When two nationally recognized voices in recovery visit New Origins, the impact can be felt long after the event ends. This month, we were honored to host Tim Ryan and Jennifer Gimenez, the married couple behind Dope to Hope, for an afternoon centered on healing, personal truth, and the power of transformation.
Known for their honesty and lived experience, Tim and Jennifer brought more than a message. Their presence reflected that long-term recovery can look real, hard-won, and deeply committed to helping others find their way forward.
Tim Ryan: From Rock Bottom to the “Hope Dealer”
Tim Ryan’s story is one of painful consequences and hard-earned redemption. His primary struggle was with heroin and opioid addiction, which led to a complete breakdown of his health, relationships, and freedom. He also battled alcohol and cocaine use, experiences that deepened the cycle of addiction and loss. His addiction ultimately resulted in incarceration.
Shortly after his release, Tim faced the most devastating chapter of his life. His 20-year-old son died of an overdose. Tim has publicly shared that he believes his own drug use influenced his son’s path into addiction. Carrying that weight, he speaks openly about the responsibility he feels and his determination to prevent other families from experiencing the same kind of loss.
Since that turning point, Tim has become a leading advocate for recovery. He founded the A Man in Recovery Foundation, authored From Dope to Hope, and was featured on A&E’s DopeMan. His voice is direct and grounded in lived experience. Each time he shares his story, it is with the goal in mind to help others find freedom before it’s too late.
Jennifer Gimenez: From Hollywood Struggles to Lasting Recovery
Jennifer Gimenez built a successful career as a model and actress, appearing in major films like Blow and Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle. Discovered at age 13, she quickly rose in the fashion world and became the youngest model to appear on the cover of American Elle. But behind the camera, her life was unraveling. She battled alcohol and cocaine use, eating disorders, and the pressure of maintaining a public image that didn’t reflect her reality.
Over the years, Jennifer experienced periods of sobriety followed by relapse, often feeling isolated in her struggle. Eventually, she entered treatment with the support of Dr. Drew Pinsky and later appeared on Celebrity Rehab and Sober House, where she began sharing her story more openly. Speaking publicly marked a significant shift in her recovery and gave her voice a new purpose.
Today, Jennifer is a committed advocate for women in recovery, trauma survivors, and those facing mental health challenges. She travels across the country speaking at treatment centers and events, offering a message built on truth, compassion, and strength. Her journey shows that recovery is not only possible but deeply transformative.
Dope to Hope: More Than a Message
Together, Tim and Jennifer lead Dope to Hope, a platform dedicated to education, outreach, and support for those affected by addiction. Whether speaking at treatment centers, schools, or public events, their goal remains the same: to remind people that recovery is possible and that they are never alone in the fight.
Their visit to New Origins aligned closely with the values we hold here. True recovery is not performative. It is personal. It requires showing up, speaking honestly, and continuing to put in the work, day after day.
A Shared Connection with the New Origins Community
While every client’s story is different, the struggles Tim and Jennifer shared felt familiar to many in the room. The pain of relapse, the grief of loss, and the weight of trauma are all realities we face directly in treatment. Hearing those themes reflected by people who have walked through them helped reinforce the belief that change is within reach.
At New Origins, we believe that healing happens through both clinical support and shared experience. Events like this remind us why our approach centers on honesty, accountability, and community. If you’re seeking addiction therapy in Redlands, we offer grounded and practical care that addresses real-life challenges with real solutions.
Your Turn to Begin Again
Whether you’re struggling with heroin, opioids, alcohol, cocaine, or the trauma that often comes with addiction, New Origins in Redlands, California offers therapy and treatment designed specifically for men. Our approach combines evidence-based care, life skills, and a recovery community that understands what it takes to rebuild your life.
If you’re ready to take the first step, we’re here to walk with you. Contact us today or call at 1-855-984-1788 to begin your own journey from dope to hope.
