Greg’s journey is not just one of overcoming addiction, but of finding purpose through service and advocacy for others. His first experience with alcohol addiction began in high school, leading to multiple run-ins with the law and court system. After a brief stint in jail, Greg decided to set a resolute path for himself. He graduated from law school and launched a skyrocketing legal career.

As the pressure to sustain his achievements grew, he turned to harder drugs to silence the noise in his head. Eventually he hit rock bottom: losing his job, disbarment from the practice of law, and over a year in prison. In 2018, newly released from prison, Greg admitted himself to Buckelew’s Helen Vine Recovery Center where he began to take big steps towards his sobriety.

“Helen Vine is a critically needed resource for people, like me, who found themselves at the end of the road,” Greg reflects. “To have it available is literally an opportunity to save lives. It saved mine.”

Greg completed the 90-day program, and then returned after 6 months of sobriety – this time as a volunteer. Greg supported individuals through their transition into the program, led process groups, and assisted with drug testing. Most importantly, he helped them get more comfortable opening up and talking about their experiences. After two years of sobriety, Greg completed all the requirements to register as a Drug & Alcohol Counselor and was hired by Buckelew. His dedication to helping others navigate their own recovery journeys made him an integral part of the Helen Vine community.

Beyond Helen Vine, Greg uses his legal background to support others in recovery. A legal researcher, writer, and consultant working under the supervision of licensed attorneys, Greg volunteers with The Other Bar, a recovery network for professionals in the legal field. As part of the Law Student Outreach Committee, he raises awareness about addiction and offers guidance and resources to those who may be struggling.

Greg is also involved in a division of Alcoholics Anonymous called Public Info/Cooperation with the Professional Community, where he shares resources and support to employers and other professional groups. His work in this space highlights his passion for supporting others, particularly those in high-pressure professions, who may face similar challenges.

He recently married a supportive life partner, Paula, adding to his personal happiness and solid foundation. “Today, I am happier than I ever thought possible,” Greg shares.

In early 2024, with 6.5 years of sobriety, Greg took a break from his work at Helen Vine to achieve another major goal: retaking the California Bar Exam. In February, Greg passed the Bar and is now preparing to apply for reinstatement to practice law. As excited as he is to move forward on this path, he doesn’t feel pressured to rush through the process.

“I really want to do it and I’m very motivated,” says Greg. “But the biggest gift of this whole experience is that I can take it slow and be patient. And it’s a totally unexpected result to get to this point, where I can say, ‘I will wait’.”

Greg’s story is one of redemption, resilience, and service — an inspiring example of how recovery can lead to both personal and community transformation.