At Leaving Mayhem, we believe in the power of transformation. Each story we share is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the incredible strength it takes to overcome adversity. We share these stories to connect with those who may be struggling, offering a sense of hope and a reminder that no one is alone in their journey. These narratives are more than just stories—they are a celebration of the courage it takes to rebuild a life from the ashes and a call to embrace the journey, no matter how difficult.
Angelo’s life was caught in a relentless cycle of addiction. He was always tired, never really sleeping—just passing out, hopefully in his bed, but often waking up half hanging off it. His mornings were marked by crusted vomit in his unkempt beard and hair, and he felt like a shell of a person.
His days were a haze of nursing beers just to function, sneaking swigs from bottles, or taking bumps from a key to survive mundane work meetings. He hid his drinking and drug use from the few friends he had left, and his self-hatred and desperation had become routine. Angelo was many years deep into a severe addiction to booze and blow.
The breaking point came when he decided to end his life. Angelo walked down to a nearby alley where a few homeless folks were hanging out and took a bottle of pills, washing them down with Vodka of the Gods. But as he slipped into darkness, a homeless man named Saul saw the distress and took action. Saul grabbed Angelo, induced vomiting, and called the SF crisis line. Angelo was taken in on a 5150 hold into a psych ward, where a doctor later told him that Saul had saved his life.
This moment became the catalyst for Angelo’s transformation. He realized how far he had fallen and decided to clean up his act. With the help and guidance of a support group he fondly calls The Super Secret Coffee Club, Angelo began to rebuild his life. Through this journey, he discovered that he is indeed an amazing and beautiful person who is worthy of a life well-lived. Learning to love himself has been the hardest, yet most rewarding, challenge of his life.
Angelo’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter how dark the journey gets, there is always a way forward. His story resonates with the essence of Leaving Mayhem—we’re here to inspire and support you in overcoming your struggles and embracing the journey to a better life.
If you’re struggling and need someone to talk to, Angelo is here for you @thunderlips187. You can also read more stories like his on our blog.
