Michael Leach is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) with close to a decade of experience in the field of substance use and addiction recovery. He graduated from Rutgers University in 2010 with a degree in Employment Management and Labor Relations.

Michael started his career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), where he worked at a drug and alcohol rehab in Louisiana. As a Withdrawal Specialist, he worked one-on-one with individuals coming off drugs and alcohol. He helped them get through drug withdrawal, which is one of the most challenging parts of the drug rehab process. Michael had his own struggles with substance use, so he was able to connect with his clients. His shared experience allowed him to communicate effectively and encourage the individuals he worked with.

After two years of working directly with patients, Michael took on an administrative role and became the Director of Rehabilitation of the New Life Retreat Treatment Center in Louisiana. During his time there, he learned under the Board-Certified Addictionologist, Dr. Rohit Adi. Michael was responsible for overseeing treatment plans, ensuring the facility was properly staffed, and communicating with the client’s family. He learned what goes into running an effective drug and alcohol rehab.

Michael left the demanding environment of working at a drug and alcohol rehab to start a family at the end of 2019. He transitioned to using technology to assist individuals in locating resources online to help them with substance use. He has spent the last three years working for Addicted.org and Drugrehab.ca, two organizations that have helped thousands of individuals find help for addiction in the US and Canada.

Michael recently started Recovery Begins to help individuals in Canada find the services they need to start their recovery. He utilizes his personal and professional experience to assist anyone seeking to reclaim their lives from drug and alcohol use.