Restoration isn’t just about surviving—it’s about reworking and reclaiming life. For Brian Sutton, that transformation has been profound. His story is a testomony to the ability of resilience, the promise of restoration, and the significance of group assist. From battling polysubstance dependancy and experiencing a number of overdoses to rebuilding his life and enterprise, Sutton has emerged as a pacesetter and advocate for these nonetheless struggling.
Sutton grew up in a loving and comfy house, but inside, he felt an unshakable void. He describes it as a “lack of calm, a relentless sense of fear that I used to be not sufficient, that I didn’t slot in—an area filled with unfavorable self-judgment and the fixed feeling that one thing in me was ‘improper’ or ‘lacking.’” Substances, he says, took away these inhibitions and gave him a false sense of reference to the world. However that phantasm got here at a steep value, pulling him into years of dependancy and eventual incarceration. His journey included a number of overdoses, lots of which required naloxone for revival. “I overdosed numerous occasions,” he recollects. “I estimate I was revived utilizing Narcan or one other chemical reversal technique by first responders about 25 to 30 occasions over 15 years.”
For households and associates, understanding hurt discount is crucial. “Naloxone is a crucial piece in lowering stigma and saving lives,” Sutton says. “Dependancy must be normalized as a result of it’s a actuality for therefore many individuals. Conserving somebody alive offers them the possibility to make the change for themselves. Road medicine as we speak are extra harmful than ever, and naloxone might be the distinction between life and loss of life.”
“The entire previous mindset, way of life, trauma, and atmosphere must be torn down and rebuilt in dependancy restoration—similar to with a condemned or dilapidated constructing. It additionally takes time, persistence, and numerous vitality.”
—Brian Sutton
Rebuilding By means of Work & Objective
On April 10, 2025, Sutton will have fun seven years in restoration. His journey has been one in every of perseverance, self-discovery, and steady studying. Whereas the trail was by no means simple, every milestone bolstered his dedication to staying clear and making a distinction. As a talented craftsperson within the building business, Sutton sees parallels between his work in reworking and his restoration journey. “In a means, the entire previous mindset, way of life, trauma, and atmosphere must be torn down and rebuilt in dependancy restoration—similar to with a condemned or dilapidated constructing,” he explains. “It additionally takes time, persistence, and numerous vitality.” 
Brian (far left) obtained his Grasp’s in Social Work in 2024 from the College of Akron’s on-line program.Brian Sutton
One of many features Sutton enjoys most about his work is the autonomy it gives. “Being an entrepreneur has given me the liberty to take time after I want it,” he says. “However I’m nonetheless studying the right way to steadiness it.”
Sutton attributes his restoration success to a number of key moments:
- Reaching some extent of desperation the place he was prepared to vary,
- Searching for assist and listening with an open thoughts throughout inpatient rehab,
- Shifting his mindset from focusing on his struggles to how he might contribute to the world, and
- Understanding that his considering was a part of the issue and committing to lifelong development.
His dedication to self-improvement has led to a number of unbelievable achievements, together with returning to school and incomes his diploma, finishing a Grasp’s in Social Work (2024) and turning into a Licensed Private Coach (2025), serving as President of his college’s Collegiate Restoration Program (2022–2024), being chosen for SAFE Mission’s Collegiate Restoration Management Academy (CRLA), and increasing his building enterprise whereas using two different people in restoration.
“Brian brings new that means to the thought of ‘nothing about us with out us,’” says Sydney Cheifetz, Deputy Director of SAFE Campuses, reflecting on Sutton’s affect within the CRLA program. “By means of his lived expertise of being impacted by dependancy and overdose, he works to deliver consciousness whereas supporting people in or looking for restoration. It was a privilege to observe Brian use his voice and advocate to assist others in his group throughout his fellowship yr.”
Brian Sutton
Understanding & Managing the Void
One of the crucial profound presents of restoration has been restoring his relationships along with his household. “It’s surreal to witness how our belief has grown,” he shares. “Members of the family who as soon as wouldn’t speak to me now search my perception and even monetary assist.” Along with reconnecting along with his household, Brian has additionally discovered love. “For thus lengthy, substances had been my best love, however as we speak, I’m grateful to share my life with somebody who exceeds each conception I ever had of what a companion might be. She reshapes my perspective on love each day.”
Whereas restoration has given Brian the instruments to handle his struggles, he acknowledges that the void he as soon as tried to fill with substances will all the time exist. “I’ve no management over it, however I do have management over my reactions and behaviors,” he explains. “The void will all the time be there, however as we speak, I can select a selfless, loving, and accepting path. I fall quick typically, however I take accountability and encompass myself with individuals who maintain me accountable.”
“Individuals will change on their very own phrases, not on our schedules. Individuals in dependancy want love, connection, and self-worth.”
—Brian Sutton
His journey is proof that change is feasible for anybody at any time. “There’s numerous concentrate on the unfavorable on the planet as we speak,” he says. “However after I dwell on that, it disconnects me from the wonder round me and the vitality of the universe. Restoration has helped me discover the trail of least resistance, the place essentially the most constructive outcomes lie.”
For these with a cherished one fighting dependancy, Sutton affords this recommendation: “The one fixed in life is change. However individuals will change on their very own phrases, not on our schedules. Individuals in dependancy want love, connection, and self-worth. These are troublesome to supply with out enabling, however one factor is definite: ostracization and disconnection don’t work.”
His message is one in every of hope, resilience, and the ability of second possibilities.
“Restoration isn’t nearly not utilizing—it’s about rebuilding a life that’s price dwelling. And I can say with confidence: my life as we speak is price dwelling,” he says.
Sutton’s story is an inspiration, not only for these in restoration however for anybody who believes in the opportunity of transformation. From dependancy to advocacy, from incarceration to training, and from close to loss of life to a life crammed with goal, his journey reminds us all that hope is all the time inside attain.
