Lockport man using opioid addiction to help others

Doug Bisher has gone from heroin addict to helper after surviving the nightmare of opioid addiction.

For the 30-year old Lockport man, his downward spiral into opioid addiction, that took him to heroin and cocaine, started after Bisher became addicted to pain medication following a car accident and back surgery.

The path down continued as Bisher was arrested numerous times, but it would be the criminal justice system that would finally save his life.

Wanted for an outstanding drug warrant, Bisher's older brother helped police arrest him. While he did spend time in jail, it also allowed him to get the treatment that finally broke his addiction. Bisher says he is now drug-free for six months.

As part of his 12-step recovery program through Narcotics Anonymous, Bisher agreed to talk with other addicts. His advice is that there is a way out - if an addict is committed to changing. And for families, the Lockport man said it might require some forceful action on their part to save an addicted family member.

Doug Bisher sat down with 7 Eyewitness News reporter Ed Reilly to discuss his journey from despair to hope.