From rock bottom to redemption—addiction once held them captive, but today, they’re sharing a message of survival, faith, and second chances. As the island observes National Recovery Month, local voices are stepping forward to show that life after addiction is not only possible—it’s powerful.

We often see the dark side of addiction—arrests, overdoses, and shattered families. But behind every battle with drugs, there’s also the possibility of hope. For survivors here at home, it’s a time to share their stories to inspire others still “lost in the sauce.” 

Owners and good friends of the dugout Andrew Arce and Jomin Castro recently took to Instagram to share a little about themselves as recovery month concludes. Both 37-year olds and proudly from Mangilao coming forward as former addicts. 

Andrew recalling his low point where he contemplated taking his life, saying he had, "No gas to go anywhere, no friends to call. Nobody wanted to hang out, we abused and damaged those relationships. It was very lonely at that time."

It was a turning point. For Jomin, he recalled, "I became homeless."

Andrew says that when he self-surrendered to both a higher power and to the lighthouse. "To have my family back," he said, "it was a building block for sure it was a stepping stone to where we are today."

Andrew graduated from the salvation army’s lighthouse recovery program in 2018. It’s been seven years since he's last touched crystal meth. And Jomin says he attributes much of his success to Andrew, sharing, "He was basically my guide...he did the class...and with his help, I just quit."

Through a lot of heart-to-heart talks, supporting one another, the two share the hardest part of recovery, was not being able to share it with loved ones who've passed.

For Jomin, it's his pops passing away. Both say change is contagious when fueled by faith and community. "I think recovery is, I'm a religious person," he said.

Now, instead of chasing highs, they chase dreams. The two say their mission is to help others believe that recovery is possible—whether through professional help, prayer, or sheer determination.

"Don't give up, keep fighting the good fight," he said encouragingly.

"i thought I would never get out- death changed me, people not answering changed me as well. It's all up to you, if you want to change your life, change it," he said.

For those still struggling, they have this message: you are not alone, and there is life beyond addiction. At “The Dugout,” a safe space for those in need, a hot meal and a listening ear are waiting. Drew and Jomin say they wouldn’t be here without the love, prayers, and support of family, friends, and the community who stood by them through the hardest times. And for that, they are deeply grateful

As National Recovery Month reminds us—recovery is not just about overcoming addiction, it’s about reclaiming hope, rebuilding lives, and proving that second chances can lead to brighter futures.