Zac Sherman – Recovery Advocate

Zac first joined Origins in the fall of 2011 as a recovery advocate on South Padre Island. Zac is passionate about helping others, particularly those whose addictions have resulted in bleak circumstances, similar to those he also experienced. Now recovered from a 20-year battle with alcohol and IV drug use that led to homeless on the streets, Zac has helped countless clients recognize that no matter how far addiction has taken them, a recovered life is possible.

What brought you to Origins?

I was working at a non-profit treatment center in Dallas, which was where I got sober. My girlfriend (who is now my wife) and I had a friend who told us about Origins and that they were hiring. We applied, got hired, and moved down to South Padre Island in October 2011. It all happened relatively quickly.

If there were only one thing you could tell us about working within your client specialty area, what would it be?

No matter what an individual’s background is, the diseases of alcoholism and drug addiction are still the same. The approach is what’s different depending on what the individual responds to best.

What have you learned through your experience working in treatment?

Addiction affects far more than the addict. It affects families, friends, cities, states, countries, and global communities. It affects everything. In order to raise awareness and mindfulness and to help people recover, we have to do it with love (sometimes the tough kind), tolerance, patience, compassion, and kindness.

Are you in recovery yourself? If so, what do you love most about being in recovery?

Yes, I am. For me, it’s really simple what I love most about recovery. It is seeing the afflicted get recovered! It was an amazing experience to get recovered and be recovered, but to see someone else get recovered is truly the best experience!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Do you have any pets or engage in special hobbies?

I enjoy spending my spare time with my wife and two dogs. I love working out, traveling, going to shows when I can, and watching sports and movies. I also really enjoy eating! I like to keep it simple.

Is there anything else you might like to share?

Working at Origins and  Hanley Center has changed my life. The way I view treatment today is much more effective. It is like a family here. I truly feel I work with the best!

For more information regarding the many programs of Origins Behavioral HealthCare where Zac Sherman works, please visit: www.originsrecovery.com