Theo Ressler’s journey to sobriety spans decades of courage, support, and deep self-reflection. Growing up in a turbulent world of substance use, Theo began experimenting with alcohol and drugs as a teenager. What started as occasional drinking and experimentation soon spiraled into what he now calls his “using career.” By his late teens, cocaine had taken center stage, fueling an intense and reckless lifestyle. “It was my drug of choice,” Theo says, recalling a time when he was living alone, hosting parties, and skipping classes. Even though he kept up a facade of control, deep down, he was spiraling.
For Theo, addiction wasn’t just about substances; it was about running from himself. The drugs and alcohol dulled the growing pain and emptiness inside, but at a high cost. His relationships, especially with his family, began to unravel. “My mom and I butted heads constantly,” he recalls, “and I became isolated from the people who cared about me.” Living on his own in San Carlos Hills at just 18, Theo’s life revolved around maintaining a facade of freedom and success while his addiction and mental health struggles grew unchecked.
Theo and the motorcycle he rode to school as a kid. Courtesy of Theo Ressler.
His “high” lifestyle, however, came crashing down as the sense of joy and escape from substances faded, leaving him feeling hollow. The highs were no longer worth the fallout; he was, in his own words, “sick and tired of being sick and tired.” In a moment of desperation on May 21, 1989, Theo found himself wandering the streets of San Francisco after being kicked out of a club. Out of options and alone, he reached for a lifeline—his mother. That call, a quiet plea for help, marked the beginning of Theo’s transformation. “That was the moment I threw in the towel,” Theo reflects. He handed over control of his life to those he trusted, realizing he needed guidance, compassion, and a fresh start.
Theo’s path to recovery brought him to Sanctuary Centers, which he describes as a “second chance” at life. As one of the few clients with a dual diagnosis—substance use disorder combined with mental health challenges—Theo faced both internal and external battles. But Sanctuary Centers provided him with structure, a safe environment, and, above all, community. In the intimate setting of Sanctuary House, he could begin exploring himself beyond addiction, addressing his needs holistically and healing from within. “I felt like a fledgling bird, not able to fly, but more than eager to learn,” Theo says, describing the profound support he received at Sanctuary Centers.
The journey wasn’t linear. Theo dealt with bouts of bipolar disorder and deep-seated shame from his years of addiction. But through Sanctuary Centers’ supportive environment, he learned not only how to live without substances but also how to confront the root causes of his addiction. Daily group sessions, close relationships with therapists, and a connection to the broader 12-step community helped Theo create a life centered on wellness and self-awareness.
Education became an integral part of Theo’s sobriety journey. Starting out at a junior college, Theo steadily advanced, ultimately earning his Master’s in Clinical Psychology. This achievement was not just a testament to his commitment to growth, but also a foundation for his career as a counselor. For a decade, Theo served as a senior counselor at Phoenix House in Santa Barbara, helping others navigate their paths to recovery. Reflecting on this period, he says, “Working with others in recovery allowed me to give back meaningfully. It was an honor to support people as they rebuilt their lives.”
Today, Theo has celebrated 35 years of sobriety, finding purpose and healing through the support of his sponsor, his dedication to self-care, and his commitment to giving back. He regularly fields calls from Sanctuary Centers community members, offering them encouragement and perspective. Theo’s dedication to supporting others isn’t just a way to stay connected to his recovery; it’s a way of honoring his journey. “You don’t ever have to drink or use again,” he tells people, “even if you want to.” This philosophy, grounded in choice and personal responsibility, has been Theo’s guiding light. He shares that even in his toughest moments, he found strength in knowing he could reach out, ask for help, and resist the urge to use.
Theo, happy and healthy. Courtesy of Theo Ressler.
In recent years, Theo has shifted his focus to deeper levels of self-care, adopting practices like swimming, yoga, and restorative sleep. His dedication to wellness goes beyond maintaining sobriety; it’s about building a rich, full, and meaningful life. “I feel like the happiest and healthiest version of myself,” he says proudly, reflecting on how far he’s come. Although challenges remain—such as the estranged relationship with his children—Theo remains hopeful, sending them birthday and holiday cards, expressing his love and patience through small, thoughtful acts. “I don’t give up hope or faith,” he says, believing in the possibility of reconnection someday.
One of the most powerful lessons Theo has embraced is the importance of gratitude. “I’m so into gratitude,” he says, crediting it as a core part of his healing journey. For Theo, gratitude is not just an attitude; it’s an action. Whether it’s through handwritten letters to his family, supporting friends at Sanctuary Centers, or sponsoring individuals who face similar challenges, Theo believes in living a life of intention and appreciation. “Gratitude’s a verb,” a close friend once told him, a mantra that Theo has embraced wholeheartedly.
Today, Theo considers himself blessed. “I couldn’t set up a life anywhere like I have here,” he shares, referring to his supportive community, his affordable apartment in Santa Barbara, and the structured programs at Sanctuary Centers that have been instrumental in his recovery. Through the darkest times, Theo found light by reaching out, giving back, and nurturing himself. His story is about overcoming addiction and reclaiming a life filled with purpose, connection, and hope.
To learn more about Sanctuary Centers’ substance use recovery services, visit https://sanctuarycenters.org/programs/co-occurring-disorders/
