Volunteer of the Week: Ashley Regina

Each week, End Overdose recognizes one of our dedicated volunteers who embodies compassion, resilience, and commitment to ending overdose. This week, we’re proud to highlight Ashley Regina, whose courage and recovery journey continue to inspire hope in others.

Ashley’s story begins with feelings of isolation and self-doubt that started at a young age. “My story of addiction starts out pretty similar to many others that I’ve met over the years,” they said. “I always felt like the odd one out; that I was never a ‘part of.’ I was bullied pretty badly when I was in middle school, which caused me to think negatively about myself.”

The loss of their grandmother deeply affected them, and Ashley says that’s when their struggles with mental health began to grow. “When my grandma passed at the end of seventh grade, my depression and self worth spiraled,” they said.

By high school, Ashley was experimenting with drugs and alcohol and feeling increasingly disconnected. “My mental health was continuing to spiral and I couldn’t understand why I was feeling so out of control,” they said.

During their early twenties, Ashley experienced a traumatic assault that left them feeling isolated and unheard. Their pain deepened, and their substance use escalated as they struggled to cope. “Once again, I felt completely alone,” they said. “It was around this time that I started hanging out with a new crowd and they liked partying just as much as I did– I just didn’t understand that at the time my partying wasn’t actually partying.”

After years of hardship, loss, and repeated attempts to get sober, everything changed in late 2022. “I reached a point where I realized that my body was either going to finally give up on me or I had to get my life together,” they said. “I was constantly becoming violently ill, my self worth was non-existent and I desperately wanted to learn what it was like to live a real life.” Following a near-fatal overdose, Ashley entered treatment and began the process of rebuilding their life. This December marks three years free from opioids and nearly two years of full sobriety.

Ashley credits their support system for helping them rebuild. “I am fortunate enough to have had a great therapist to support me, my family allowed me to move back in and help me get my life on track, and eventually I was able to start working and form a structured routine,” they said.

Today, their gratitude is unwavering. “I live a very beautiful life today, and everything that I have is because I was fortunate enough to survive,” they said.

Ashley’s experiences inspired them to give back by volunteering with End Overdose. “I have overdosed a few times,” they said. “Without [naloxone], I would not be alive today and I would have never gotten the opportunity to begin my journey of recovery and live the life that I live today.”

They also volunteer in memory of their late partner. “[He] and so many others should still be here and I will do whatever it takes to ensure that nobody else has to lose their life,” they said.

One of Ashley’s favorite experiences with End Overdose came at a live music event. “The first time that I got to provide training with End Overdose was during Zeds Dead’s show in Brooklyn,” they said. “I was so excited to bring training into the rave community and during one of my favorite artists' shows!"

They also shared how meaningful it’s been to connect with others who share their passion. “I also enjoy meeting so many like-minded people and feeling a deeper sense of community from volunteering with End Overdose,” Ashley said.

Ashley’s story is one of transformation, self-discovery, and hope. From years of struggle to a life of purpose, they now channel their experiences into helping others find safety and support. Their message is simple but powerful: recovery is possible, and everyone deserves a second chance.