About Dwayne

---

My name is Dwayne Ellis, and I am a person living a life I could never have imagined for nearly a decade due to being in long-term recovery from substance use. Like many, active addiction began for me as a result of an injury from my first year of participating in high school sports back in 2007. What began as a desire to get rid of the pain I experienced post-surgery, quickly spiraled into a 9-year stint of chasing drugs to change the way that I felt. 

Eventually I sought treatment at a 30-day rehabilitation center, later being discharged to a sober living program in South Georgia where I would develop the tools needed to sustain long-term recovery. I became the first African American to become a house manager and graduate from Doc’s Place Sober Living. My passion for helping others identify their pathway to recovery and serve as their sherpa along their newfound journey has never stopped. 

I am a Certified Peer Specialist in Mental Health and Addiction (CPS-MH, CPS-AD) as well as a Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist (CARES). After living in South Georgia for 4 years, I relocated to Atlanta, Georgia to work at the Georgia Council for Recovery. I have extensive experience within the recovery field working in a Crisis Stabilization setting, Medicated Assisted Treatment programs, Advocacy, Recovery Workforce, Motivational Speaking, and Sober Living environments.

I’ve taken the knowledge gained from all my favorable circumstances to bring recognition and understanding of substance use to the youth. Substance Use Disorder is a brain disease and as a teenager, it’s pivotal to mention that the brain is still being developed in high school when active addiction began for me. 

Dwayne believes that everyone has the potential to achieve greatness. By tapping into their inner strengths and passions, individuals can overcome any obstacle like substance abuse and achieve their dreams. With Dwayne‘s guidance, youth and young adults are empowered to take action and live their best lives.

Whether you're looking for a keynote speaker for your next event or a one-on-one coaching session, Dwayne Speaks has the expertise to help you succeed. With a variety of services tailored to your needs, Dwayne Speaks is committed to helping you achieve your goals.