From Star Wrestler to Addiction: Colin Sevigney's Journey to Sobriety

Early Life and Athletic Success

• 💡 Colin Sevigney felt worthless from a young age, even wishing for death at five years old.
• 🏆 Despite these feelings, he was an overachiever, excelling in academics and becoming a star wrestler from age 8, winning two state championships.
• 🏅 Wrestling provided him with a sense of pride and accomplishment he hadn't felt before.

Descent into Addiction

• 🍻 By high school senior year, Colin was consuming alcohol and smoking pot, escalating to drinking Kahlua in his coffee and driving to school.
• 😔 He felt disconnected from his peers, privately struggling with intense self-hatred despite outward success.
• 🎓 After graduating, he attended the University of Southern Maine on the wrestling team but dropped out after part of his first semester.

Escalation and Rock Bottom

• 💊 Post-dropout, his addictions expanded to hallucinogens, Adderall, and cocaine by age 18.
• 🌀 A severe binge led to hallucinations and paranoia, making him believe the FBI was watching him.
• ⚠️ Colin viewed his problem not as addiction, but as a struggle with sobriety, describing it as a state where his mind was overwhelmed by fears and resentments.

Recovery and Renewed Purpose

• 🏥 At age 22, Colin entered rehab and approached sobriety with the same fervor he had for wrestling.
• 🎓 He successfully returned to college, nearing his degree at almost 30 years old.
• 🤼 Today, he continues to wrestle and coach, embodying the warrior spirit he developed through the sport.
• 📞 Resources are available for substance abuse through the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.