We recently connected with Christian Biedrzycki and have shared our conversation below.
Christian, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
In 2009, I moved from Phoenix to Tucson. I was a Pre-Med student. Unfortunately, I had to change majors because of my drinking and my drug use. (prescribed Oxycodone and Klonopin)
Things progressed, I ended up getting addicted to Heroin/Fentanyl and Methamphetamine.
At my worst, I was homeless and suicidal.
It took me 10 years to beat alcoholism and addiction.
When I was 2 months clean, I promised myself that I would go back to school.
I got into graduate school, I started my company, and I’m working on my clinical licensure.
I’m grateful for all that I’ve been through, as those experiences are what make me the provider I am.
I always wanted to help people. I just got a little sidetracked for 10 years.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Christian. I’m in long-term recovery from Heroin, Fentanyl, Benzodiazepines, and Methamphetamine.
I’m an MSW student at ASU Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
I’m an aspiring LCSW.
I specialize in Substance Use Disorder, Childhood Trauma, Grief Recovery, and Suicide Prevention.
What sets me apart from others is the fact that I have both lived experience and formal education.
First and foremost, I’m most proud of the fact that I’m 18 months clean/sober.
I was strung out, homeless, and suicidal at my worst.
I’m proud of my graduate studies program, the internship I’m preparing for, my job with Banner Behavioral Health Hospital in Scottsdale, and the company that I’m building.
I want people to know that I spent 10 years battling addiction.
I want people to know that I lost my biological father to an overdose.
I want people to know that I lost the woman I thought I was going to marry to an overdose.
I do what I do for myself first and foremost, but I’m also doing it for the people I’ve lost.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I spent 10 years battling addiction.
At my worst, I was homeless,
I still remember how I felt holding a cardboard sign and walking alongside the I-17 freeway exit ramp at Bell Road.
I did get it together for a little while. Unfortunately, I relapsed.
I was strung out again and in my old apartment.
I was contemplating a 5th suicide attempt.
Instead of acting on the urge to harm myself, I got down on my hands and knees and prayed to a God that I didn’t believe in.
I’ve been clean since.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
My story is what helped me build my reputation within my market.
I had such a rough childhood.
My father was in jail or prison most of my life.
He struggled with alcoholism and addiction.
Whenever he was out and in my life, we committed crimes and sold drugs together.
I ended up running away from Phoenix and moving to Tucson, AZ.
I got an academic scholarship while in high school and it allowed me to go to college.
I wouldn’t have been able to go otherwise.
I partied in college but stopped when I graduated.
I ended up getting addicted to Heroin in 2015.
I spent close to a decade battling addiction.
Heroin, Fentanyl, Benzodiazepines, and Methamphetamine,
I’ve been arrested. I’ve been homeless.
I have a lot of lived experience that I’m able to use to help others.
I’m in graduate school right now working on my Social Work master’s degree.
Eventually, I’ll be an LCSW.
I don’t know many LCSWs with a story like mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aegrumdiscoveryanddevelopment.org/about-aegrum-dd/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian.biedrzycki/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573974654314
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-biedrzycki-0b1978139/
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheAntisocialSocialWorker
