Joseph Gray - Addict turned Activist

Joseph Gray is a 24 year old who lives in California. Joseph is a recovering addict turned activist. Here is a little about Joseph in his own words.

I will never forget the day I was diagnosed with an HIV positive status. I went to ER & they didn't know what was wrong. So I waited and got tested again. They called me into the community health clinic, where the dr said we are going to start you on meds but no one had yet told me the news. I was was indeed positive; It hit me like a truck. I remember breaking down, in her office that day. Not because I wasn't shock given my history. At the time my knowledge of HIV and AIDS was little to non. I felt like my life was over. Fearing how I would overcome the stigma? How would this affect my career? How would this affect my life? These are some of the questions that ran through my mind.

I said f*#k it and my using would progressively get worse and I hit many bottoms. I did the geographical changes but nothing changed. I took myself with me where ever I moved. At the end of the road I knew if I continued only death would await me. I moved back home to Sacramento where I pick up substances once more. I was homeless, hopeless, and desperate. I realized I was trying to commit suicide on a installment plan.  Between Staying with friends trying to make things work or sleeping in my car.  I got in touch with a Counselor I took her suggestions. I finally put myself into therapy, substance counseling, and became apart of a youth living with HIV/AIDS program there at CARES Community Health. I found my path to recovery.  My clean date is 04-10-15. Today I know that an end is often a beginning, and a beginning can be the means to an end. HIV and my recovery have taught me this, my life didn't end that day with a diagnosis, is was just beginning a new chapter. Once I put down the substances, I picked up life. I am grateful that I get to live a life that is worth living.