Dustin “Dusty’’ Hurst’s recovery started after his addiction had completely “beaten him into submission”. Dusty has turned his life around and started a career as a certified peer recovery supporter at Thrive Peer Recovery Services a little more than a year ago and has a happy life with his fiancée and two beautiful children.
We want to feature our colleagues in this “Meet the Team” series. Dusty is our first to take the opportunity to tell you about himself and his work.
Tell us your recovery story.
I spent so many years assuming I was destined to be an addict like the cards were stacked against me due to my childhood. When I found recovery this time, everything was different. I found myself accomplishing goals and thinking differently than I ever have before. My life over the last six years has become something I could never have dreamed of. Today I have two beautiful children, and a fiancée and my relationships with others are better than ever. My children never had to see their father struggle and they know they can count on me. I’ve found true happiness and gratitude through recovery. My world is not dark like it used to be. I know for a fact if the world and the people I used to place myself around had it their way, I would not be
here today. I’ve been able to forgive and be forgiven for the things I have done and learned that my past does not have to define me. Through recovery, I have found my true purpose in life.
What is your favorite thing about going to work?
I get to help a lot of people and see them succeed in a lot of ways that I have but in a much shorter time. Also, I love the people I work with. My coworkers in the Warren office help me stay centered and keep me focused on my goals and ambitions.
What’s something a new employee would want to know about your work and Thrive?
That relying on others that we work with is not a burden. We are a team and we consistently rely on each other to grow.
What do you do for fun?
I spend a lot of time with my family. We always do cookouts. Recently my children and I have been spending a lot of time watching my nephew play baseball. I also take time to myself and spend time with the friends I met in recovery. We play cards and fellowship. I also enjoy video games. GO PITTSBURGH!
Tell us something most people don’t know about you.
A lot of people assume I am older than I am. I’m only 27.
What is on your bucket list?
I want to travel out of the country. I want to visit Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Braised lamb shank from the Chop House.
What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
Knife, lighter, and a deck of cards.
If you could go to dinner with anyone, living now or in the past, who would it be and why?
My mother and father because they both passed away when I was young.
What is the best piece of advice you give to your clients?
I encourage them regularly to never quit chasing their dreams no matter what it takes to achieve them.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Seeing my peers start their process to become peer supporters.
Stay tuned for more meet the Thrive team content coming soon!
