Kyle was born and raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and grew up in a loving home. During his teenage years, he was prescribed pain medication following a routine procedure. What had once been occasional drug and alcohol use gradually became a much larger part of his life.
After high school, Kyle worked in a variety of fields, including lawn care, heavy equipment operation, and even professional poker, all while struggling with substance use. He achieved nearly five years of sobriety before the devastating loss of his wife led him back to old habits.
Looking back, Kyle reflects, “I don’t regret anything. I’m glad she’s been in my life. I’m definitely a better person because of it.”
Following his most recent incarceration, Kyle was released directly to REAL LIFE. At first, the program’s structure and expectations felt overwhelming. Today, he sees things differently.
As he experienced growth in the program, Kyle took another step outside his comfort zone by becoming a Peer House Leader. While he was initially hesitant, he realized his doubts were rooted in fear.
“As I voiced all of these reasons why I didn’t want to do it, I started to realize they’re all fear-based. There’s growth on the other side of all this fear.”
Kyle continues to strengthen relationships with his family, especially his mother and mother-in-law, who have been among his biggest supporters throughout his recovery journey.
