How 2,000 Miles and Drug Court Turned a Life Around

How 2,000 Miles and Drug Court Turned a Life Around

Michael Peck’s life journey took him in many directions before he become part of the BCCS team.

For some who work in the field of substance abuse, it is a calling to help those in distress. For others, like Michael Peck, it’s not a job, it’s his life – because he has been on both sides.

Peck’s substance abuse began at age 15 and continued on-and-off for three decades. In an unusual way, fate was kind to him when he was given the choice of drug court instead of prison. It was that decision that eventually led him to volunteer at a drop-in center for Brandywine Counseling and Community Services (BCCS) – and his outlook on life changed forever.

This is Peck’s story about how his addiction ran his life and how he broke the cycle. For good.

From Delaware to Florida – and Back Again

Peck grew up in Wilmington, Delaware and started smoking marijuana when he was 15. He had a family member who was a dealer, so access was too easy. “I was around him all of the time,” said Peck, who eventually switched to cocaine and dropped out of high school. Although he eventually graduated from school, his addictive tendencies returned as an adult and heroin became his drug of choice.

“I moved to Florida to get away from everyone and everything,” said Peck. “That worked for about five years.” Then, his stepfather came to visit him and encouraged him to try oxycontin to deal with the pain of a recent divorce. That re-started his cycle of drug abuse. Moving back to Delaware didn’t help. Peck found two jobs, but “It didn’t change anything,” said Peck. “I was still the same person I was in Florida. I was using heroin, which eventually caused me to lose both of my jobs. I became homeless and lived out of my car.”

Choice Between Prison and Drug Court Led to Recovery

Peck started shoplifting to support his habit and became a multi-state shoplifter. He got caught in New Jersey with drugs on him, ending up in the NJ court system. “They gave me two options: three years in prison or go through drug court.”

“I thought, ‘nothing’s gonna change; I’ll keep getting high again.’” It was then that Peck realized, “I don’t want to do this no more. I chose drug court and it totally changed my life.”

Three months into rehabilitation and then a halfway house, he eventually came to Brandywine Counseling and Community Services (BCCS) and volunteered at the drop-in center.

It was that experience that finally meant something to him. “I knew I wanted to work in the drug and alcohol field,” Peck said. “I wanted to make a difference for others and show them they can change their lives.”

Peck was so committed to his newfound passion that on his days off from his job in New Jersey he would drive to BCCS in Delaware – about an hour away – just to keep volunteering. “I did that for three months waiting for a job to open up. It took me a while to get a job there but I was persistent and didn’t give up.”

“I wanted to make a difference for others and show them they can change their lives.”

Soon after, he applied to work with the Syringe Services Program (SSP). “I saw the good work being done by the SSP team, how they helped people. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a part of this program that saves lives.”

Peck made weekly work trips from Wilmington to Dover and Milford as part of the SSP outreach program. He ended up liking the Milford area so much that he moved there and now works permanently out of the BCCS Milford site. “I love seeing how far people have come in their treatment.”

Peck’s coworker, Andre (Dre) Rider, an outreach worker at BCCS, said Peck has what it takes to help others. “His story is amazing and he can relate to people. He does a great job and is absolutely helping people change their lives.”

Pursuing a Master’s Degree and Adopting a Daughter

Peck has also come a long way himself: once in full recovery, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Wilmington University and is now pursuing his master’s degree in Criminal Justice. He may eventually switch careers to work in the drug court field. “All users shouldn’t go to jail. Some should have options to get treatment.”

His personal life has changed as well. He and his girlfriend adopted a baby girl, who was born addicted to drugs. “We know we can take good care of her.”

His advice to others who are facing drug addiction? “You CAN get through it. BCCS is a wonderful place, and they will help you get clean and live a better life, but you have to want it.”

If you or someone you know is looking for help with overcoming their addiction, contact BCCS at (302) 656-2348 or visit our website at brandwincounseling.com.