Indigo, a man stepping into recovery, finds himself on Treasure Island, where the May winds blow fiercely, an unexpected ally of a ladybug blown off the sidewalk.
His steady, deliberate movement surprises onlookers, especially those who see him in rugged trekking footwear and cargo pants.
As Indigo strolls along the island’s southwest side, he gazes out at the San Francisco skyline, reminiscing about the pristine beauty he first encountered over three decades ago.
The vibrant city he once perceived has shifted into a less welcoming view, scarred by drug use and homelessness over the years as he became a “functioning addict.”
It wasn’t until 2023 that Indigo experienced a transformative shift in his life.
This change began when a kind-hearted pharmacist started visiting his single-room occupancy hotel, providing the support and connections that Indigo needed.
To maintain anonymity and distance himself from his troubled past, Indigo goes by a nickname, mirroring the rich blue-violet of the inner clarity chakra— the opposite hue of his baby-blue eyes.
The reasons for entering recovery can vary widely, but Indigo, like many others, acknowledges the vital role of meaningful relationships in his journey.
Two years back, before embarking on this new path, Indigo felt trapped in his Lower Nob Hill SRO, overcome by addiction that left him incapable of functioning beyond using drugs.
His turning point came with the arrival of Damian Peterson, a psychiatric clinical pharmacist working in San Francisco, committed to helping those struggling with substance use.
Peterson’s approach is hands-on; he brings buprenorphine directly to low-income residents who need it while patiently understanding their fears and aspirations.
“Some people aren’t ready yet for treatment,” he admits, recognizing that building trust is crucial to opening the door to effective conversations about recovery.
Other healthcare workers, such as roving nurses from UCSF, aim to make similar connections.
On a recent outreach mission in the Mission District, nurse Erin Carrera brought essential supplies, including bandages and Naloxone, to those in dire need.
While they cannot provide direct medical prescriptions or housing solutions, the nurses deliver immediate care and foster discussions around health concerns linked to substance use.
Understanding and addressing basic barriers, such as registering clients for public health benefits, is an essential part of their role.
As Indigo reflects on his life experiences, he witnesses the profound changes in San Francisco’s community dynamics.
He recalls a time when collective homes thrived in abandoned buildings, filled with creativity and camaraderie, now faded amidst loss and despair.
For Indigo, the loneliness that often accompanies addiction is even more pronounced when facing life’s challenges alone in a dingy SRO.
He emphasizes the significance of a foundational “magic trifecta”—stable housing, mental health, and sobriety—essential for sustainable recovery.
However, he warns that without a supportive social network, waiting for this trifecta to materialize can lead to prolonged struggles for people in recovery.
“Building on progress can become onerous without people in your corner,” Indigo explains, describing how even minor inconveniences can sometimes push one over the edge.
The importance of community has repeatedly surfaced in conversations among those in recovery and the counselors championing their journeys.
Lucky, who completed his treatment program, shared that he initially sought help because that’s where his “built family” thrived.
Kaseem F., another individual on a recovery path, found solace at the Gubbio Project, a safe space where he felt welcomed and affirmed.
“Positive feedback opens the door to positivity,” he noted, illustrating how community encouragement can enhance prospects for recovery.
The consensus among healthcare professionals is clear—recovery is a complex journey of trust and connections that cannot be rushed.
For some, like Elijah Donaldson, engaging with peers and culturally relevant programs can redefine their recovery experiences.
Indigo’s ambitions are taking shape as he considers what his life might look like after completing his treatment.
While awaiting supportive housing to leave the expansive 576-acre island, he has discovered new ways to build his life—delivering GrubHub orders, acting as a Google Maps local guide, and creating art.
He envisions future adventures, possibly exploring the Milky Way over Joshua Tree, crafting a hopeful narrative for his life in San Francisco—his once cherished “snowglobe city.”
Indigo recognizes a thriving recovery community exists parallel to the expansive drug community within the city, offering promises of support as he works toward his new life, one step at a time.
image source from：https://missionlocal.org/2025/06/s-f-drug-users-treatment-relationships-recovery/
