Addiction to drugs and alcohol has a relentless grip, shattering dreams and tearing families apart. However, amid the chaos, there is always hope for change.

Van Smith, the founder of Recovery Houses of Rochester, shared his personal story of struggle, redemption and the urgent need for transformation in the lives of those battling addiction.

Smith took us on a journey through Market View Heights, a neighborhood where his own battle with addiction began. Reflecting on his past, he acknowledged the difficulty of discussing the darker chapters of his life.

Driving down streets that hold bittersweet memories and regrets, Smith recounted the emotional and mental struggles that led him down a destructive path. Seeking solace outside of himself, he turned to alcohol and drugs, finding a fleeting sense of confidence. These addictions persisted from the age of 14 to around 25, leaving a trail of devastation.

Everyday struggles exacerbated Smith's addiction, consuming nearly a decade of his life and shattering the fragments of his family. Despite his personal battle, the people in his neighborhood still remember him as a constant user, trapped in a living hell.

Amid the darkness, a single moment of clarity pierced through the haze of drugs and alcohol, offering Smith a chance for redemption.

It was the birth of his daughter, Vanity, which provided the catalyst for change. Smith's relationship with Vanity's mother had suffered due to his addiction, and he yearned to be the father his daughter deserved. Realizing that his current lifestyle would prevent him from fulfilling this role, he made a firm decision to transform his life.

Smith's determination to become a better father fueled his journey toward recovery. Recognizing the need for change, he founded the Recovery Houses of Rochester, an organization committed to helping others break free from addiction.