In this Q&A, Wasatch Crest’s alumni coordinator, Troy Popp, opens up about his personal experience with addiction and recovery. He shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey, how he found fortitude through the 12-step program, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. His story highlights the importance of surrender, community, and perseverance in building a life of lasting sobriety.
What was your experience with addiction and recovery?
Addiction took hold of my life at a young age. By 12, I was experimenting with substances, even though I was still able to play sports. My turning point came during my junior year of high school when I broke my neck. That injury ended my dreams of playing professional football, and from there, things spiraled. I was full of pride and blamed everyone else for my problems. At 18, I was asked to leave home. I was homeless, angry, and lost on the streets of San Diego.
I eventually went to treatment, but it didn’t stick the first time. Still, that initial experience planted a seed of hope. After several more stints on the streets and several relapses, I finally reached a point of desperation. On September 13, 1994, I made the decision to live and fully committed to doing whatever it took to maintain my sobriety and put my recovery first. Even though my decision-making was still broken for a while. I had to rely on taking direction from someone else in active recovery.
If you attended gender-specific treatment, how has it impacted your recovery?
I went to a co-ed treatment center, but I’ve worked with and seen the value in gender-specific programs. For many, the connection and support found in those spaces can be vital to their recovery journey.
How have you balanced recovery with other roles in your life, such as being a professional or friend?
Balance didn’t come easily. I got sober young, and it took time to find my footing. I made the 12-step program my foundation. Meetings were non-negotiable, even when life got busy with school or work. After two years of sobriety, I went back to school and started a career in software quality assurance. The structure I built around recovery helped me balance everything else—whether it was work, school, or social life. Even today, I make sure recovery remains integrated into everything I do.
How has recovery empowered you?
In addiction, I thought I was strong and independent, but it was a false sense of control, rooted in ego and anger. When I surrendered to the program and worked the 12 steps, that’s when I found real empowerment. I rebuilt myself, one step at a time. The process taught me to be the man I wanted to be, and it continues to give me the strength to live authentically every day. My empowerment comes from something greater than myself, a power that I’ve come to rely on.
How has recovery helped you redefine your identity?
Recovery has transformed me. I went from being a liar, cheat, and thief to a productive, happy member of society. Through working the program, I’ve been able to rebuild my identity and live with integrity. Now, I get to help others searching for a solution as the alumni coordinator at Wasatch Crest. Giving back is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my life, and I’ve achieved things I never thought possible when I first started this journey.
What message do you have for others struggling with substance or alcohol use?
Make the decision to surrender to the program. It’s not something you can do alone, and you don’t have to. Find someone who has been through it—someone who can guide you, like a sponsor—and follow their lead. Recovery is a one-day-at-a-time process, but the support you’ll find along the way will make all the difference. Together, we will make it. Divided, we fall.
Recovery at Wasatch Crest
At Wasatch Crest, we offer mountainside treatment programs designed specifically for men, women, and co-ed groups. Nestled in the serene mountains of Park City and Heber, UT, our compassionate programs provide ideal environments for healing with targeted clinical care and strong support networks of understanding individuals. Whether you’re just beginning your recovery or have tried before, our compassionate team is here to help you with personalized, gender-specific care that fosters long-lasting and meaningful change. Reach out to learn more.Â
