Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Hansen.
Hi Tyler , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in a wonderful family in Orem, Utah. My family is all tremendous athletes, except for me. My little brother played basketball in the NBA, and my younger twin sisters were incredible basketball players in high school and at BYU. In my journey after serving an LDS mission in Japan and losing my mother to pancreatic cancer while I was there, when I came home, I struggled. I played softball locally on a world champion team and was introduced to pain medications. Those medications were easily accessible, and powerful drugs such as OxyContin were abundant and so easy to find. I became addicted and lost my way, losing a marriage, spending time in jail and prison, and having to relearn how to do life without drugs, which I didn’t want to do.
In prison, I met a counselor who shifted my focus and gave me hope. Hope for the future, of being a good dad, a good son, a good brother, and so on. Upon my release from prison, I returned to school and became a counselor, working my way up to become the owner of Steps Recovery Centers in Utah. We are the largest private provider in the state, and I get the opportunity to use my shame, disappointment, and trials to help others. It’s the most fabulous job I could have, and I get to serve the community and friends by righting their ship and correcting their course, because I have done it myself.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Business ownership and entrepreneurship have been quite an education. I have now worked at the company for 10 years, and it’s a labor of love for sure. With the increases in access to fentanyl in Utah, we are now losing people to addiction quicker than ever, and people’s opportunities to get sober are lessened because of the lethality of that drug. It is so difficult to have people understand that their next drug may be their last, and they cannot just take a pill or risk everything for one wild night.
We have navigated COVID-19, staffing issues, and ongoing funding challenges. Insurance companies are reimbursing less and less for the same services, and in some cases, are even fighting not to pay you after the services have been completed.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Steps Recovery Centers ?
We have been in Utah for approximately 15 years. Most of our staff members are individuals in recovery or family members of those in recovery, and they possess the empathy and courage to share the truth with others, while also encouraging and supporting them in making lasting changes. We are known for our incredible work with Veterans and people with PTSD. We offer services throughout the state of Utah. We consider ourselves a big family. We have a great app and alumni program that helps people not only get sober but stay sober.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My father was gifted a pair of winter gloves for Christmas by my mother. We didn’t have a lot of money, and so they meant the world to my Dad because they were new and very nice. We were camping with some friends, and the campsite director came over on a cold night to warm himself by the fire. My father noticed that he was very cold and didn’t have any gloves, and without a thought, he took them off and gave them to the man. The most precious gift he got for Christmas, and he gave it away without a thought. My Dad and Mom always impressed upon me the importance of serving others, and working in that capacity daily has been an incredible honor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stepsrc.com
