Addiction is a powerful force that can dominate every aspect of a person’s life. For those who have battled it, the road to recovery is one marked by struggle, setbacks, and ultimately, profound transformation. Michael Herbert’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self-discovery, and purpose-driven living. Now an addiction clinician and coach with over 20 years of experience, Michael’s story of overcoming substance abuse to become a beacon of hope for others highlights not just recovery but the importance of passion and giving back.
A Challenging Start: Childhood and Early Life
Michael Herbert’s early years were shaped by a unique upbringing. Raised in New Haven, Connecticut, by his mother and grandparents after his parents' divorce, Michael grew up in an environment that was both nurturing and restrictive. His grandmother, a dominant figure, instilled in him a sense of discipline and order. But, as Michael reflects, her strict and old-fashioned way of thinking could be challenging to deal with. Despite these challenges, he credits her with providing a strong foundation that kept him on a path that, at times, could have veered into much darker places.
Academically, Michael struggled. His learning style didn’t fit the traditional methods of education, and he was often labeled a “slow learner.” However, Michael now realizes that his difficulties were not due to a lack of intelligence but rather a different way of processing information. Despite not excelling in school, he never allowed the absence of a college degree to hold him back. Instead, he forged a path of success that led him to supervise doctors, master's-level clinicians, and even direct clinical programs—proving that determination and drive can overcome formal educational barriers.
The Descent into Addiction: Military Life and Substance Abuse
After high school, Michael joined the Navy. Naively, he thought it would be an easy way to avoid the responsibilities of college or full-time work. Instead, he found himself stationed in Puerto Rico during the height of the disco era, where his battle with addiction began. Michael describes the military as a place where drinking and substance use were almost rites of passage, and for him, this environment provided easy access to both.
While stationed in Puerto Rico, Michael was introduced to cocaine, marking the beginning of a decade-long struggle with addiction. He initially justified his drug use, seeing it as a way to have fun, but over time, the drugs began to take control. “I realized I had this condition that leads me to continue doing something that’s working against me,” Michael explains, likening addiction to a diabetic’s reaction to sugar. As his addiction progressed, work became less of a priority, and his life increasingly revolved around getting high.
Despite brief attempts at rehab, including a 90-day stint at a Veterans Affairs hospital where he continued to use drugs, Michael’s addiction worsened. His wake-up call came when he found himself reduced to eating scraps of bread pulled from a cage in a Wendy’s restaurant, physically and emotionally drained. This moment of desperation led him to seek real help at a rehab facility in New York.
The Turning Point: Embracing Recovery and Purpose
After completing a 30-day rehab program, Michael faced a pivotal decision: return to his old life or commit to long-term treatment. He chose the latter, entering a therapeutic community program. Though the experience was grueling—most of the other participants were there to avoid prison, and the counselors lacked personal experience with addiction—Michael persevered. It was during this time that he gained a deeper understanding of himself, learning humility and resilience.
Central to Michael’s recovery was his introduction to the 12-step program. Despite initial skepticism, he found solace in the meetings, walking four to five miles several days a week to attend. The program not only provided him with a framework for recovery but also connected him to a community of like-minded individuals. “I needed education about recovery, and that’s what I got from the 12-step fellowship,” he reflects.
A New Path: Becoming an Addiction Counselor
After completing treatment, Michael’s passion for helping others led him to pursue an internship at the same rehab center where he had found solace. Over the next several months, he immersed himself in addiction counseling, eventually becoming certified and starting a career that would span more than two decades. Michael worked with a diverse range of clients, including lawyers, physicians, and actors, helping them navigate the difficult road to recovery.
One of the most significant milestones in Michael’s career was his work in Egypt, where he moved to start a 12-step fellowship for English-speaking expatriates. Despite the language barriers and cultural differences, Michael’s commitment to helping others transcended borders. This experience highlighted his belief that recovery is a global issue and that, with the right support, anyone can overcome addiction.
Recovery Through Adventure: Finding Passion in Life
For Michael, recovery is not just about abstaining from drugs or alcohol—it’s about finding passion and purpose in life. Over the years, he has embraced adventure as a means of staying connected to his recovery. From running ultra-marathons through the Sahara Desert to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and participating in primitive living courses, Michael has continuously pushed himself to explore new physical and mental challenges. These experiences have become a core part of his identity and recovery journey.
“I’m a beekeeper, I’ve been on safaris, I’ve gone gorilla trekking, and I’ve run through deserts,” he shares with pride. Each adventure serves as a reminder of how far he’s come and the potential that lies in living a life of purpose and meaning. Through these experiences, Michael has discovered the healing power of nature, physical endurance, and exploration.
Giving Back: African Hopeful Horizons
In recent years, Michael has taken his passion for helping others to new heights. During a trip to Ethiopia, he was struck by the extreme poverty he witnessed and felt compelled to take action. What began as a promise to bring school supplies to a local village evolved into a full-fledged non-profit organization, African Hopeful Horizons. Through this initiative, Michael has raised tens of thousands of dollars to provide educational resources to children in remote areas of Africa, helping to rebuild schools and offer hope to those with little access to basic necessities.
“I feel like my purpose is to help others, whether it’s through addiction counseling or supporting kids in Africa,” Michael reflects. His work with African Hopeful Horizons is a testament to his belief that recovery is about more than just personal healing—it’s about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Conclusion: A Life of Recovery, Adventure, and Service
Michael Herbert’s journey from addiction to advocacy is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible for anyone willing to put in the work. His story demonstrates the importance of finding purpose beyond sobriety, whether it’s through adventure, community service, or helping others on their own paths to recovery. For Michael, the key to lasting change lies in embracing the fullness of life and recognizing the power we all have to make a difference.
In Michael’s words, “Recovery is about adventure. It’s more than just going to meetings. It’s about living your life.”
Resources for Recovery:
- African Hopeful Horizons: Learn more about Michael’s non-profit and how you can support his mission at AfricanHopefulHorizons.org.
- Recovery Guide: If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, you can reach Michael at RecoveryGuide.net.
