In Medford, Oregon, Eric Siebold is a source of hope for individuals struggling with addiction in the community of outdoor enthusiasts and sports lovers.
Once trapped in a cycle of methamphetamine use, gang affiliations, and repeated incarcerations that spanned two decades, Eric now thrives as a dedicated father, a passionate softball player in local leagues, and an advocate for recovery.
His story, shared candidly in a recent Facebook post marking four years of sobriety, isn’t just about hitting rock bottom, it’s evidence of the power of a single, life-altering moment that propelled him toward redemption.
As Eric puts it, that fateful arrest four years ago wasn’t a defeat; it was the day he was “saved.”
Eric’s journey into addiction began years earlier, leading to a life marked by chaos and loss.
For 20 years, he was in a world of drugs, crime, and parole violations, often finding himself behind bars in Oregon’s correctional system.
But everything shifted during his time at Snake River Correctional Institution. About seven months after his arrest, while isolated in solitary confinement, what he calls “the hole,” he received an unexpected call from the Department of Human Services (DHS).
On the line, he learned that his young daughter was being removed from her mother’s home due to severe abuse and neglect.
Hearing her mother’s sobs and feeling his own rage build, Eric experienced a profound calm wash over him as the call ended.
In that instant, he slammed the phone down and declared, “I’m fucking done!” He vowed never again to be absent from his daughter’s life or unable to protect her.
This paternal instinct became the catalyst for change, transforming his mindset from one of defiance against the world to one focused on personal growth and responsibility.
Determined to turn his life around, Eric took immediate steps within the prison walls.
He submitted a request, known as a “kite,” to his counselor for entry into the alcohol and drug (A/D) treatment program at the Oregon State Correctional Institution (OSCI).
Knowing the risks, he also severed ties with his former gang by sending letters to key members, fully aware that this could place a “green light” on him, a signal for violence, especially since he was transferring to a facility where the gang was active.
Upon arrival at OSCI, Eric faced the inevitable confrontations and had to fight to defend his decision. Yet, he stood firm, refusing to back down or seek protective custody.
His resolve earned him respect from those he once called allies; they lifted the threat, allowing him to remain on the yard and even maintain civil interactions.
This rare outcome paved the way for him to enter the A/D program, where he dove into recovery work and began video visits with his daughter, strengthening their bond from afar.
Upon his release, Eric stayed true to his path, rebuilding his life brick by brick in Medford.
He created a fresh Facebook account to connect with the recovery community, reaching out first to Tonya Michelle West, who became his steadfast supporter in those crucial early weeks.
She helped him set achievable goals, regaining custody of his daughter, obtaining a driver’s license, and buying a car, and he methodically checked them off. Today, his daughter lives with him full-time, a far cry from the instability she once endured.
Free from parole for the first time in 20 years, Eric embraces a life of simple joys: being an attentive dad, surrounding himself with genuine friends, and hitting the softball fields in southern Oregon’s vibrant amateur leagues.
Medford’s softball scene, with its community tournaments and charity games like the annual “Guns & Hoses” event benefiting local causes, has become a cornerstone of his sobriety.
Playing on teams in the Medford and Southern Oregon Softball groups, Eric channels his energy into the game, finding camaraderie and purpose on the diamond.
It’s a world away from his past, where addiction robbed him of such freedoms, and it aligns perfectly with Oregon’s growing emphasis on community-based recovery programs amid the state’s ongoing opioid crisis.
Eric’s transformation hasn’t gone unnoticed by those around him.
Friends flooded his Facebook post with proud and playful comments about recovery.
Ian Rowbottom, who took Eric in during tough times, wrote,
“I’m proud of you, man. Like legit proud… which is crazy considering your track record includes meth and being a Raiders fan. Turning your life around this hard takes real grit, and you earned every bit of where you’re at.”
Via Facebook
Lashawnda Reynolds, another key figure in his support network, added,
“Eric I am so beyond proud of you dude. I have seen every version of you dude and even tho you have zero volume control your still a good fkn friend and dad. Also the lack of filter drives me crazy but that’s just you we love you dude and congratulations on all your success Peehole.”
Via Facebook
Josh Stuber echoed the sentiment:
“Bro your turn around is one of the best testimonials I’ve heard, I’m proud of ya man, and everything you’ve done to get where you are now isn’t easy but it’s worth every ounce of effort! Killing it homie!! Minus being a raiders fan I still like ya.”
Via Faceboook
These messages underscore the humor and honesty in Eric’s circle, where light-hearted teasing about his unwavering loyalty to the Las Vegas Raiders coexists with deep admiration for his resilience.
Though Eric admits he’s far from perfect and continues to work on himself daily, his dream of helping others escape addiction’s grip is finally within reach.
In Medford, where organizations like the ROC Recovery Center provide vital services for those in mental health and substance abuse crises, Eric is poised to give back, drawing from his own experiences to guide fellow addicts toward the “doors of recovery.”
Eric’s story resonates with many in Oregon, where recovery programs address high rates of methamphetamine and opioid use.
These programs focus on family reunification and community support. Eric is grateful to those who believed in him, including probation officers and friends like Ian and Lashawnda, who offered him shelter in tough times.
“No one else has to die!” Eric’s journey from despair to joy in fatherhood and softball shows that change is possible.
For anyone in Medford or beyond facing similar struggles, Eric Siebold proves it’s never too late to reclaim your life.
