According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States. About one in 12 adults suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence.

Figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that 88,000 deaths are annually attributed to excessive alcohol use and alcoholism is the third leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the United States.

Chances are, you know at least one person who has that uncontrollable need for alcohol. While some people never find the light at the end of the tunnel, others take control of their addiction and come out on the other side, just like Ryan Watts.

Watts, superintendent of Ironton’s water filtration department, recently completed a triathlon, a feat that would not have been possible had he not given up his dependence on alcohol three years ago.

Watts said he didn’t like the man he had become, so, with the support of his family, he began running, biking and swimming.

Watts is a prime example of how a person, even at his or her lowest, can overcome substance abuse and lead a healthy, productive and fulfilling life.

That’s not to say that everyone who gives up drinking will become an iron man competitor. Rather, each person must find his or her own positive outlet to revive his or her passion in living a healthy life.

We commend Watts for reaching his iron man goal and we hope he will be an inspiration to those still struggling with addiction.