LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - Starting at the age of 12, David “Johnny” Mann turned to alcohol and drugs for a sense of identity.

“My life was about partying basically,” Mann said. “And trying to fit in with all the different crowds so that’s what I did. I never knew who I was.”

At just five years old, Mann said his mother and father got a divorce. For him, separating from his father was the root of his struggles later in life.

“I didn’t realize it then, but I had a lot of abandonment, I missed my dad and wanted to be with my dad.”

Amy Borchers, the Senior Director of Outpatient Services at CenterPointe, said childhood trauma is often seen in people struggling with mental health and substance use.

“Abandonment can be a huge trigger to a mental health response,” Borchers said. “It’s also an indicator of childhood trauma when there’s only one parent involved.”

She added that when addressing drug use and addiction, treatment often begins with mental health. Borchers said when a person is ready and willing to make changes, recovery is possible.

“I knew I wanted to do something different,” Mann said. “So I decided to get clean for myself for the first time.”

Ten years ago, Mann said he had an encounter with God while visiting a church with a friend. It was at that place he began his journey of surrendering his life and habits to Jesus.

“As I knelt before the altar I began praying about ‘Am I going to be okay’ I think.” Then the deacon or elder of the church tapped my shoulder and answered that, exactly the way I wanted God to answer that.”

Johnny Mann said these days God, his wife, and children push him to continue his recovery. Even if he falls or has a bad day, he said there are people there to uplift him to focus on the future.

Borchers said the holidays can often serve as a huge trigger for people who are looking to make changes in their lives.

Those reasons range from being around family you may not have a great relationship with, to being around friends and loved ones that are still in habits you’re trying to get rid of.

“The holidays can be really hard for people that are trying to make changes for whatever reason that may be,” Borchers said.

She said no matter what you’re struggling with during the holidays, there is help.

“You’re not alone, it is difficult,” she said. “There’s a different world out there that people don’t know about because they’ve been in their world of mental health or substance use.”

Mann added, “There is hope, especially in asking for help.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or substance use, help is available.

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