Greetings friend!
Hello and welcome — I’m Damien Reilly.
I’m a person in long-term recovery for nearly 14 years. Recovery has given me a life filled with purpose, clarity, and gratitude, and it’s an honor to share what I’ve learned along the way.
I would be privileged to support you as you navigate the challenges and triumphs of your own recovery journey. You don’t have to walk this path alone — I’m here to help.
My Story
Growing up, I was often told I was “overreacting” or making too much of a big deal out of small things. Over time, I learned to hide my emotions, convincing myself I needed to show the world a tougher, more controlled version of who I was. I pushed my feelings down, but they always found a way to resurface.
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By age 13, I started drinking and smoking. For the first time, I felt both out of control and comfortably numb. I had spent so much of my life worrying about everyone else’s approval that when I was drinking, I finally stopped caring. High school became increasingly difficult. I was filled with fear of the future, regret about the past, and emotions I didn’t yet understand. What I didn’t know at the time was that I was developing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
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During my senior year, I began experiencing suicidal ideation. I graduated, but instead of heading off to college with my friends, I entered treatment and was diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder. With medication and therapy, I started to get better. But eventually, I turned back to substances to self-medicate, beginning what became 18 years of active addiction. I told myself it was normal—I was functioning, successful, “having fun.” But on the inside, I was deeply miserable. The person I showed to the world didn’t match the person I truly felt myself to be.
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For a very long time, I lived a self-destructive life. I stayed in state of ambivalence, trying to fix things on my own and letting pride keep me from asking for help. Eventually, I reached a point where I couldn’t do it anymore. When I finally reached out—leaning on friends, family, treatment, and a 12-step community—everything began to change. Surrendering was the turning point that led me toward the life I have today.
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I began this work five years ago because I wanted to help people the way others helped me. That passion continues to guide me every day. Not every day is easy, and I don’t have all the answers, but I keep showing up. Little by little, I continue to grow, heal, and make progress.
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Today, I live a healthy, productive, and grounded life in recovery. I’m a devoted husband to my wife and a proud father to my son. I meditate daily and exercise 3–5 times a week to support my mental and physical well-being. I love spending time outdoors, catching live music, and cheering on my favorite New York sports teams. Recovery has given me the opportunity to build a life I truly love—and I’m grateful for it every day.