I am no longer ashamed or embarrassed to tell my story.  

For so long, I viewed surrendering or asking for help as a sign of weakness. Even in my darkest days, I held on to the notion that I was a man and should be strong enough to handle it all on my own. That's such an archaic, and selfish, way to go through life.   

When I couldn't take it anymore and decided to surrender, I realized the enormous amount of courage and inner strength that it took.   

Today, I am proud to say that: "I'm Kyle, a grateful recovering addict".