When Addiction Starts with College Parties | Zac C.
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From Partying to Purpose: Zach Clark’s Journey to Recovery
Zach Clark had it all—a loving family, a great upbringing, and a future in sports. But what started as innocent partying quickly turned into a relentless chase for the next high. In college, alcohol fueled his weekends, and soon, cocaine and Adderall became part of the equation. By his mid-20s, his life had spiraled into heroin use and crack addiction, leading to homelessness, failed relationships, and brushes with death.
After hitting rock bottom and being confronted by his family, Zach entered rehab—not for the first time, but for the last. A chance encounter with a bank teller, unwavering support from his father, and months in treatment changed everything. Now 13+ years sober, he’s the founder of Release Recovery, helping others find their way to sobriety.
Whether you’re in recovery, know someone struggling, or just want to hear an inspiring comeback story, this episode is for you.
A childhood defined by Chaos
Growing up in a loving and stable home, Zach Clarke had what many would call an ideal childhood. His parents, married for nearly five decades, instilled strong family values and worked hard to provide a comfortable life. “I wanted for nothing,” Zach recalls. “My parents were the best, always supportive.” However, beneath the surface of this seemingly perfect upbringing, subtle but powerful influences were shaping his future struggles.
Haddonfield, New Jersey, was a small, close-knit town where social drinking was normalized. While parents gathered at the country club, their kids would head to the golf course to drink. The culture of weekend partying was deeply ingrained in his teenage years. “It wasn’t considered a big deal—everyone was doing it,” Zach explains. “It was just part of the lifestyle.” Little did he know, these early experiences would ignite a dangerous chase for the ultimate high that would consume the next decade of his life.
The First Drink and the Escape It Brought
Zach’s introduction to alcohol and substances wasn’t dramatic or unusual—it was casual, easy, and thrilling. In high school, he was an athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. But despite his achievements, he felt a stronger attachment to one thing: the feeling that alcohol gave him. “Saturday nights were my time to shine,” he admits. “It wasn’t just about drinking—it was about becoming the life of the party.”
His transition to college took this to another level. “I felt like I had a drinking degree before I even got there,” he laughs. From the very first week of college, he got into trouble for drinking. But instead of seeing it as a wake-up call, he wore it like a badge of honor. “I didn’t care about the consequences. I just wanted to chase that feeling again and again.”
As his college years progressed, alcohol alone wasn’t enough. Cocaine and Adderall entered the mix, offering the illusion of balance—allowing him to drink heavily while staying functional. “It became a science project,” he reflects. “How can I drink the way I want and still show up?” But this dangerous experiment was bound to crash.
The Grip of Addiction
After college, Zach’s drinking and drug use escalated. What started as weekend fun became a daily necessity. “I was the one who never stopped,” he admits. His life became an endless cycle of seeking the next high, numbing himself to the growing wreckage around him.
The consequences were piling up—failed relationships, lost trust, and an unshakable emptiness. Even after a major brain surgery, he found himself addicted to the opioids prescribed for his recovery. “I was trying to balance life, but I was just barely holding on,” he says.
Then came the crack cocaine. “It went from partying to survival,” Zach says, recalling a haunting memory of searching for a lost crack rock inside his car at 7 AM, pulling out the seats while his neighbor watched in confusion. “That should have been a rock bottom moment, but I still wasn’t done.”
Active Addiction - The Descent
Rock bottom came in the form of total loss. His marriage crumbled. His career was nonexistent. His family was preparing for the worst. “I was a missing person,” he confesses. His loved ones feared they’d get the call that he had overdosed.
Then, one ordinary moment changed his life. Attempting to cash one of his father’s checks at a bank, a teller named Rhonda Jackson saw him and sensed something was wrong. Instead of calling the police, she called his father. Within 30 minutes, his father was there, telling him: “We’re going home.”
That was the turning point. “I had no more fight left in me,” Zach says. He entered treatment at Karen Treatment Centers for four and a half months, finally surrendering to the process of recovery. “For the first time, I admitted I didn’t have the answers.”
The Path to Recovery
Recovery wasn’t just about quitting substances—it was about rebuilding his entire identity. Therapy, community, and self-reflection became his new foundation. He learned that recovery wasn’t just abstinence; it was a way of life. “I had to surrender daily,” Zach explains. “I had to trust people who had been where I was.”
He moved to New York City in 2012, determined to create a new life. It wasn’t just about staying sober—it was about thriving. He pursued personal growth, built meaningful connections, and found joy in living with clarity.
Years later, an unexpected opportunity led him to a national audience—he was cast on The Bachelorette. But instead of letting it be just another TV show experience, he used the platform to be open about his journey, inspiring thousands struggling with addiction.
Life today
Today, Zach is the co-founder of Release Recovery, a leading recovery support service that helps individuals transition into sober living. His work is about more than just sobriety—it’s about transformation. “It’s not just about stopping drugs and alcohol,” he says. “It’s about building a life you don’t want to escape from.”
With 65 beds across multiple recovery homes, outpatient services, and a nonprofit branch, Release Recovery has helped countless individuals find freedom from addiction. “If you call us, we will help you,” Zach promises.
From a young man searching for his next high to a leader in the recovery community, Zach’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and hope. “The biggest lesson? I don’t have to be perfect—I just have to be honest,” he shares. And that honesty is now saving lives.
FAQs
Can someone fully recover from addiction?
Yes, with the right support system, therapy, and commitment, many people recover and go on to live fulfilling lives.
What are the early signs of addiction?
Increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, loss of control, and continued use despite negative consequences.
Is addiction more genetic or environmental?
It’s a combination of both—genetics can increase susceptibility, but environment and lifestyle play significant roles.
What’s the difference between sobriety and recovery?
Sobriety is abstaining from substances; recovery is actively working on personal growth and healing.
How do I support a loved one struggling with addiction?
Offer love without enabling, set healthy boundaries, and encourage professional help.
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