I started a movement for fentanyl awareness called "Every 11 Minutes."
Instagram: @every.11.minutes
Jeremy Kelsay
Recovery Date: 02/15/2021
Podcast: @everyelevenminutes
I've overdosed more times than I can count. I used to live in the gutter, like a teenage mutant ninja turtle, stealing anything that wasn’t bolted down just to survive. I broke my own rules and sold my soul in the pursuit of an endless high. Even though I knew and loved God, I was in the midst of spiritual warfare, on demon time. I was The number one draft pick for the devil.
But everything shifted after my last overdose. It was too close for comfort. I turned myself into jail and waited for a bed in rehab. I spent six months there, and when I got out, I did a complete 180. I moved into a sober living facility for more than a year, got a job in recovery and put myself in a position. Now, I’m a drug counselor/Case manager for Align Recovery Centers and I’m going to school to obtain my certificate. I even started a movement for fentanyl awareness called "Every 11 Minutes." I’ve reached millions through it and throw events to spread the word. I hand out Narcan and fentanyl test strips to help others.
Someone once told me that if I went out and helped people worse off than me, I’d find myself on a mountaintop, wondering how I got there. And you know what? I’m here now. Every day feels better than the last. Sometimes I wake up with a cold feeling in my stomach, but then I remember I'm not sick and I don't have to get well. I hit my gratitude list and realize every moment of my new life was a prayer request. It’s been three and a half years clean and sober, and I’m proud of where I’m at.
Reason you got sober: I have three daughters Kyra, Jacelyn, and Jada. Those are my three reasons.
Give us a little background information: I grew up in Healdsburg, California and I am a drug counselor in Sonoma now.
Describe your experience in addiction: I was in an addiction for 20 years. It started with alcohol and ended with jails, institutions, and death.
When did you realize your life had become unmanageable? I was getting high in my car in front of an IHOP with a friend. I was having the best time of my life and I didn't notice anything was wrong. Some lady came out to my car and brought me her leftovers and left it on my hood.
What did your recovery look like? I have a schedule. I wake up at about 5:30 a.m. and I drink coffee in the dark like a gremlin. I checked my emails and pray or hit a gratitude list. I work with a lot of families that have lost loved ones to fentanyl. I checked my messages and drink more coffee while I work on my social media. I get up and run for a mile or two. Then I get ready for my day. I will go work an 8-hour day which involves intakes, deescalation, case management, groups, outings, one-on-ones, room checks, rounds, charting, searches, etc
I go to therapy and boxing at least once a week. Although I get more therapy from boxing with my coach Alex. I hit a strength workout and run a couple more miles. By the time I get home. Btw, I also do intermittent fasting and eat a ketogenic diet.
How are you doing these days? Powerful, focused, and content. But sometimes I will run out of vape juice and I'm ready to burn it all to the ground. Luckily I can call my sponsor when I have these moments.
What do you do to maintain your recovery? I go to two AA meetings a week or more.
What are you grateful for? I've learned to say thank you for everything. Even The bad things. I'm grateful for being alive when I could have lost my life so many times out there.
Any goals or aspirations you'd like to share? I have a whiteboard with my goals and as I'm looking at it I have seven out of 12 Checked off for the month. I like to keep my goals sacred.
Any advice you would give to newly sober folks? Self-Discipline is the key to self-love. Boundaries and self-care are important to your well-being. Fill your cup before you fill anybody else's. Choose wisely and always put God first.