[9] During his stay at the Sheridan Correctional Center in the state of Illinois, Ryan joined the drug and alcohol treatment program.

Further, Ryan made plans to start his own organization, offering assistance to individuals, families and communities impacted by America's opioid abuse epidemic.

It provides placements in treatment centers and sober living facilities, and sponsors community outreach initiatives designed to raise awareness about the prevalence of opioid abuse and addiction.

[15] Under the auspices of AMIRF, Ryan works regularly as a motivational speaker, lecturer and a coach, counselor and interventionist for substance abusers.

[18] He spoke at a community forum entitled "The Unforgettable Drug Program: The Cop and the Convict", cosponsored by the local nonprofit group KidsMatter and the Naperville Police Department.

[1][20] Ryan works as a public speaker on the subject of substance abuse and mental health awareness with his wife, Jennifer Gimenez,[21][22] whose own recovery from addiction was mentioned during her appearances on the reality television series Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew and Sober House.

Through his work, Ryan is referred to in the media as a national figure in the fight against the opioid epidemic in United States.

Ryan has collaborated with Bill Foster, Steve Harvey, Drew Pinsky and Jason Hervey in national campaigns against substance abuse.

In January 2016, Ryan was invited by Rep. Bill Foster, D-Illinois, to attend President Obama's State of the Union Address.

[31][3][4] Ryan was featured in more than 50 notable national and state newspapers and magazines including Newsweek, USA Today and the Chicago Tribune.