination, helped him taper off methadone and onto Suboxone.
Ryan’s experience at Unity House has been transformative. Over the past six months, he has not only embraced sobriety but also taken proactive steps to rebuild his life. “When I first got here, I was going to the methadone clinic daily, but now I’m on Suboxone, and it’s made a world of difference,” he says. He completed the Peer Workforce program through BestSelf Behavioral Health and earned his Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) certification. His days are now filled with purpose and community involvement. Ryan volunteers at BestSelf’s Recovery Community Center, running support groups for individuals facing addiction and mental health challenges.
Rebuilding Connections
One of the most profound changes in Ryan’s life has been restoring his relationships. “I’ve been able to repair my relationship with my family quite a bit since I’ve been here,” he shares. After many years of no contact, Ryan has reconnected with his father, who lives in Buffalo, and strengthened his bond with his mother. This renewed sense of family support has been a cornerstone of his recovery. Additionally, Ryan has made new friends in Buffalo, which has helped him build a new, healthier social network. “I’ve made some good friends here in Buffalo, and we go out and do fun things like going to the movies or having picnics,” he adds with a smile.
New Horizons
Ryan’s daily routine is now structured and fulfilling. He attends therapy sessions, volunteers, and participates in community activities. Ryan recently started attending church, finding solace and strength in his faith. His weekends are dedicated to leisure and connection, visiting family, or attending local events. “I’ve found my faith again, and it has made a huge improvement in my life,” he says. Reflecting on his journey, Ryan emphasizes the importance of support and structure in recovery. He advises those struggling with substance use disorder to take the first step, no matter how daunting it may seem. “You only get out what you put in,” he says. “There’s hope for everybody if they want to get better. You just have to take that first step.”
Looking Ahead – Future Aspirations
Ryan’s goals include moving into an Oxford House or one of Caz Recovery’s Step Toward Success apartments and continuing his work as a peer advocate. His commitment to helping others through their recovery journey is unwavering, and he hopes to inspire others with his story. “I want to stick with the peer advocacy work because I think it’s such an awesome thing to be able to help people directly,” he explains. “Having been there, done that, I can relate to what they’re going through and offer real support.” Ryan expresses immense gratitude for Unity House and the opportunities it has provided. He acknowledges that the program’s support has been instrumental in his recovery, allowing him to rebuild his life and look forward to a brighter future. “I wouldn’t be where I am without Unity House. They’ve given me so many opportunities to grow and improve,” he says gratefully.
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