Hi everyone,

I’m sharing my story because I’m asking for help with something that has been years in the making.

I took my first drink when I was 12 years old. At the time, it gave me something I didn’t know I was missing — a sense of relief, confidence, and feeling whole. What started small slowly grew into something I couldn’t control. Over the next six years, alcohol became a constant, and eventually other substances followed. I found myself stuck in a cycle where the most important thing in my life became avoiding how I felt when I wasn’t using.

I was an intelligent kid who fell into the wrong crowd and loved the attention that came with it. When I turned 18, everything escalated. I was drinking every day and using cocaine regularly. Within eight months, I found myself homeless and living in a house where drugs were being sold — a place that felt normal at the time, but was destroying me. My behavior became chaotic, and eventually the police were called. Somehow, through manipulation and luck, I walked away — but I knew I couldn’t keep living that way.

On February 24th, 2023, I went home and told my mom I was ready to get sober.

That decision changed everything.

I entered detox for two weeks, then moved into sober living for three months. I was only 18 years old and felt incredibly alone. While people my age were partying and drinking, I was trying to figure out who I was without substances. One night, at a meeting with over 100 people, I raised my hand and shared how scared and lonely I felt. After the meeting, ten young people came up to me and invited me to a place called Full Circle.

That invitation changed my life.

At Full Circle, I didn’t just stay sober — I learned how to live. I developed communication skills, a strong work ethic, and an understanding of what it means to be an honest, responsible man. I learned how to love others, how to show up, and how to find purpose. Most importantly, I learned that recovery doesn’t have to be lonely.

After two years in the Full Circle program in Colorado, I knew I wanted to give back. I was sent to Arizona, where I’ve been an intern for the past nine months, working directly with others in recovery. Helping people walk through what I once walked through has become the most meaningful work I’ve ever done.

Now, I’m preparing to begin formal training in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling. The cost of the required three-month program is $5,800, and because the training is intensive, I won’t be able to work during this time. I’m hoping to raise $8,000 total to cover:

Tuition and program fees

Living expenses

Food and basic necessities

This training begins one day before I reach three years sober, which feels surreal. I never imagined my life could look like this. I’m excited, grateful, and trusting God with what comes next.

If you’re able to support me financially or by sharing this fundraiser, thank you. Every contribution helps me continue turning recovery into service — and helps me be the person for others that so many were for me.

With gratitude,

Avery Turner