Behavioral Health Services, Addiction Recovery I ParkCare Pavilion
Listen to Eugenio Cotto’s story
From Rock Bottom to a Life of Purpose: Journey of Recovery
For me, addiction began at a young age. Growing up, I was exposed to drugs and alcohol at family gatherings. By my early teens, I was drinking and smoking marijuana. By age 16, my substance use had escalated to cocaine and, eventually, my favorite PCPs.
For years, I convinced myself that I didn’t have a problem. Because I wasn’t using drugs at home, I believed my substance use was under control. But while I was struggling with addiction, the people I loved were struggling alongside me.
“I had a big problem and just didn’t realize it.”
Everything changed after an incident at my stepson’s birthday party which led to the involvement of Child Protective Services and, ultimately, family court. Faced with the possibility of losing my children, I was devastated. After testing positive for PCP, I was given nine months to turn my life around.
Determined to keep my family together, I remained drug-free for eight and a half months. Then, just weeks before reaching my goal, I relapsed.
When the court called me for a urine test, I freaked out. The judge told me how disappointed he was because I had done so well for eight and a half months. I started crying. I begged for double the punishment. I told him, ‘Let me do 18 months.’
The judge gave me one more opportunity to prove myself. That second chance became the turning point that changed his life.
I entered an 18-month outpatient recovery program through the Comprehensive Recovery Center at St. John’s Riverside Hospital. Six months into the program, I was making meaningful progress. More importantly, I had found something I had been missing for years: a strong support system and people who genuinely believed in me—even when believing in myself was difficult.
I was tired of getting high. And I was lucky. I had a fantastic support network.
One of my counselors became an especially important part of my recovery, investing time in me and helping me recognize the strength and potential within myself. Another recovery professional encouraged me to use my lived experience to help others find their way out of addiction.
That encouragement gave me a new sense of purpose.
Today, I am Certified Recovery Peer Advocate. I now draw on my own experiences—the painful moments, the setbacks and the victories—to encourage others who are struggling and remind them that their lives can change, too.
“Helping others believe they can succeed brings me joy. Recovery is possible.”
I understand that recovery is not a single destination, but an ongoing journey. Difficult moments still arise, but I now face them differently. Instead of returning to the life I once knew, I reach out to the people who support me and use the tools I have gained through treatment.
Today, my family is doing well, my responsibilities are in order, and my life has a stability I once thought might be beyond my reach. I am deeply grateful for the life I have worked so hard to rebuild.
“My bills are in order, and I’ve been able to acquire things I couldn’t acquire before because I’m focused and disciplined. I feel renewed. Helping others makes this a good life now.”
“For me, recovery has meant far more than overcoming addiction. The experience that once brought so much pain has become a source of strength, compassion and hope. It has allowed me to rebuild my family, regain control of my future and discover a purpose rooted in helping others as an addiction counselor at St. John’s. I am certainly grateful for this life I now share with others.”