My Story
I'm Donny. I run Clean.
Before
When I started using opioids in 2005, taking prescription painkillers, I never thought it would lead to a heroin addiction. I went to baseball, football, and track, and I had great friends. I attended three school proms my senior year. So at 19 years old, I was ready for an eager future. But when it happened, every single friend was doing it, and then we all got sick at the same time, not knowing what was happening.
Walking in
From prior experiences attending methadone clinics, there were many hoops, and it made life feel futile. I had zero hope. My first encounter was negative, and it seemed people were taking advantage of their situation.
Then a volunteer took the time to explain the new federal requirements for MAT recovery (methadone and Suboxone). Even though I refused the help, she reached out repeatedly until I understood I could be managed.
The first week
Relieved. I don't have to worry, and I feel better. The hoops you have to go through now are fewer, after a drastic change in policies. So right now is the best time to get clean. Now there's nothing in your way except you, and yes, that's enough for most people.
Why the heart is on every sleeve
I wear a heart on my sleeve to signify honesty and openness. The saying goes back to medieval knights, who tied a token from someone they cared about around the sleeve of their armor for everyone to see.
What I want you to know
I want you to feel proud, regardless of the experiences you have gone through. Others are experiencing the same. I'm all about seeing the next person be successful. And I want you to look good and feel better. Like Deion Sanders said, if you look good, you feel good, and if you feel good, you play good.