My Story

From Rock Bottom to Redemption: The Story of Wess (Wesley) Burgner

A Name, A History — and a New Chapter

For many, a Google search reveals a name. For me — Wess Burgner, formerly known as Wesley “Wes” Burgner — it used to reveal only my worst day. A moment in time when I was spiraling after the unimaginable loss of my newborn son. That moment led to multiple years of addiction which led to public shame, legal consequences, and a total collapse of the life I once had.

But that isn’t where the story ends.

“I didn’t just hit rock bottom — I shattered there.”

Before the Fall

Before my life came apart, things looked solid from the outside. I had built a successful career in hotel and restaurant management, earned respect in my field, and provided real stability for my family. But in 2012, we lost our newborn son — and that tragedy changed everything.

It became the quiet catalyst for what would later become a full-blown addiction. I held it together for a few years, functioning through the pain. But eventually, the weight of it all caught up with me. In 2016, it turned into a rapid, year-long spiral — and within that year, I lost nearly everything.

The Lowest Moment

The turning point — the one that shows up in search engines — was the day I was arrested for driving under the influence with my children in the car. It was, and still is, the most shameful moment of my life. And it wasn’t the end. My addiction drove me into deeper legal trouble, public disgrace, and emotional destruction.

But even then, I made a promise: to my kids, my family, and myself — that I would never be that man again.

Choosing Recovery Before I Was Forced To

Before any judge ordered me to change, I chose recovery. I checked myself into intensive inpatient treatment, and afterward, I lived for a full year in a structured sober living community — giving myself the space to rebuild from the inside out.

Nearly a year into sobriety, I was accepted into the Fulton County Accountability Court program — a rigorous, emotionally demanding structure that required total transparency, therapy, community service, and long-term commitment. And I did the work — every step of it.

“I chose healing before I was forced into it. And when the court got involved, I embraced it, not as a punishment — but as a partnership in my transformation.”

Recognition, Support, and a Second Chance

Over time, I earned back the trust of the people who matter most — my family and my children. I received letters of recommendation and praise from judges in both Fulton and Glynn Counties, as well as from the Fulton County Board of Commissioners — all recognizing my integrity, humility, and determination to make lasting change.

But I don’t credit the court system alone. I credit my family, whose faith in me never wavered. Their love gave me a reason to rise.

Rebuilding a Life with Purpose

Today, I’m a father, business owner, and soon-to-be law student. I own a home in Buckhead, in the Peachtree Park neighborhood, where I’m active in the civic association. I built a successful eCommerce business. I returned to school at Georgia State University, and I never stopped working on my recovery — I still attend Alcoholics Anonymous and mentor others walking the same road.

The Artemis Council: Giving Back to the Next Generation

One of my proudest accomplishments is founding The Artemis Council, a nonprofit organization devoted to supporting the children of alcoholic and addicted parents. My kids lived through the damage of my worst moments. I’m doing everything I can now to be part of the solution — for them, and for other children like them.

“After everything I put my own kids through, I knew I had to turn my pain into purpose.”

Redemption Is Ongoing — and Worth Fighting For

I know my name — Wess Burgner, Wesley Burgner, Wes Burgner — may still bring up old headlines. But I hope it now also brings up this story. A story of responsibility. Of change. Of showing up every day with honesty and humility.

This isn’t about erasing my past. It’s about outliving it — with purpose.

Also featured on Medium:
From Rock Bottom to Redemption
Published on Medium as part of my effort to share this journey more widely and inspire others.