Struggling with addiction and living in recovery can be difficult as we celebrate going into the new year.
The end of the year can bring about temptation, loneliness, or negative thoughts, especially for people abusing drugs or living in recovery, but you don't have to go through the struggle on your own.
Greg Fuller, who is now a treatment specialist for Addiction Campuses, says that's something he knows all too well.
"I overdosed three times. I was found in my car unresponsive and they used Narcan all three times to revive me," Fuller explained.
It took him reaching his lowest point to ask for help in 2016.
"The best and worst day of my life was the day I decided to get sober because I was miserable," Fuller remembered. "I was just so sick of living but I also had that despair lifted from me."
It was then, his good friend who was also living in recovery from drug abuse convinced him to start working for addiction therapy facilities as a mentor to others.
"I'm in a position where I get to help other people that are struggling with the same things I struggled with," Fuller said.
However, the same friend who helped Greg help others, faced his own struggles, and Greg knows this new year isn't going to be the same.
"He had been sober for many years," Fuller explained. "Some things came about that caused him stress, sort of like the stressors that come about during the holidays, and he had relapsed, and he passed away."
Negative thoughts, like reminders of loss, disappointments and loneliness can get the best of people already struggling, but help is out there.
Erika Lathon is a PR manager for Addiction Campuses and says it's okay to ask for help.
"We really want people to sort of break free from that stigma and know that it's okay to admit that you have a problem," Lathon said. "It's okay to admit that you're struggling and it's okay to reach out for help. There's people who want to help."
People who work for addiction centers, and your own loved ones.
"The bottom line is we just want to encourage people to reach out to whomever you feel comfortable with," Lathon explained.
Just like Fuller didn't didn't do it by himself, those dealing with addiction don't have to either.
"I could not have done it alone," Fuller admitted. "A lot of time people think they can. But there's a lot more than just getting through the physical part."
Since New Years Eve is also a time when a lot of parties will be happening, both Greg and Erika recommend having a sober friend or sponsor with you if you are battling addiction.