By Allen Griffin, WestCare Nevada Alumni
Growing up in Monroe, Louisiana, my childhood was a mix of love and chaos. My parents were both in my life, but it was my mother who raised me. My father was what you might call a rolling stone, always drifting in and out of our lives. By the age of 15, I found myself drawn to the streets and the gang life. It seemed like an escape, a way to fill the void left by my father’s absence.
At 17, I started using PCP, and by my 20s, I had moved on to meth. The drugs were a way to numb the pain and forget the struggles, but they only led me deeper into trouble. In 2014, I was caught in a family drug court case, and I knew I had hit rock bottom. Facing the judge, I pleaded to be sent to WestCare Nevada’s Harris Springs Ranch, a residential treatment program for men. I spent 90 days there learning to rebuild my life with new tools and a fresh perspective.
Coming out of Harris Springs Ranch, I was determined to change. I joined the NA fellowship and started following the program’s suggestions. The loss of my son to the streets in 2018 was a devastating blow, but instead of breaking me, it drove me deeper into the program. When my other son, “Lil Al,” went to prison in 2021, I stayed strong, keeping my focus on recovery and the promises I had made to myself.
Today, I am a husband, a father to 12 wonderful kids, and a grandfather to eight beautiful grandchildren. My motto is simple: “Fear no man but God.” It’s a reminder of the strength and courage it took to turn my life around. As a WestCare Nevada alumni member, I’ve had the honor of serving as both the Vice President and the President of the alumni, helping others find their way out of darkness.
My dream now is to take my family on a trip outside of the state to visit relatives we haven’t seen in years. It’s a small wish, but it represents everything I’ve fought for: family, unity, and the chance to make up for lost time. My journey from gang life and addiction to recovery and redemption is proof that no matter how far you fall, with faith and determination, you can rise again.
