Andrew Kiezulas, now 34, said his battle with substance abuse disorder began early: At 5 or 6 years old, he was taking shots of alcohol. He’s pictured here at 5-years old. (WMTW-TV | YouTube)

This is a very important and informative article from our friends at WMTW ABC 8 out of Portland. Andrew Kiezulas, a University of Southern Maine student, is a brave person to tell his story in hopes of helping others.

When people share their experience, it humanizes addiction. The problem is a very real one.

The number of Mainers receiving substance abuse services and help went from 21,413 in 2013 to 36,178 in 2014. That’s a 59-percent increase in just a year.

It’s going to take people like Andrew to get the help, have the strength and tell the story that recovery is possible. You can see a better day.

WMTW reported:

Andrew Kiezulas, 34, said his battle with substance abuse disorder began early: At 5 or 6 years old, he was taking shots of alcohol.

“This is adult stuff,” Kiezulas said he thought as a child. “This is what the cool older people do. I feel a little grown up.”

As Kiezulas grew up, so did his addiction.

“I did well in school. I was to be a two-sport collegiate athlete and wound up an IV drug user,” he said. “The story is a lot more frequent than people think.”

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the article. The video is below: