By: Ashmar Mandou
Addiction can be quite difficult to understand for those who have never experienced it. Everyone’s experience with addiction is unique. Everyone’s reason for turning to drug or alcohol dependency is varied. Hector Ortega’s experience with addiction developed in high school when he surrounded himself with questionable people. “In high school I felt unworthy, isolated, unloved…these feelings of not feeling worthy were in my head,” said Ortega. “I started off drinking at the age of 13, then slowly drugs came into play. I was introduced to cocaine. Alcohol and cocaine went hand in hand for me. My friends and I were always searching for that high and I surrounded myself with people that made me feel like I was a part of something.”
After decades of addiction, relapses, and experiences with homelessness, Ortega described that period of his life as hazy and damaging. “I was like a dead body decomposing, said Ortega. “I burned every bridge. I pushed away my family members, my sisters. I knew my family was becoming tired of the broken promises, the long absences, the lies…I essentially took their peace of mind. I had to learn how to be accountable for my own action.” Ortega’s sister, Claudia Uribe, was one who played an instrumental role in his life. “It was difficult for us as a family, that’s what most people don’t understand about addiction,” said Uribe. “Addiction affects the whole family. You want to be there, but you don’t know how to help a person with an addiction issue, it’s a disease, it’s an illness. All we could do as a family is love Hector, unconditionally and be there for him, even though at times it was difficult and scary.”
Ortega’s addiction worsened when his mother passed, taking a toll on him and the rest of his family. In 2018, Ortega mustered up his will power to make a change. He discovered the Gateway Foundation, an organization that offers customized treatment programs to meet the needs of diverse populations. The Foundation works with every individual to curate the right treatment plan suited to them. “Anyone who enters our doors should know they are entering a non-judgmental, safe space,” said Vice President of Strategic Partnership and Engagement Teresa Garate, Ph.D. “We offer an array of evidence-based treatment plans from mindfulness-based sobriety, to acceptance commitment therapy, to family therapy, and music and art oriented therapy. It is vital for us at Gateway Foundation that we not only address the addiction, but the other areas of a person’s life that leads them to addiction. We make sure that we get the family on board, which is part of our program. Ensuring everyone is on the same page is the key to someone’s success.” In the last few years, Ortega has remained sober with the help of his time with Gateway Foundation and the restoration of his family bond. “It has been amazing to see my brother on his road to sobriety. We see a glow in his face, there is this peacefulness to him now.
“I am thankful for my family who stuck around through my addiction and ultimately encouraged me to get help. Their tough love helped me see that I needed help, it was emotional and powerful, said Ortega. “I want to tell those living with an addiction to give life a chance, ask for help, look in the mirror and know that you are worthy of love.” If you would like to learn more about the Gateway Foundation, visit www.gatewayfoundation.org.
