20 Stories of Impact

For many years, Steve Norris abused opioids, amphetamines and “anything that came his way.” He also suffered from severe depression before committing to taking steps to live sober. Today, he celebrates 10 years of sobriety by sharing his story, living as an example, and leading the recovery programs at the Alliance. 

“The Alliance has allowed me to use my personal recovery history, to put my life experience into actual curriculum,” Steve says. “For the last 90 years the prescription for addiction has been abstinence. But we know that recovery is a messy layered process, and one that requires many tools. We offer a variety of resources to support people who are in crisis or struggling.”

One important resource is the distribution and education around Naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose. The Alliance provides community training and access to Save-A-Life stations stocked with Naloxone kits. This, coupled with a close partnership with law enforcement has deepened the impact of the Alliance locally and beyond. 

“We are the largest distributor in Southeast Michigan of Naloxone, and we hear of the lives saved on a daily basis. Saving just one life is worth doing this work, and when the numbers are in the double and triple digits, you cannot help but feel the impact,” says Steve. “We continue to broaden our reach and set strategies that have become the gold standard for the counties surrounding us.”

Working with law enforcement has been especially rewarding, if not ironic, for Steve. 

“I am extremely grateful for the trust and partnership the sheriff’s office has afforded us. They ask us for recommendations around prevention and recovery and implement them in the field,” he says. “And, as a person who was previously incarcerated [due to addiction], I find it pretty radical that I am now working alongside law enforcement to help get people connected to much-needed resources.” 

Recovery is truly a journey, he adds, and one that he knows well. 

“There are a lot of ups and downs, and it takes a certain amount of fortitude to do this work,” he says. “That dedication to see the journey through is at the heart of the Alliance and the people behind it.”