Amid last Workshop Wednesday’s creative resets and positive career conversations, one session stood out for its serious nature, capacity crowds and relatable young presenter: “My Story of Addiction and the Road to Recovery,” with Ryan Pollitt, John Jay Class of 2021.
Ryan’s visit was coordinated by Samantha Wagner, the high school’s Student Assistance Counselor. She looks for ways to to prevent substance use among students, as well as raise awareness and provide support and skills for heathy behaviors.
“I am a drug addict and an alcoholic,” said Pollitt. “I’ve been sober for two years.”
He recounted his downward spiral, which began by drinking before school as a freshman, and continuing as the opportunity arose during the school day. “I passed out in Spanish. I blacked out during Wilderness and had to be wheeled out of the classroom. I lied. I was drug tested. The school let me graduate only because I signed up for a detox program.”
Why? “I was super nervous about what people thought of me,” said Pollitt. “I was the new kid. I transferred into John Jay right before my freshman year. I was looking for attention but hated attention. I was messed up.”
Pollitt’s use reached a crisis point as a freshman in college.
He was smoking crack laced with fentanyl, weighed only 120 pounds, and turning yellow from an ailing liver. “I had a blowout fight with my family,” said Pollitt. “My choices were jail, an institution or death. I didn’t want any of them.”
Pollitt entered an inpatient substance use treatment program, then moved to a specialized residence called Sober Living for individuals in recovery. “Those seven months changed my life.” He had been through multiple treatment programs before. This time, it was different.
These days, Pollitt is a manager for a landscaping crew. He shares his story at prisons and schools.
“I know you think you are invincible,” Pollitt said to the students. “But you are not. Fentanyl is in everything. It’s hard to stay away from it. Be safe.”
Ryan spoke in three different Workshop Wednesday sessions, reaching more than fifty students with his story.
“We’ve had so much positive feedback from Ryan’s visit, from both students and faculty,” said Wagner. “Hearing from someone who attended the same school and graduated just a few years ago helps students understand the difficulties some of their peers may be experiencing.”
As she walked with Ryan to his next presentation, teachers and monitors stopped him in the hallway to hug him. “You look good. It’s so good to see you.”