Before Ashley
For nearly two decades, Shahab lived under the weight of addiction, caught in a painful cycle he couldn’t escape. His struggle began in the mid-1980s when he was prescribed pain medication after a burn injury. What started as legitimate medical treatment quickly turned into dependence. “Anytime I had an opportunity to take pain medication, I would,” he reflected. Over the years, that dependence deepened—spreading to alcohol and other prescription medications.
Between 1984 and 2003, Shahab sought help numerous times. He attended countless outpatient programs and several inpatient rehabs, convinced each time that he could manage on his own. “I would go to meetings because it was suggested, but I was there physically—not mentally or emotionally,” he shared. Despite his efforts, the disease continued to progress.
The consequences mounted—car accidents, multiple DWIs, and fractured relationships. “I always thought I had control over my addiction,” he said, “but I had zero control.” When he was arrested twice within a 30-day period, even his attorney was blunt: if he didn’t go to rehab, he’d end up in jail.
That moment became a turning point. Given three treatment options—Shahab chose Ashley. On January 12, 2003, a foggy winter evening, he arrived on campus—unaware that this day would mark the beginning of a new life.
Finding Hope at Ashley
“I remember being treated with respect from the moment I arrived,” Shahab recalled. “It didn’t feel like a hospital or a rehab—it felt like I was being welcomed somewhere safe.”
At the time, Shahab was in rough physical shape and had to be medically weaned off years of barbiturates, painkillers, and benzodiazepines. The early days were emotional and uncertain. But slowly, something began to shift. Through meetings, education, and fellowship, he discovered a truth that changed everything: addiction was not a moral failing—it was a disease, and recovery was possible.
“The beautiful discovery for me was finding out that I wasn’t at fault,” he said. “It’s a disease that’s very active if left untreated. But there is hope.”
At Ashley, he met people who understood his struggle—counselors and speakers who had once stood where he stood. “They would say, ‘I’m just like you, but I haven’t used in 10 years, or 20 years,’” he remembered. That sense of connection made all the difference.
One of the most impactful moments was meeting Father Martin himself. “I was blessed enough to have a one-on-one with him,” Shahab said. “When he told me he’d been sober for nearly 50 years, it gave me hope I’d never had before.”
For the first time in nearly 20 years, Shahab began to believe that life without drugs or alcohol could be not only possible—but fulfilling. “Love is that main ingredient that binds humans,” he said. “And that’s exactly what I found at Ashley.”
Life in Recovery
When Shahab left Ashley, his life was still full of challenges—legal issues, financial strain, and the uncertainty of starting over. But he carried with him a message of hope and the tools to stay sober, one day at a time.
Nearly 23 years later, Shahab’s life is a reflection of what recovery can bring. He has been married for over 20 years and has a 19-year-old daughter. “My wife and daughter have never seen me drunk or high,” he said proudly. “That is my most important asset—the fact that I don’t have to use.”
He remains deeply connected to Ashley, helping others find the same hope he once did. Shortly after leaving treatment, he helped establish the Ashley DC Alumni Chapter and chaired it for many years. He still attends Ashley events and recovery meetings regularly. “Even after 22 years, I still go to at least two meetings a week,” he said. “I stay in the middle of it.”
For Shahab, recovery isn’t just about abstaining, it’s about gratitude and service. He often shares his story with people who are new to recovery or unsure if treatment can help. His message is simple and sincere:
“I was just like you. I couldn’t stop using. I went to Ashley, I got the message, and I haven’t used in over 22 years. If I can do it, you can do it too.”
Ashley remains, for Shahab, more than a place—it’s the foundation of a life he once thought was impossible. “Anytime the name Ashley comes to mind, it feels larger than life,” he said. “Because without Ashley, I wouldn’t be here.”
