Island Teen Shares Journey from Addiction to Recovery

At just 18 years old, Danny Snyder from the Comox Valley is sharing his journey through addiction and recovery, a path that began at the age of 15. His experiences highlight the challenges many young individuals face while grappling with substance use, particularly in an environment where drugs are readily available. Snyder’s story sheds light on the complex reasons behind drug use, the impact of addiction, and the importance of support systems in recovery.

From Experimentation to Addiction

Initially, Snyder viewed drug use as a form of experimentation. He describes it as a means of escape from personal struggles and the pressures of growing up. “There’s definitely lots of reasons that people get into drug use. Sometimes it’s to fit in, or for me, it was definitely to escape. There were a lot of reasons growing up why I’d want to escape,” he explained.

As he navigated through his teenage years, Snyder transitioned from casual use to addiction. “It felt like it was progressing slowly, but over the course of a few years, that’s a pretty quick transformation, from experimentation to near-death experiences with fentanyl. It sneaks up on you and doesn’t feel so dramatic until it really is. It very quickly stops becoming fun,” he remarked.

While Snyder didn’t have a specific drug of choice at the start, he began using whatever was accessible. His situation escalated as he spent more time in downtown Nanaimo, where drug use was prevalent. “It became really easy because it was being sold. These people are trying to make money,” he noted.

Facing Fentanyl and Near-Death Experiences

One pivotal moment in Snyder’s journey was his first encounter with fentanyl. “The first time I ever did down, which is fentanyl, I went downtown and bought a few points, which is a tenth of a gram. I just remember walking home and then I was waking up with paramedics and my dad around me,” he recalled. This experience highlights the perilous nature of fentanyl, a substance that has contributed to numerous overdoses across North America.

Understanding the impact of his addiction on himself and his loved ones became crucial for Snyder’s recovery. “I’ve been able to appreciate the people around me a little bit more. So much of it is being able to deal with your mental health – finding meaning in life. That’s definitely the biggest thing for me,” he said.

Determined to overcome his addiction, Snyder sought help from an addiction clinic in Nanaimo. “The biggest thing at first… was definitely the first step to getting away from that life. The support, no judgment, and being able to get on opiate antagonist therapy (OAT) were all super beneficial. That’s keeping people alive,” he emphasized.

Using OAT, Snyder transitioned away from street fentanyl, beginning with a fentanyl patch. “I think that was beneficial for keeping me alive, because there are so many people dying so suddenly without OAT,” he explained. He faced challenges in weaning himself off the patch, describing withdrawal as intense but necessary for his recovery.

Building a Support Network

Snyder recognized the importance of community and connection in his recovery process. He engaged with Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and found a sponsor who guided him through the recovery steps. “I’ve been involved with the NA program for just under a year. I’ve found the community very beneficial, and so much of the teachings are very helpful,” he stated.

Despite some challenges with NA teachings, Snyder values the spiritual aspects of the program while also acknowledging the need for a balanced understanding of the physiological side of addiction. “I think there is maybe ignorance of the physiological side of it. There is judgment towards opiate antagonist therapy,” he remarked.

After relocating to the Comox Valley, Snyder is focused on rebuilding his support system and distancing himself from past connections that fueled his addiction. “I’m trying to build a support system again. Such a big piece in another meaningful life is to build connections with people,” he explained.

Finding Self-Worth and Moving Forward

As Snyder continues his journey towards recovery, he emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance. “For me, it was developing the feeling that I deserve better and figuring out how to develop that,” he shared. Although he has experienced brain damage due to overdoses, he is committed to embracing each day positively.

“One of the positives that has changed in regards to my recovery is finding better male role models. Finding good role models has helped me figure out the kind of person I want to be,” he reflected. Snyder’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles individuals face with addiction, and the potential for recovery with the right support.

For those in need of assistance, mental health and substance use services are available. Residents can contact Service Link at 1-888-885-8824 for support tailored to their needs. In crisis situations, the Vancouver Island Crisis Line offers help 24/7 at 1-888-494-3888. For further resources, visit Mental Health & Substance Use Services or HelpStartsHere.gov.bc.ca.

As Snyder continues to navigate his recovery journey, he exemplifies resilience and the importance of community support in overcoming the challenges associated with addiction.