Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Degraw
Hi Jason, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
A relentless heroin addiction consumed fifteen years of my life—a cycle of despair that led me to homelessness, isolation, and near-destruction. Looking back now, it feels like a different lifetime, though the memories remain vivid, serving as both a warning and a testament to the human capacity for transformation.
It began innocently enough, as these stories often do. Experimentation turned to dependency, and dependency turned to desperation. Heroin didn’t just steal my health; it robbed me of my dignity, my relationships, and my sense of self. For years, I lived in the shadows of society, disconnected from the world around me. Nights were spent on cold sidewalks, my only focus being on finding my next fix. I’d long stopped imagining a future for myself. The person I had once been—full of dreams, hopes, and love—seemed irretrievably lost.
Hitting rock bottom wasn’t a single event but a prolonged period of unimaginable pain. Some overdoses nearly claimed my life, and I experienced the alienation from family and friends and the soul-crushing monotony of survival on the streets. But it was during one of those darkest moments that something shifted. I realized I was tired—not just physically, but in the deepest part of my soul. I couldn’t live like this anymore.
Getting clean was the hardest thing I have ever done. It required every ounce of strength I didn’t know I possessed. Detox was brutal, and the road to recovery was filled with setbacks and temptations. But I found support in others who had walked a similar path, in counselors who saw my potential when I couldn’t, and in the small victories that accumulated over time. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and before I knew it, I was celebrating six years of sobriety.
That milestone was transformative. For the first time in over a decade, I felt hope. I realized that the years I had spent lost weren’t entirely wasted; they had given me insight into a world that many people couldn’t imagine. I decided to use my experiences to help others still trapped in the cycle I had escaped.
With the support of my newfound community, I founded a nonprofit organization called Addicts Fighting Back, aimed at helping those struggling with addiction. We provide a safe place for addicts and their families to connect, further their support network, and help them build a sense of connection and purpose. We wanted people to know they weren’t alone, that recovery was possible, and that their lives still held value.
Through this work, I found my purpose. Giving back became a cornerstone of my sobriety, a way to channel the pain of my past into something meaningful. But perhaps the most profound part of this journey has been the self-awareness I’ve developed. Recovery taught me to confront my emotions, to understand the trauma that had fueled my addiction, and to cultivate a sense of inner peace. I learned to forgive myself for the harm I’d caused—both to others and myself—and to embrace the idea that I was worthy of love and respect.
Years later, my life is unrecognizable from what it once was. I’m no longer defined by my addiction or my mistakes but by the resilience and growth that followed. My nonprofit continues to grow, helping hundreds of people each year find their own paths to recovery. And while the scars of my past remain, they serve as reminders of how far I’ve come.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that no one is beyond redemption. Every life has value, and every story holds the potential for a new beginning. My journey has been one of pain, yes, but also of healing, transformation, and hope. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Recovery from drugs and alcohol presented numerous challenges, including overcoming the cravings and addressing the underlying issues that led to my substance use. Emotional struggles like guilt, shame, and low self-esteem complicated the process, as did my need to rebuild relationships and repair trust with my family. Finding my true identity didn’t come overnight. It was a process. Trusting that process was key in finding my true self.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Addicts Fighting Back ?
Addicts Fighting Back (AFB) is a nonprofit organization based in Salt Lake City, Utah, dedicated to empowering individuals in their fight against addiction. The organization fosters connections and builds a resilient community through three primary program pillars:
Events Committee: Organizes recovery-related activities such as BBQs and family-oriented gatherings to support individuals in recovery and their families, strengthen bonds, and build a supportive community.
Sporting Committee: This committee promotes physical health and social connections through sober sporting activities like softball, volleyball, and bowling, emphasizing teamwork and personal growth.
Service Committee: This committee engages in community service projects, including homeless outreach and park cleanups, to foster meaningful community engagement.
AFB provides essential resources, weekly recovery groups, and skill-building opportunities, creating a safe and inclusive space where individuals can share experiences, learn, and grow together. We aim to inspire hope and transform lives by leading with compassion, education, and collaboration.
Our approach is unique in that we prioritize a family healing dynamic, recognizing that addiction affects not just the individual but their entire support system. While many focus solely on addict-to-addict connections, we go beyond by fostering open communication, rebuilding trust, and creating a foundation for collective recovery. By addressing the whole family’s needs, we empower lasting transformation and a more substantial, united path forward.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has little to do with recovery or building a nonprofit; success in either area is rooted in hard work, dedication, and the unwavering commitment to your goals. Recovery demands consistent effort, personal accountability, and a willingness to face challenges head-on, while building a nonprofit requires vision, perseverance, and the ability to inspire others to join your cause. A strong team of like-minded, motivated peers is essential, as collaboration and shared passion can amplify impact. Consistency is the glue that binds these efforts, ensuring steady progress despite obstacles. Ultimately, determination and purpose—not chance—drive meaningful outcomes.
Pricing:
- NA
- NA
- NA
- NA
- NA
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.addictsfightingback.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/addictsfightingback
