Local News
Local News

A look back at Jeff Schultz' 'most important' story: His son's addiction, recovery

060715 Johns Creek: Jeff and Jeanne Schultz with their son Josh on the porch of the family home on Sunday, June 7, 2015, in Johns Creek. Four years ago Josh Schultz, on the verge of graduating from the University of Georgia, entered a treatment program for an addiction to opiates. His struggles in recovery, which included multiple relapses and thoughts he might not survive, were painful for all involved. But through it all, the concept of addiction as a family disease became clear and Jeff and Jeanne Schultz started working thier own recovery program parallel to Josh’s. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

060715 Johns Creek: Jeff and Jeanne Schultz with their son Josh on the porch of the family home on Sunday, June 7, 2015, in Johns Creek. Four years ago Josh Schultz, on the verge of graduating from the University of Georgia, entered a treatment program for an addiction to opiates. His struggles in recovery, which included multiple relapses and thoughts he might not survive, were painful for all involved. But through it all, the concept of addiction as a family disease became clear and Jeff and Jeanne Schultz started working thier own recovery program parallel to Josh’s. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com
April 1, 2016

"This is a beautifully written story with amazing photos," one reader wrote.

"Lost and Found" was recently named a finalist for the Atlanta Press Club's 2015 Awards of Excellence. You can read it in full here.

Reflecting on his own personal journey, Schultz wrote last year, "The most important story I've ever written wasn't about a college football game. It isn't about an athlete, a team, a trade, an injury, an ownership, a stadium issue, an Olympics or the NCAA. The most important story I've ever written was about addiction and recovery."

He continued, "Why are we telling this story? Because Josh and I believe if we can help just one addict, one parent or anybody who has been touched by addiction and mental illness, it will be worth it."

ExploreClick here to read Schultz's "Lost and Found."
More Stories

The Latest

Sonny Bharadia, who spent more than two decades behind bars for a 2001 crime he did not commit, is suing the small town of Thunderbolt and the two law enforcement officers who handled his case. (Courtesy of Georgia Innocence Project)

Credit: Georgia Innocence Project

Man locked up for 23 years despite evidence proving his innocence, lawsuit says

Vietnamese refugee sisters survive harrowing journey, now pay it forward

Stabbings at Buckhead high-rise, Vivide nightclub turn deadly

Featured

Atlanta art and antiques appraiser and auctioneer Allan Baitcher (right) takes bids during a 2020 auction. Baitcher and his company, Peachtree Antiques, are being sued by a Florida multimillionaire who says he paid them $20 million for fakes. (AJC 2020)

Credit: Phil Skinner / Staff

Atlanta antique appraiser made $20M selling fakes, lawsuit says

An Atlanta art and antique appraiser is being sued by a Florida multimillionaire, who says he spent about $20 million on thousands of fake works.

How an ex-Texan and a university helped change the face of a Georgia city

Mercer University President Bill Underwood is stepping down after two decades at the helm. He's credited with boosting enrollment, resurrecting football and reshaping Macon.

Thanksgiving to bring chilly, dry, overall delightful weather to metro Atlanta

A big drop in temperatures is coming overnight Wednesday, so go ahead and pull out those flannels and blankets.