Eric in active addiction
Two years ago, Eric Ballard faced a choice that would define the rest of his life: get clean and continue cancer treatment or die.
Eric’s struggle with addiction began at age 15, after he was overprescribed pain medication for his first ACL surgery. Within two years, he was addicted.
“The night I graduated high school was the night I started Oxy,” he recalls.
By the time he was 20, Eric had dropped out of college, was abusing drugs, and became homeless—a cycle that lasted nearly a decade. He spent years bouncing between couches and homeless shelters, unable to maintain trust or stability.
“I went to rehab twelve times, but only finished five programs,” he says. “Most of the time, I wasn’t trying to be there—I was mandated to be there. Only when I actually wanted it, did it work.”
In 2021, Eric was assaulted and developed a severe abdominal infection. Soon after, he learned he had cancer. Over the next four months, he endured fifteen surgeries and eleven hospital admissions. By 2023, his medical team told him he needed to get clean or he couldn’t continue his cancer treatments.
“I really prayed long and hard on it, because I didn’t want to be alive, but I didn’t want to die either. I didn’t know how to stop.”
That was when Eric entered Valley Vista for treatment—this time, by choice and already in withdrawal. “The first night out of recovery, I heard my sponsor speak at White Horse, and it gave me hope,” he says. “I promised myself I would never detox again.”
Eric relocated from Burlington, Vermont, to Littleton, New Hampshire, determined to build a new life. He credits the move—and the support he found in Littleton’s recovery community—for his success.
“If I had never taken a chance on myself and moved to Littleton, none of this would be possible.”
He found himself in a healthy relationship, with a sponsor who held him accountable and a network that supported his recovery. White Horse Recovery and the Littleton community became central to Eric’s journey. “This community is a blessing. It’s a key part of my success,” he says.
Eric in recovery
On July 7 of this year, Eric began working as a Recovery Coach at White Horse. Drawing on his lived experience, he has found fulfillment in helping others navigate their own recovery journeys.
“It’s such a blessed feeling to know that I have the lived experience that allows me to thrive in this job,” he says. “It allows me to connect with clients on another level. I have sponsees and clients who depended on me. If I can help just one person, all my struggles will be worth it.”
Eric is passionate about meeting people where they are and giving back to the community that helped him heal. “We all do it at our own pace,” he says. “I love what I do and I’m grateful for who I work with and work for.”
Eric is now working toward becoming a Certified Recovery Support Worker and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. He is also committed to giving hope to others.
“I like to say I give a voice to the voiceless and hope to the hopeless.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. White Horse Recovery offers services for those ready to start their journey to recovery. For more information, call 603-651-1441, Ext. 1.