Feb 09 2012

NYIT Student-Athlete Shares His Drive to Succeed

Old Westbury, N.Y. (February 9, 2012) – High hopes, dashed dreams, and the path to redemption have marked the comeback struggle of junior lacrosse player Justin Annunziato, who shared his battle with substance abuse. More than 200 NYIT community members, including many student-athletes, attended his presentation last week, where he was joined by his therapist Charles Gerace. 

View the photo gallery.

“Since August 20, 2011, I’ve been clean,” Annunziato said. “For those who don’t understand addicts, one day clean is amazing.”

His spiral into addiction began at age 12 with alcohol. By 14, he was using cocaine, which was soon followed by other drugs. Through it all, the All-American athlete pursued his lacrosse dreams, eventually playing for Syracuse University’s team until he failed multiple drug tests and was forced to leave.

“My life was wake up, maybe eat breakfast, and then think about where to go for my next fix,” he said.

The Rocky Point, N.Y., native, who said he felt “alone, ashamed, defeated, everything,” reached a turning point soon after arriving at NYIT, and checked into rehab.

“Addiction is the worst thing that ever happened to me,” Annunziato said. “It’s been a struggle, but what keeps me going is support from my friends, team, coaches, family, Charles, and other addicts.”

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Contact
Rose Sumer  
Staff Writer/Reporter  
516.686.7481
rsumer@nyit.edu