“Born into Chaos, Rebuilt in Recovery: Addiction, Art, and Staying Free”

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Jay Mac’s story begins in chaos. Born to two addicted parents and raised in instability—moving from town to town and navigating fear and dysfunction—he found identity early through graffiti and street art. By high school, cocaine and opiates entered the picture, and before long, heroin became his escape.

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Years were lost to addiction, theft, and surviving on the streets. But Jay rebuilt his life from the ground up. Through recovery, he found sobriety, purpose, and a powerful voice—channeling his experience into art, barbering, and recovery work that now helps others heal.

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With nine years clean, Jay shares a raw and honest journey from a broken kid growing up in Section 8 housing to a man leading others toward freedom. His message goes deep—relapse and redemption, fear and faith, creativity as medicine, and the daily discipline it takes to stay free.

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Jay Mac brings truth, grit, and hope to the stage at the 34th Annual CDA Serenity Weekend in Ocean City, MD—a testament that recovery is possible and freedom is worth fighting for.

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Follow Jay Mac on Instagram: @the_backstah