Will Paz – Alumni Services Liaison, South Padre Island, TX
What brought you to the field of addiction treatment?
I am a man in recovery who is also a product of strong treatment and aftercare services. I had an amazing experience that has changed my life significantly. My purpose is to give back to those who gave so freely to me. I want to carry the message of hope to people with substance use disorders, while showing them that coming to treatment is the best decision they can make for themselves. The sad reality is people are dying. If we can offer even a sliver of hope, that makes it all worthwhile.
I was still rebuilding my life of sobriety when I came to Origins. The amazing people I surrounded myself with had mentioned what a great place it was and how people were having an experience inside these doors. I wanted to be a part of it and was recommended by a friend. I picked up and moved from Dallas on a whim to be a part of this amazing place.
I started working at Origins in January of 2022 as a 12-Step Recovery Advocate. By August, I began working with continuing care and as a Recovery Advocate Shift Lead. In February, I was promoted to Recovery Care Coordinator and recently, in August 2023, to Alumni Services Liaison.
If there was only one thing you could tell us about working within your specialty area, what would it be?
I love that I can keep in touch with these patients after they leave our care. It is special to me that I can see their journey of recovery in real-time and be there for them if they fall. Life has never been better, and I fulfill my primary purpose of helping others daily.
How do you feel your role contributes to Origins’ mission of providing a clear path to a life of healing and restoration?
As someone who is recovered through the 12-Steps, my role helps contribute to patient’s paths of healing after they leave treatment and the real work begins. I am someone who can continue guiding them through that 12-Step foundation and be someone they can rely on if things get hard in life. I enjoy providing a safe space for others to recover, giving them hope through community, and living my own life of recovery as an example for others. Recovery should be fun, and I enjoy having fun with others in recovery.
What have you learned through your experience working in treatment?
Recovery from a hopeless state of mind, body, and spirit is possible. No one is too broken or lost. There is always hope. For example, I’m looking to begin my education in drug counseling.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love going to the gym and contributing to my physical health. I also love movies, video games, and anime. I enjoy being peaceful, working on mindfulness through meditation, and connecting with others in recovery. I have a year-old cat named Maki, and she keeps me on my toes. I also enjoy creating music.
Origins Recovery Center is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care for addiction and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting sobriety. For information on our programs, call us today: 561-841-1019.
