From a 16-Year Old Meth Addict to a $3M Enterprise Operator by 19

A Story of Hope and Inspiration

In honor of National Recovery Month, we’re highlighting the tragic and extraordinary story of a young man named Kaden (last name has been left out for purposes of anonymity). Kaden has lived two lifetimes in just 3 short years and has been gracious enough to allow us to tell his story.

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Kaden’s Life The Beginning Kaden’s story starts in Steven’s Point, WI. His life was relatively normal – he enjoyed sports and spending time with his friends and had a natural competitive drive. By the young age of 16, he was featured on ESPN for participation in the American Cornhole League (ACL) Professional Invitational. He was homecoming king at his high school, and just one spot short of being his class valedictorian. At this ripe age, Kaden’s future looked promising. Then things began to take a “drastic” turn in the wrong direction. The Downward Spiral

Kaden began smoking weed and drinking with his friends. For most American teens, this may seem normal, although for Kaden, this experimental phase of his drug use lasted only about 3 months before he was introduced to methamphetamine. Kaden quickly began using meth consistently throughout the day, on a day-to-day basis – he was hooked. This behavior led him to get kicked out of school and before long, he began getting arrested for various crimes he committed either while on meth, or in the pursuit of it. His parents couldn’t allow him in their home anymore, his girlfriend had to let him go – this was just the beginning of a nearly 2-year escapade of drugs, money, and crimes. Now on his own, Kaden was off to the races. His only goal was to accumulate and consume as much meth as humanly possible and he was willing to go to any lengths to get his hands on more. Kaden’s criminal activity was increasing in severity, and he began trafficking and distributing meth by the pound and consuming it by the ounce – this was all at the tender age of 17. Trafficking and consuming copious amounts of meth was not enough for him, he was just as addicted to the pursuit of money and the lifestyle of use as he was to the actual substance. Under the manic influence of methamphetamine, Kaden turned to violence, theft, and robbery, stealing multiple vehicles, participating in a number of high-speed police chases, stealing tens of thousands of dollars of power tools, clothes, jewelry, and basically anything else he could get his hands on to sell. All this criminal activity led Kaden to multiple arrests and over 12 months in jail by the age of 18. Things were looking bleak for him – having given up hope, his family was waiting to get the call that he was dead. Miraculously, Kaden had a spiritual experience in his second 7-month stint in jail which led him to formulate a promising plan for when he was finally released. The Turning Point Kaden planned to go to rehab at a behavioral health hospital in southeastern Wisconsin and, upon his release, followed through. His time in jail had afforded him a certain amount of gratitude for his second chance, so, when it was suggested of him to go to sober living following his time in treatment, he grabbed at the opportunity to do so. He was ready for a new chapter to his story. Kaden ended up in a sober living program based out of Milwaukee called Roots Recovery. Roots Recovery provides a 6+ month treatment program for recovering addicts and alcoholics that engaged the use of a 12-step program – this was exactly what Kaden needed to get set back on the right path. As Kaden was progressing through the Roots Recovery, he began to apply a new way of thinking. There was an emphasis on honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness. Kaden learned a way of life that was focused on selflessness and altruism and he began applying these principles – the results were amazing. During his first months in Roots, he got a job at a local bakery, starting off in the drive-thru making $14/hour. Kaden worked hard at his job and continued to work hard on himself. He would always come back to his sober living mates and tell them “I’m going to run that place someday.” Little did he know how right he would be. Within just a few short months, Kaden had already received multiple promotions. The results of the follow-through on his decision were paying off. He became increasingly more excited to work and, one day, the General Manager called him in for a meeting – she wanted him to train to become the Assistant General Manager. After just 3 months of being the Assistant GM, he was offered another contract – this time for a 9-month training to become the General Manager of the bakery. This would put Kaden in a position to make a top 1% income for his age bracket.

Today, Kaden is on his way to managing a $3,000,000 enterprise by the age of 20 years old. He enjoys spending time with his friends and he’s remained sober from methamphetamine for nearly one year.

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Story Takeaway Kaden’s journey from a promising young athlete to a destructive path of addiction, crime, and despair could have been the end of his story, but his remarkable transformation, resilience, and redemption serves as a reminder of the power of choice and the potential for change within each of us. Kaden’s life spiraled out of control at a young age, but it was his decision to seek help and embrace recovery that turned his life around. His pivotal moment came during his time in jail when he had a spiritual awakening and decided to make a change – this decision led him to discover a new way of life based on honesty, open-mindedness, and selflessness, which paved the way for the life he leads today. Through hard work and determination, Kaden not only rebuilt his life but exceeded everyone’s expectations. Starting as a bakery employee, he set his sights high, declaring that he would run the place someday. With unwavering commitment, he climbed the ranks, becoming the Assistant General Manager and, eventually, the General Manager, on his way to managing a multi-million-dollar enterprise at the age of 20. Kaden’s story teaches us that no matter how far down we’ve gone or how dire our circumstances may seem, it’s never too late to turn things around. His journey underscores the importance of seeking help, making better choices, and embracing a life of purpose and dedication. Kaden’s transformation serves as a powerful reminder that with determination and the right support, anyone can overcome their past and create a bright future full of hope and success. Here are some of the key principles that can be derived from Kaden’s Story and applied to anyone’s life: • Resilience and Determination. Kaden’s ability to bounce back from a life of addiction and crime showcases the power of resilience. No matter how far you’ve fallen, a determined mindset can help you overcome challenges. • Self-Reflection and Self-Awareness. Kaden’s realization that he needed to change his life began with self-reflection. Understanding one’s own shortcomings and acknowledging the need for change is crucial for personal growth. • Seeking Help. Kaden’s decision to go to rehab and join a sober living program demonstrates the importance of seeking professional help when dealing with addiction or challenging situations. It’s a sign of strength to ask for assistance. • Commitment to Recovery. Kaden’s commitment to sobriety was unwavering. He attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings regularly and stayed focused on his recovery goals. Success often comes from staying dedicated to your chosen path. • Positive Mindset. Despite his troubled past, Kaden maintained a positive outlook on his future. He set high goals for himself and believed in his ability to achieve them. A positive mindset can be a powerful driving force. • Hard Work and Dedication. Kaden’s ascent from a bakery employee to a general manager within a short period of time was the result of his hard work and dedication. Success rarely comes without putting in the effort. • Learning and Growth. Throughout his journey, Kaden learned new ways of thinking and living. He embraced principles of honesty, open-mindedness, and selflessness, showing that continuous learning and personal growth are essential for success. • Setting and Pursuing Goals. Kaden set specific career goals for himself and took actionable steps to achieve them. Setting clear objectives and working toward them methodically is a hallmark of success. • Embracing Second Chances. Kaden’s story reminds us that second chances are possible. Even after making mistakes, it’s never too late to turn your life around and make better choices. • Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences. Kaden’s success was also influenced by the supportive community he found in rehab and sober living. Surrounding oneself with people who uplift and encourage can make a significant difference in one’s journey toward success. • Celebrating Achievements. Kaden celebrated his achievements, no matter how small they seemed. Recognizing and appreciating your progress along the way can boost motivation and morale.

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For Those Struggling… For anyone who is currently battling addiction or knows someone who is, remember that Kaden’s story is a testament to the incredible strength of the human spirit and the potential for transformation. It’s never too late to seek help or the support of a loved one on the journey towards recovery. Reach out to professionals, seek guidance from support groups, and never underestimate the power of love and understanding. Every step towards recovery is a step towards a brighter future filled with hope, purpose, and the possibility of a successful and fulfilling life. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there are numerous resources available to provide assistance and support. Consider reaching out to addiction helplines, counseling services, and treatment centers in your area. Don’t hesitate to consult with medical professionals who can guide you toward appropriate treatment options. Remember, the path to recovery often begins with seeking help, and there are compassionate individuals and organizations ready to lend a helping hand on this journey toward a healthier and happier life. Please note that we are not medical professionals, and the information provided here is only a suggestion. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it is crucial to consult with qualified healthcare and addiction specialists. They can offer tailored advice and recommend appropriate treatment options based on individual circumstances. There are compassionate individuals and organizations ready to provide the necessary assistance on the path to recovery. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) SAMHSA’s helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service available in English and Spanish for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.