Oklahoma Man 20 Months Sober After Life-Threatening Crash

Andrew Reyes remembers crossing an Oklahoma City street on an electric scooter, then nothing until he found himself lying in the road. The accident left him with life-threatening injuries and a month-long hospital stay at OU Health.

But the crash became an unexpected turning point. At the time of the accident, Reyes was already working toward sobriety and fighting his own battles with addiction.

Instead of derailing his recovery, the traumatic experience strengthened his resolve. He leaned on his recovery community for support during those difficult hospital weeks and the challenging months that followed.

Today, Reyes has transformed his pain into purpose. He's now 20 months sober, enrolled in college, and certified as a peer recovery support specialist.

What makes his story even more remarkable is how he's chosen to give back. Reyes regularly returns to OU Health, the same hospital that saved his life, to educate doctors, nurses, and staff about trauma-informed care.

"If we can learn from the experience, we can teach from that experience," Reyes explains. His lived experience helps healthcare providers understand what patients truly need beyond physical treatment.

Kathryn Miller, a trauma program social worker with the Trauma Survivor Network, worked closely with Reyes after his accident. She now calls him her first contact when patients need peer support.

"Lived experience is such a powerful tool in any recovery field, whether it's trauma or addiction," Miller says. The medical team at OU Health has been amazed not just by his physical recovery but by his willingness to help others navigate similar struggles.

Why This Inspires

Reyes could have viewed his accident as another setback in an already difficult journey. Instead, he's using his story to revolutionize how healthcare providers approach trauma care. His work reminds medical professionals that recovery extends far beyond physical healing to include emotional, social, and family aspects.

The impact on his personal life has been equally profound. "The life I have now compared to the life I had 20 months ago, I couldn't imagine," Reyes shares. His relationship with his parents has been completely restored, something he never thought possible during his struggles with addiction.

His message is simple but powerful: recovery is possible, and it can lead to something greater than you ever imagined.