From Darkness to Light: Josh Lacey’s Journey of Redemption and Recovery

Josh Lacey’s story is one filled with both struggle and resilience. Growing up in Yakima and attending school in West Valley, he and his older brother, Joe, were adopted by older parents at a young age. While Josh always had a love for being outside, this passion unknowingly led him down a challenging path, where he faced the harsh realities of drugs and gang culture. 

As he grew up, Josh struggled with feelings of anger and abandonment. He often hurt others with his actions. In fourth grade, he got suspended from school for smoking. By age 14, he started hanging out with gang members and using substances like marijuana, alcohol, and cocaine. At first, he thought this lifestyle was exciting. 

Sadly, he dropped out of high school during his sophomore year, but in a remarkable feat, he earned his GED in just two days—opposite to the lengthy process most people experience. At 17, he faced his first criminal charges, and his life began to spiral further out of control. A series of unfortunate events led to his homelessness and an intensified involvement with gangs, where he was introduced to methamphetamine. 

The situation took a sharp turn for the worse with the introduction of opioids, including fentanyl. Josh’s life collapsed as he battled with substance use, experiencing psychosis and multiple overdoses. When he was 20, he was incarcerated for robbery, and after a brief release at 21, he found himself back in prison just weeks later, where he remained until he was 23.

During incarceration, Josh faced a heartbreaking loss: his older brother, Joe, died from an overdose after a tragic incident at a park with their biological mother. This loss weighed heavily on Josh, leading him to lash out aggressively, feeling lost and unsure about the path ahead. He thought he still had years left of living that life before considering sobriety.

However, everything began to change when he met Tony and two others who were also in treatment at the same time as Josh. Tony’s unwavering support and belief in the potential for recovery sparked something within Josh. For the first time, he saw the possibility of a different life, and he completed his treatment.

After finishing treatment, Josh reconnected with Ashley, a girl from high school who had also struggled with substance use. Walking through the streets where he once lived in despair, they faced temptations together. Though friends offered him drugs, he chose to refuse, inspiring Ashley to seek treatment for herself. 

Unfortunately, on the day Ashley entered treatment, Josh relapsed with alcohol, falling back into the cycle of substance use. Yet, the support of his friends, especially Tony, pulled him back from the brink, encouraging him to confront his choices and seek help on his journey once again. 

One fateful evening, when Josh sensed something was wrong with Ashley, he took the courageous step to check on her. Tragically, he found her unconscious from an overdose. With swift action, he administered Narcan and called for help, ultimately saving her life. This moment solidified his commitment to stand by her side.

Through this journey, Josh has found purpose in giving back to the community he once harmed during his struggles. He used to act without thinking about others, but now he finds joy in helping them improve their lives. 

It was only after the death of his brother, Joe, that Josh recognized the ripple effect of people’s actions. Joe’s passing saved three lives, and this realization motivated Josh to give back to the community. “I tell people to be grateful for how deep they have gone because the deeper you go, the more people you can help,” Josh explained. “When you have opportunity, ability, and willingness, anyone can change their life.” According to Josh, this is the gift that Triumph provided him, and he wishes for more people to have a similar experience.

Today, Josh has built a strong and loving relationship with his parents and family. They now communicate openly and respect each other, unlike before, when misunderstandings and lies caused problems. With this positive change in family life, Josh and Ashley are expecting their first child, due in July.

Josh’s transformation from substance use to a life dedicated to service is a testament to the spirit of recovery. His story shows us that everyone can change. Compassion, support from others, and strong connections can help create a better future.