Born overseas into a miliary family, Matt describes living on a miliary base as a "sheltered life." In 6th grade, he experienced the culture shock of living off the base and Matt felt "left behind" when it came time to fitting in with his new peers. As he began to search for where he belonged in this new world, he struggled to find acceptance. Matt recalls the first time he tried methamphetamine was in the school bathroom during 8th grade in middle school. At the age of 15 years old, there is one moment that would change the course of Matt's entire life. The anguish and guilt Matt carried with him following this terrible accident left him searching for a way to escape the nightmares and flashbacks. His addiction spiraled out of control as he entered the juvenile prison as a teenager convicted of vehicular homicide. Always at the forefront of his mind, he was consumed by grief and regret. Matt explains how this mistake that he made went on to impact the rest of his life. A high school education was replaced with a "criminal education" that led into adulthood. Incarceration and addiction became an endless cycle for Matt until he was given an opportunity to complete residential substance use disorder treatment. It has taken Matt more than three decades to find a way to cope, free of substances, and eventually forgive himself. Matt, we wish you the very best in your journey!

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