Paul I.

Paul H. is a remarkable individual whose life journey has taken him from the highs of a successful career in psychology to the depths of addiction and despair. Born and raised in a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood in New York City during the tumultuous 1960s, Paul experienced the challenges of fitting in from a young age.

Despite his early struggles, Paul pursued a career in psychology and became a respected doctor in the field. However, addiction, a relentless force, crept into his life, eventually leading to his downfall. The addiction did not discriminate, and even a professional like Paul was not immune to its grasp.

Over the course of two decades, Paul’s life spiraled into a cycle of substance abuse, detox attempts, methadone programs, and a series of geographical escapes to places like Israel and India, all in pursuit of an elusive remedy to his addiction. His determination to continue using drugs, despite the odds stacked against him, became a harrowing testament to the power of addiction.

Paul’s story takes an unexpected turn when he first encounters Narcotics Anonymous (NA), a pivotal moment that would eventually lead him down the path of recovery. Through NA, he found the support, guidance, and community he needed to break free from the shackles of addiction.

Today, Paul is a symbol of resilience, transformation, and redemption. His journey from addiction to recovery serves as an inspiration to countless others facing similar struggles. Paul’s willingness to share his story on the Hell Has an Exit podcast, hosted by Bryan, offers hope to those who may be seeking their own path to recovery.