To Make a Long Story Short...

My journey of overcoming addiction to opioid painkillers is a deeply personal and challenging one. It all began innocently enough, with a doctor prescribing these medications to alleviate the pain caused by a bad lower back. However, what started as a solution soon turned into a debilitating addiction.

I found myself trapped in a cycle of shame and despair, feeling helpless and lost. I was confronted by my Parents and my wife. No one knew what was going on with me, but they were aware I was a different person. I grew tired of constantly feeling tired, both physically and mentally. I realized that if I continued down this path, it would ultimately lead to my death. So when they asked what was going on, I said "I need help". I didn't fight it because I knew it was time.

With this newfound determination, I entered rehab at Betty Ford in Palm Desert, California on January 2, 2020. This started me on a path to recovery, seeking help and support from professionals. It was not an easy road, but my resilience and unwavering commitment to a better life allowed me to triumph over my addiction and regain control of my destiny.

Now, I have a chance to give back to my community and individuals who are lost in the same maze that I was. This is my way of thanking the world for not giving up on me and showing them that there is indeed some light at the end of that dark tunnel.

-Tanner Bown, President of Optimism Athletics