Derek Cheves

My name is Derek Cheves, and as of today, September 5, 2025, I have one year and four months clean. Addiction has been a lifelong struggle for me, but I am finally finding stability and making meaningful progress in my recovery. Each day presents new challenges, but staying committed to my sobriety has allowed me to build a stronger foundation for the future and a clearer vision of the life I want to live.

My past was difficult, marked by addiction and repeated time in jail from the age of twelve. For years, I was caught in a cycle that felt impossible to escape. Today, I am proud to say I have come a long way from those darker times. My journey has shaped who I am, but it no longer defines me. Instead, it motivates me to continue moving forward with resilience, purpose, and determination.

I was born and raised in Melbourne, Florida, and I now reside in Lexington, Kentucky, where I am focused on building a new chapter in my life. Recovery has given me the opportunity to grow into the best version of myself, and I am committed to staying on this path. Every milestone reminds me of how far I have come, and I look forward to the future with gratitude and hope.