Recovery Is Possible: Local 12 Brother Justin Storey Shares His Story

At this week’s District Council 16 Delegates Meeting, Local 12 Brother Justin Storey shared his personal journey through addiction and recovery. His story was honest, emotional, and a reminder that no one has to face addiction alone.

Justin spoke openly about where alcohol had taken him.

“The way I was going, I did not care anymore. What excuse can I make to get another bottle?”

He admitted he was headed down a dangerous path.

“I was going to end up in jail or 6 feet under.”

But Justin made the decision to ask for help, and that decision changed his life.

“There is hope. The program does work.”

“I have a choice every day to not drink.”

Today, Justin says recovery has given him something he thought he might lose forever—time with his family.

“I now have a better relationship with my kids. I talk to them more than ever. I want to see them get married and one day walk my daughter down the aisle.”

His story is important because many people in the construction industry face the same struggles. Construction workers have some of the highest rates of substance abuse, overdose, and suicide in the country. Studies also show that nearly half of construction workers have experienced depression at some point in their lives. 

These numbers remind us that addiction and mental health challenges can affect anyone. They do not define who we are, and asking for help is never a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength.

Justin left everyone in the room with a message of hope:

“If I do the same thing I did today, I can do it tomorrow.”

District Council 16 is committed to supporting the health and well-being of our members and their families. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health, please reach out to District Council 16 Director of Mental Health & Addiction James Boster 925-409-1525. Recovery is possible, and no one has to walk that journey alone