Salir
Travis Taylor started using drugs and alcohol when he was 12 years old. He grew up around violence. For much of his youth, he was in and out of various juvenile justice programs.
He never learned how to handle difficult situations other than to fight. At 17, he was placed in a youth correctional facility for possession of meth at his high school. That’s when he experienced suicidal thoughts for the first time.
“I thought to myself, ’I should be at prom right now, but instead I’m sitting in jail,” he said. “I felt like I was already too far gone to turn things around.”
When he was 21, he was sentenced to prison for 6 years for fighting.
After serving 3 years of his sentence, including long stretches in solitary confinement due to fighting with other inmates, he decided to work on improving himself. He took business classes, joined an anger management program, and earned his high school equivalency diploma.
But when he was released, he had a hard time maintaining a job and felt like he lacked many basic life skills.
He continued to have mental health challenges, including manic depressive episodes. But he struggled to find the help he needed. He began drinking alcohol and injecting meth again.
This is Taylor’s mug shot after his arrest for fighting. “Ultimately, my anger cost me 15 years of my life.”
Consistent, compassionate care makes a difference
Shortly after his best friend died, Taylor overdosed and experienced drug-induced psychosis. He found himself in an emergency room on suicide watch.
That’s where he met Anna Coleman, a licensed clinical social worker who works with patients experiencing a crisis related to substance use and other mental health conditions.
“Our team is skilled at helping people feel safe when they’re scared and disoriented,” Coleman said. “We just want to offer compassionate, nonjudgmental care in whatever capacity they’re ready to receive it.”
Coleman introduced Taylor to Justin Yarger, a peer support specialist. Yarger and Taylor turned out to have a lot in common. They’re both big guys with tattoos and many similar life experiences, and they felt an immediate bond.
“That was the first time in so many years I felt the acceptance I’d been longing for,” Taylor said. “When I shared my phone number, and he said it was his old number, I couldn’t believe it. The whole encounter was like a spiritual awakening.”
When Taylor left the hospital, he continued to use meth. But Yarger kept reaching out and offering to help him.
Just a month later, Taylor decided it was time to change his life.
Coleman’s team helped connect him to the care he needed for his substance use disorder and mental health conditions.
Taylor (right) with Yarger (left) at the Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center in Clackamas, Oregon
Giving back to his community
Taylor hasn’t used drugs or alcohol since 2022.
He’s currently working as a certified alcohol and drug counselor. His goal is to eventually become a director of an addiction counseling program.
“It means so much to pursue a career that helps other people who are going through the same things I did,” he said. “My life has changed tremendously.”
“I am a ’90s country music guy, and I love the Brooks & Dunn song called ‘My Maria.’”
Taylor recently had a daughter. And he’s still in close contact with Yarger.
“He’s actually my neighbor now,” said Taylor.
Learn more about mental health and addiction care at Kaiser Permanente.
How to get the help you need
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, get help right away. Kaiser Permanente members can get connected to mental health and addiction care at kp.org/mentalhealth.
Signs to look out for
Learn about the warning signs of suicide.
Suicide hotline
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. A chat option also is available at 988lifeline.org.
You’ll be connected directly to a crisis-trained counselor. Support is available 24/7. It’s free and confidential.
Mental health emergency
If you or someone you know needs immediate emergency medical services for a mental health crisis, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For the complete definition of an emergency medical condition, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or other coverage documents.