10/28/2025
🌟 Counselor Spotlight: Larry “Makie” McCommack II 🌟
Meet Larry “Makie” McCommack II, living proof that recovery does not discriminate. Makie grew up in a middle-class home, never wanted for anything, and was an athletic standout who went on to play college football at WV Tech. On paper, he had everything going for him: talent, drive, and a bright future. But addiction does not care where you come from or how much potential you have. It reaches everyone differently, and Makie’s story shows that no one is immune.
Makie’s first stretch of sobriety began in 2009, and he stayed clean for seven years. During that time, he accomplished so much, becoming a schoolteacher and football coach at his alma mater, Valley Fayette High School. Life looked great from the outside, but recovery requires vigilance, humility, and daily connection. Over time, Makie became complacent in his recovery. That complacency grew into disconnection from his higher power, which ultimately led to relapse, rehab, and prison.
Most people would call that a fall from grace. Makie calls it a fall into grace. Because it was in that fall that he discovered his true purpose. He says God put him exactly where he needed to be, and that path led him to Mountain State Recovery Center, where he now uses his story and his strength to help others find the same freedom he fought so hard for.
These days, Makie stays healthy by working out and competing in bench press competitions, proving that recovery is about building strength inside and out. On December 9th, he will celebrate five years sober, and his story stands as a reminder that redemption is real, grace is powerful, and it is never too late to rebuild your life.
We are proud to have Makie as part of the Mountain State Recovery Center family, a man of faith, heart, and humor who shows every day that recovery is not about how far you fall but how many times you get back up.
📍 Charleston 102 Patrick St Plaza | (304) 233-3200
📍 Huntington 650 Washington Ave | (304) 223-3200
Stronger than All,
S.D.M.F