Matt Handy was the oldest of ten kids, raised in a strict religious home in San Diego — and living a double life almost from the start. He smoked weed at 13 the night his youngest sibling was born, tried crack within a month, and was shooting heroin by 17. A felony arrest in high school slammed the door on his plan to become a lawyer, and from there his life accelerated into a world most people only see in movies.
He ran a nationwide retail-theft ring that took him through 38 states in 11 months, got involved in gang life, and cycled in and out of prison. It culminated the day after Christmas 2020, when — a daily user of meth, heroin, PCP, and more — he walked into a bank and robbed it, then told the FBI he had a bomb. He was facing 33 years and two strikes.
Matt walks through all of it: the sexual abuse that shaped his childhood, the 14 years he went without speaking to his family, getting sober, relapsing after three and a half years, and finally finding his way back. Now 2.5 years sober, he's using everything he survived to help other people find a way out.
Sponsored by Caron Treatment Centers
My recovery journey began at Caron Treatment Centers, and the care I received there changed the course of my life. That's why I'm proud to partner with Caron.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, Caron has been helping individuals and families find hope and lasting recovery for nearly 70 years. They are in-network with all major insurance providers, and same-day admission is available.
➡️ Learn more: https://www.caron.org/lp/rise-above
📞 Call Caron today: 855-352-0103
Recovery starts with taking the first step.
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