Maplegrove saved my life

Now, Kirtus pays it forward by helping others with addiction

For Kirtus Thurston, of South Lyon, daily drug and alcohol use began at a young age. “I was around 15 or 16 when I started daily use, and it quickly became a problem.” Although Kirtus was a decent student and held down jobs, his addictions overshadowed everything else in his life. “I had no motivation in school and wanted to keep working simply to fuel my addiction habits,” he explains. Gambling compounded his struggles; as a semi-professional pool shooter, he would use his winnings to “donate” at the casino. By his mid-20s, his professional gambling had led him to a devastating low.

“I found myself homeless, living in my car with my dog on the streets of St. Louis. I knew I needed to do something to get my life back together, so I returned to Michigan in 2000 to try and rebuild,” Kirtus recalls.

Despite these challenges, a significant turning point came when he met the love of his life. “I met a beautiful woman and convinced her to marry me. We’ve been married for more than 20 years, but the first few years were pretty rough due to my drug use, alcohol, and gambling,” he admits. His struggle with addiction included crack cocaine, and a pivotal moment occurred in 2004 when he was pulled over while driving under the influence of that drug.

Choosing Henry Ford Maplegrove after hitting rock bottom

“My life was in a downward tailspin,” Kirtus remembers. “I was gambling away my paychecks, and my marriage was on the rocks due to my addictions.” Faced with legal troubles, Kirtus was ordered to undergo rehabilitation treatment. “I chose Maplegrove for outpatient therapy and met a counselor, Richard Griggs, who I believe absolutely saved my life.” Kirtus completed 12 weeks of outpatient therapy, including attending Gamblers Anonymous sessions at Maplegrove. He felt a renewed sense of purpose as he successfully tackled his gambling addiction and substance abuse.

Returning to Maplegrove for sobriety and to help others

Though Kirtus made strides in overcoming his gambling and drug addiction, he faced additional challenges. “After my first treatment at Maplegrove, I had no intention of quitting drinking and continued for another 12 years, which was not the best idea,” he acknowledges. His alcohol addiction spiraled, threatening his marriage and job stability. “I was losing jobs and on the verge of divorce. I often wondered when my wife would finally throw me out. Doctors warned me that I might only live a year due to liver disease if I didn’t stop drinking,” the 52-year-old recalls.

As his life unraveled once more, Kirtus returned to Maplegrove in 2016, hoping to reconnect with Richard Griggs. “I was told Richard was retiring, but after explaining my situation, he remembered me and agreed to counsel me again. I then entered intensive outpatient therapy for several weeks. When I returned to Maplegrove, it was the first time I was sober as an adult—and I’ve been sober for eight years since,” he proudly states.

Now a multi-unit general manager for IHOP restaurants, Kirtus reflects on his journey. “After being sober for six months, I began volunteering at Maplegrove, which eventually led to my current role as a peer recovery specialist. I help others several days a week, and it’s incredibly fulfilling,” he shares.

Christine Reeves, clinical program manager for addiction services, met Kirtus when she was a therapist facilitating an early recovery group at Maplegrove in 2016. She explains Kirtus provides emotional support, helps patients identify goals, and create plans for recovery in his role at Maplegrove.

“A lot of patients find great comfort when getting peer support from someone who has faced similar challenges both with substance use disorder and gambling addiction,” she says. “Kirtus provides resources out in the recovery community so they can continue to feel supported once they leave treatment. Kirtus is passionate about helping others and truly talks the talk and walks the walk.”

For Kirtus, overcoming the nightmare of addiction has not only transformed his life but also created a new beginning for his family. “Outside of being with my wife and having three beautiful children, overcoming addiction and helping others in their journey is the most important thing I’ve ever done,” he says. “For anyone feeling trapped by addiction, remember that there are people who can truly help you. Stay connected to the recovery community; they will love you until you learn to love yourself.”