Getting with Rebel Recovery

This comes from the Jupiter Courier Newsweekly. Courtney Burg as a matter of fact, who sat with Justin Kunzelman for a piece entitled “Working to change the conversation. Kunzelman is a resident of the Palm Beach North and Jupiter area community. He’s got a wife and 2-year-old son.

This is his story.

Justin Kunzelman was raised by a single mother in Palm Beach County, who later married a man when he was 8 that he still calls “dad” to this day. Justin began noticing his mom abusing alcohol and prescription medications.

“I would skip school and come home to find her with pills and vodka scattered across the counter,” he said.

She would soon lose her job and become physically abusive while high. The suicide attempts started, and so did the unsuccessful Baker Acts. Nothing worked, and eventually she died from a massive heart attack, according to Kunzelman.

‘Using was fun for a while’

As time passed, Justin found himself using drugs and running the streets to get high- eventually becoming homeless. “Using was fun for a while,” he said.

But the fun ran out, as he would need to drink every day to simply function. Wanting to finally get sober, he entered a half-way house where he learned about the 12 steps and began working the AA program.

“The 12 steps got me sober. I utilize 12 step principles in my life today, but believe recovery is so unique to everyone. I play ball with my son, I take care of my family, and I just don’t use. While I respect a lot about the AA program, I don’t believe recovery is defined by abstinence alone or being told we will always be sick.

“Yes, we need to know we will die if we use. But recovery to me today is engaging in a better quality of life; paying my bills, visiting the doctor, working in a career I love, having honest conversations and showing up for my family and friends sober.”

Friends kept using – and they were dying

Although he said he found sobriety, his friends kept using- and they were dying.

“A lot of my friends were overdosing, so I got a hook up for Narcan and began handing it out.” Slowly, this grew into a nonprofit dedicated to helping and protecting addicts. Among their mission, to provide clean needle exchanges and Narcan training within the County.

“I believe in evidence based practices, harm reduction initiatives and basic common sense. At Rebel Recovery (Florida Chapter) we are working to change the conversation and help give addicts what they need to begin taking steps towards living a better quality of life- regardless of their use, because punishing drug users isn’t working.”

Rebel Recovery: Former users volunteer

Through their Certified Peer Support Program, former users volunteer to mentor an active addict. They help drug users get their identifications, medical care, proper nutrition, or whatever other supportive

resources they may need. Their mission is built on the principle of assisted approaches free from judgement and expectation.

“I hope Rebel Recovery can stand as a beacon of hope for those that cannot find relief or freedom from use in traditional methods. Drug court hands over a paper of rules and regulations and threats of jail time, while we walk alongside you with compassionate education and social support- no questions asked.”
When I asked Justin what he needed most for Rebel Recovery, his answer indicated a clear view inside his heart and passion for his work.

“We obviously need the normal things all non-profits need; volunteers, awareness and monetary support. But more importantly, we need to educate ourselves, increase our compassion, and start the conversation.”

Healing Properties Recommends Rebel Recovery

There’s more to the story, of course. Much, much more. And all of it is as solid as what’s been offered above. Then again, when you’re coming from such a solid place it’s no wonder. And Justin Kunzelman is definitely coming from a solid place.

So with that in mind, wy not see what you can do about stepping up. How you might help those in need. After all, he who helps others does definitely help themselves. And if you’re seeking allies, give us a ring. Or track down some of our vets, either via Written Testimonials or Video Reviews. Either way, we can always use another player on our recovery team. Always.