We recently connected with James Sherman and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, James thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
The defining moment when someone realizes they can use their own recovery from substance use to help others often comes with a profound sense of purpose and connection. This moment is marked by a deep understanding that their personal journey, with all its challenges and triumphs, has equipped them with unique insights and tools that can significantly benefit others struggling with similar issues.
It came about when I finally recognized the value of my experiences—not just as a personal victory, but as a powerful resource for others struggling. Whether it’s sharing my story with someone in need, participating in recovery groups, or witnessing the positive impact of advice benefitting others. Coming to the reality and understanding I can help be a beacon of hope and guidance for others. This pivotal realization often fuels a commitment to helping others. There is nothing more beautiful than the transformative power of using one’s own journey to inspire and support others in their own quest for recovery
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Growing up my childhood was marked by instability and hardship. Born into a family where both parents struggled with addiction, I faced an environment entangled with chaos and uncertainty. Their battles with substance use created a turbulent home life which ultimately resulted in my placement into the foster care system.
These on-going early life obstacles spewed into my life as an teenager and I was often battling myself internally. Despite of it all, I ended up enlisting in the United States Air Force. I enlisted with hopes of finding direction and stability, believing that service would offer a fresh start and a path away from my tumultuous past. Not much changed, leaving me to accept I was likely the issue all along. I served four years and when I completed my enlistment I began hanging around people who used drugs which bridged me into my own struggles with substance use. The familiar pattern of addiction resurfaced, leading me into a cycle of drug dependency and a series of many difficult years. My addiction took a toll on my life, leading to extended periods of homelessness, incarceration, and continued personal hardships.
After many jail stays, overdoses, rehab stints, and zero desire live, I eventually made a conscious decision to turn my life around. I sought help, engaged in recovery programs, and gradually rebuilt my life. My journey from addiction to recovery has given me a profound empathy and insight into the challenges faced by those struggling with substance use disorder.
Today, I am dedicated to using my experiences to support and guide others on their path to recovery. My mission is to offer hope, share my story, and provide resources for those in need. Ultimately, helping them navigate their own journey toward a healthier, more stable, and more fulfilling life.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Escaping the streets of Kensington, I forcefully stepped into the jail system. Once again, the weight of my fentanyl addiction hung heavily on me, and the cycle of opioid dependency had led me to this point. As if days in jail were not already harsh, I was infatuated with thinking about drugs. Just enough to cope with my current state of withdrawal and I’d be a happy man. Each day blended into the next, filled with the monotony of confinement and the relentless battle against my cravings. Finally, after a few months I walked out of that jail with nothing but the clothes on my back. My pockets were empty, my future uncertain, and my spirit battered. The journey didn’t end with my release; it merely shifted to having just begun. I entered a recovery home, with the hopes I could find stability and a path to rebuild my life on.
In this fragile state of early recovery, I faced a myriad of challenges. I had ongoing court dates in two different states, each one a reminder of the legal entanglements I had accumulated during my addiction. I spent the next few weeks consumed by court appearances, fulfilling legal obligations, and navigating the complexities of my new reality. Everyday was a struggle to even want to be sober. On top of this, making ends meet was an uphill battle. I took on any job, juggling multiple responsibilities while trying to stay afloat financially. The hassle of balancing the demands of recovery, the constraints of my legal situations, re-integrating with friends & family, and the harsh realities of these new sober emotions.
There were moments when the weight of it all became overwhelming. The constant pressure, the fear of relapsing, and the daunting task of starting over made me want to quit. I felt as though I was treading water in an ocean of adversity, with no shore in sight. Undeniably there was presence of temptation to just quit and give up. I remembered the darkness from which I had come from and realized that every step forward, no matter how small, was a huge victory. The support from those who believed in me, combined with my own growing determination, fueled my resolve to persevere. I found my peace in recovery, I managed to meet my legal obligations, and started to build a new life from the ground up. A life without drugs. Each challenge faced and overcome became a testament to my strength and a reminder that even in the hardest moments, there is a path to redemption and hope.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
When it comes to substance use recovery, the role of peers—individuals who have personally navigated the challenges of addiction and are now in recovery themselves—can be profoundly impactful. At times lived experience can surpass the importance of formal training or theoretical knowledge.
Practical advice and coping strategies that peers provide are grounded in their own lived experiences. Offering firsthand knowledge of what works and what sometimes doesn’t. This can be incredibly valuable for someone navigating their own recovery journey. Explaining and strengthening the legitimacy of “I know what it’s like”. Peers can also help break down the stigma associated with addiction by demonstrating that recovery is a real and achievable outcome. Not to say people who are not peers can’t break down stigma but it’s beneficial to have peers who have experienced stigma to help aid in advocacy.
Lastly, offering sense of community. Recovery is often a communal effort, and peers play a crucial role in creating and maintaining supportive networks. They connect individuals with others who have similar experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support that is vital for long-term recovery. Peers can provide a unique blend of empathy, practical advice, hope, and community support that significantly enhances the recovery process.
Image Credits
Jay Outhier, Galen Pugh