Stephen Hill, founder of Speak Sobriety, returned to Cohoes Middle School recently to share his powerful story of addiction and redemption.
Mr. Hill is a nationally recognized substance use prevention speaker and mental health advocate who has spoken to thousands of students about his inspiring journey to recovery.
During a schoolwide assembly on Tuesday, June 2, he shared how he became addicted to drugs as a student-athlete in high school and how his choices led to a decade of substance use, arrests, failed treatment programs, damaged relationships, and financial hardship for his family.
In 2012, Mr. Hill entered a 180-day treatment program that transformed his outlook and helped put him on the path to sobriety. Four years later, he founded Speak Sobriety, focusing on youth prevention, early intervention and restorative practices.
Mr. Hill also works with Guardian Recovery, a leading treatment provider for substance use and mental health disorders, helping connect families with critical support and resources.
His story is one of perseverance and hope. Since becoming sober, he has graduated from college, earned a law degree, rebuilt relationships, gotten married, and become a father.
The following day, Mr. Hill met with students in smaller breakout sessions during gym classes, giving them the opportunity to ask more personal questions. When asked whether he regrets his past choices, he shared:
“The most regret I have is how it hurt my family and the people around me, but I can’t change that. Sitting in self-regret doesn’t change your past, so you have to move forward and change your future. No one will have a perfect life—everyone will make mistakes.”
Another student asked how to handle situations in which peers encourage them to try drugs or alcohol. Mr. Hill encouraged students to practice a “confident refusal,” emphasizing that confidence comes through facial expressions, tone of voice and body language.
“Be mindful of your life and how hard you worked to get where you are and where you want to go,” he advised.
Raychel Marcil, director of multi-tiered systems of support, said that Mr. Hill provides an authentic and impactful perspective on drug abuse and recovery and leaves students feeling empowered, educated and heard.
“He shares his deeply personal story in a way that is not lecturing, but supportive and thought-provoking. He reminds students many times throughout his presentation that you cannot become addicted to a substance that you never try.”