Shawn Metz’s story of triumph over near tragedy is nothing short of a miracle.  Once, labeled as a hopeless, directionless addict who lacked self-confidence, self-worth and self-determination, Shawn chose to face life head-on -- overcoming obstacles that most in his position would have found insurmountable.

Instead, Shawn selected life over death, success over failure and confidence over despair.  Now, a husband and father of two, recovery coach, author and Co-Founder of Phoenix Recovery LLC, a group of structured sober living homes in New Jersey, Shawn has made it his life’s mission to share his story and deliver a message of “hope, health and happiness” to the thousands who needlessly suffer.  He inspires and motivates others to become goal-oriented individuals who are ready to embrace the life-transformation they need to become the best versions of themselves.  In short, Shawn’s message helps people with low self-worth and low self-esteem reimagine themselves from the misperception that they’re “losers” into the reality that they’re “winners!” 

Growing up in New Jersey, Shawn was considered by those around him to be a popular student and was a star athlete in every sport he participated in.  But, Shawn struggled internally; happiness was an elusive concept as he found it difficult to connect with others and impossible to be comfortable in his own skin.  As a result, Shawn took the path that many others in his position so often take – he turned to alcohol and other substances seeking the comfort that he so desperately needed.  With alcohol and drugs, Shawn suddenly felt “accepted” by his peers and no longer had to cope with the stresses of growing up and the feelings he had of inadequacy.  For the first time since early childhood, Shawn felt comfortable with himself and with others.

Despite the negative consequences of prolonged drug and alcohol use, such as ending his opportunity to play college sports, failing out of school, multiple car accidents, suicidal depression, anxiety and homelessness, Shawn was unable to find any kind of sustained recovery from his addictions until one day, in a moment of clarity while at a treatment center for substance abuse, Shawn had an epiphany – he recalled a quote he had heard many years earlier in his life; “As a man thinketh, so shall he be.”  As Shawn broke the quote down in his mind he realized that for him it meant “if one changes their thoughts, one can change their life.”  The words Shawn read and recited over and over to himself helped make him realize that he did indeed, have a right to the pursuit of happiness and that he alone was the creator of his own destiny.

Now, with ten years of long-term recovery, Shawn captivates audiences with his inspirational message of mind over matter and the ability we all have within us to redefine who we are because, as Shawn so often says, “You are not your past, you are who you choose to become.”  With special emphasis on the severity of the growing epidemic of substance abuse, Shawn drives home the message that it’s not only okay to leave the party, it’s a matter of life and death.  With nearly 20 million Americans, some as young as 12 years old, struggling with substance use disorder, Shawn tailors his message to fit his audience as he connects with young and old alike, bridging all socio and economic demographics to facilitate a positive change in people’s perceptions, as well as how they think and act.

Shawn Metz is a Dean’s List graduate of Georgian Court University, where he earned two degrees in Psychology and Education.  A highly sought-after and frequent guest speaker at treatment centers, community events and educational facilities throughout the state of New Jersey, Shawn also has served as a speaker for and offered his unique perspective on, multiple state and county guest panel discussions on the problems of substance abuse.  With passion and relatability exuding in everything he speaks on, Shawn Metz's narrative is one that needs to be heard.