When we met Carlos while distributing meals, he was eager to share his story. He asked that we use our platform to help others hear what he’s gone through and the progress he’s made, hoping it might resonate with people going through similar struggles.
Carlos spoke openly about his long battle with cocaine use. After being deported back to Canada from Mexico, he recalls a period when he was high for 21 days straight. During that time, his perception of reality was distorted — he described seeing UFOs, people turning into serpents, and then back into humans. That led to being admitted into a psychiatric ward, where heavy medication caused him to rapidly gain weight. From there, his struggle with cocaine deepened, averaging around a gram and a half a day.
But Carlos didn’t just share the hardships — he also talked about progress. With time, and through faith and community, he has managed to reduce his use to less than half of what it once was. He credits his belief in God and the support of church as his anchor, saying those practices have given him the strength to slowly bring his intake down.
When asked if he had advice for others trying to make similar changes, Carlos emphasized the importance of self-discipline and small, achievable goals. He described writing in his journal, setting limits — half a gram, three drinks — and using those commitments as a way of staying accountable to himself. For him, it’s about reducing harm step by step, rather than chasing an instant transformation.
Carlos wanted to make one thing clear: progress is possible. His story is not finished, but it’s moving forward. And by choosing to speak publicly about it, he wanted others to see that they don’t have to give up, no matter how long they’ve struggled.
If you’d like to hear Carlos share his story in his own words, you can watch the short video below.
Horizon Recovery Initiative | Youth-Led Addiction Support 