PORTLAND, Maine — Glenn Simpson's journey to recovery started at a young age, while he was growing up in Skowhegan.
"From the first time I picked up a drink at age 11, I could see that my drinking was not like other people," Simpson said.
Alcohol and drugs were an escape from a small-town life he didn't connect with. Those habits continued in Bangor, where he spent twenty years as a morning shock jock at a rock radio station.
Eleven years ago, following a number of alcohol-related arrests, Simpson started his thirteenth attempt at rehab.
"I have no job, I have no driver's license, I am $40,000 in debt to the IRS and there is a warrant for my arrest. And that is day one of my recovery story," Simpson said.
While in rehab, he helped another patient in a wheelchair who was struggling to get to the cafeteria. That simple gesture became a pivotal moment of finally breaking free from substance use disorder.
That can-do attitude resulted in Simpson finishing his bachelor's degree and walking the stage with a master's degree in clinical social work. As a licensed therapist, he specializes in helping people struggling with substance use disorder and trauma, which has also been key to his healing process.
Simpson and his girlfriend, Nini Shamos, founded the Radical Art Directive, known as RAD, where people express their recovery in art. He hopes sharing his story and 'recovering out loud' will help others.
"To be able to go from a mug shot to a master's degree that provides hope, inspiration. connection and it's incredibly healing," Simpson said.
More information from the Maine Department of Health and Human Resources on substance use disorder, including prevention, treatment, and recovery services, can be found here.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol and/or drug use, call 211 to get help. For those dealing with opiate addiction, 211 Maine in partnership with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, provides toll-free statewide information and referral Opiate Helpline where you can speak with a specialist to identify treatment options and other resources in your area.