I Was Snorting Fentanyl Every Day...Now I'm 3 Years Sober

From the outside, Mike Van Holderbeke had no reason to end up where he did — a two-parent home, food in the fridge, gifts under the tree, a successful older brother. But addiction doesn't discriminate. What started with weed in seventh grade and a single oxycodone he calls "the warm blanket" spiraled into a full-blown fentanyl and benzo addiction — crushing pills behind the wheel, surviving multiple seizures, losing his best friend to an overdose, and eventually watching 16 officers raid his home. He got sober the day he was sentenced to prison, and served 15 months.

Prison could have broken him. Instead, with the help of a counselor who became a beacon of hope and a sponsor he met on the inside, Mike used the time to rebuild himself from the ground up. When he came home, he found the thing that changed everything: running. He ran his first marathon alone around his neighborhood on Christmas Day — and today, 3 years sober at 27, he logs over 100 miles a week and spends his life showing other people that the past doesn't have to define them. This is one of the most inspiring comeback stories we've had on the show.

Sponsored by Caron Treatment Centers

My recovery journey began at Caron Treatment Centers, and the care I received there changed the course of my life. That's why I'm proud to partner with Caron.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, Caron has been helping individuals and families find hope and lasting recovery for nearly 70 years. They are in-network with all major insurance providers, and same-day admission is available.

➡️ Learn more: https://www.caron.org/lp/rise-above

📞 Call Caron today: 855-352-0103

Recovery starts with taking the first step.

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