At 24, Michael Froiland is quite a bit younger than most participants in the Bay Area Rescue Mission’s recovery program.
But Froiland said he appreciates the perspectives of his older counterparts.
“I’m trying to learn what I can from the generation ahead of me so that I don’t repeat their mistakes,” he said.
Froiland began using drugs as a freshman in high school in Visalia: “Crystal meth, ecstasy, weed, alcohol, just about anything I could get my hands on,” he said.
After being arrested for a DUI in Marin County, Froiland, who was raised Christian, began to think about reconnecting with his faith. He decided to enroll in the mission’s recovery program — after one more binge the night before he went in.
Froiland’s father, Andy, dropped by for a visit one afternoon. The elder Froiland, who lives in Tracy, said their relationship has improved greatly since his son sobered up. They are just now beginning to address tensions that emerged when Michael’s mother left them 12 years ago.
“I don’t recommend divorce to anyone,” he said. “We’re in the Bay Area Rescue Mission today, in large part, I think, due to that very thing.”
One Comment
Good job Lea, I didnt know this was up yet.