Episodes

  • Meth: My Daily Bread For The Last 19 Years | Recovery Story

    Meth: My Daily Bread For The Last 19 Years | Recovery Story
    Jul 23 2024
    Michael celebrated one year of sobriety on June 24th, 2024. He delves into his deep-rooted battle with addiction. Michael details his life as an everyday meth user, starting at the age of 21, despite coming from a family with a history of substance use. He recounts his initial meth experience at an after-hours party in Fort Lauderdale and how he got entangled in a drug-fueled lifestyle that included sex clubs and parties. Michael shares his struggles with heroin and his transition into IV drug use, his relationships, and the domestic violence he endured, which led to contracting HIV. He speaks candidly about his eventually turning to escorting as a means of survival and how the COVID-19 lockdowns brought him back to the East Coast. The pivotal moment for Michael came when he received a federal target letter, prompting him to seek recovery. He discusses his path to sobriety, including attending meetings at CCAR, taking care of his aunt, and engaging in therapy. Michael's story is a testament to the resilience required to overcome addiction and the transformative power of recovery. 00:00 Introduction to TJ and Michael 00:08 Michael's Journey into Addiction 02:50 The Party Lifestyle and Meth 03:52 Experiences with Different Drugs 05:15 Struggles and Turning Points 14:25 Life in the Gay Community 25:05 Relationships and Domestic Violence 32:38 Path to Recovery 36:05 Finding New Pathways 39:12 Conclusion and Reflections
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    42 mins
  • Injured At Work: James' Battle with Prescription Meds & Alcohol (Recovery Journey)

    Injured At Work: James' Battle with Prescription Meds & Alcohol (Recovery Journey)
    Jul 16 2024
    James, an author, entrepreneur, podcaster, and life coach, shares his tumultuous journey dealing with substance use, injuries, and life's setbacks. He details how his fiancée and a spiritual awakening led him to sobriety, eventually becoming a motivational writer and recovery coach. With an emphasis on the importance of a supportive community, therapy, and spirituality, James highlights the transformative power of recovery and the impact of addressing both physical and emotional pain. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:43 James' Journey to Recovery 03:13 Overcoming Physical and Emotional Pain 05:19 Writing and Promoting Books 09:53 Spiritual Awakening and Recovery 15:03 Challenges and Lessons from the Streets 22:22 Turning Point and New Beginnings 23:01 Shared Experiences and Reflections 23:19 Challenges of Jail Life 24:14 Path to Recovery 24:37 Holistic Approach to Well-being 25:51 Importance of Community Support 26:29 Role of Recovery Coaching 27:24 Finding Purpose in Recovery 30:39 Consistency and New Habits 35:35 Volunteering and Community Engagement 37:05 Final Thoughts and Connection
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    38 mins
  • From Gang President to Addiction Recovery Mentor | The Power of Recovery Coaching

    From Gang President to Addiction Recovery Mentor | The Power of Recovery Coaching
    Jul 9 2024
    Jose shares his compelling journey from a troubled childhood in Puerto Rico and chaotic life in Bridgeport, CT, to a life led by addiction, criminal activity, and multiple incarcerations. He candidly discusses the trials of his youth, becoming a drug dealer, battling with heroin and crack addiction, and the impact it had on his family and personal life. The turning point came when he encountered recovery coaches from CCAR. With their support, Jose transformed his life, found purpose, reconnected with his family, and now dedicates himself to helping others in similar situations, illustrating the power and possibility of recovery. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:40 Jose's Early Life in Puerto Rico 00:54 Transition to the United States 01:22 First Encounters with Drugs 02:29 Descent into Addiction 02:50 Life on the Streets 08:20 First Incarceration and Aftermath 12:50 Struggles with Recovery 18:32 A Turning Point 21:41 Facing the Judge: A Heartfelt Plea 23:31 A Turning Point: The Power of Recovery Coaching 24:37 A New Beginning: Becoming a Volunteer 26:06 Learning and Growing: Embracing Recovery 33:59 Reconnecting with Family: Actions Speak Louder 37:56 The Power of Community: Finding Purpose 41:47 A New Addiction: Living and Loving Life 42:14 Final Thoughts: The Journey of Recovery
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    44 mins
  • Honesty in Healing: Jake’s Path to True Recovery

    Honesty in Healing: Jake’s Path to True Recovery
    Jul 2 2024
    Jake shares his initial struggles with addiction, multiple attempts at recovery, and the significant turning points that led him to a sustainable, fulfilling life in sobriety. They discuss the challenges of early recovery, the importance of honesty and authentic support, and how Jake eventually found contentment and purpose, including his work in the recovery space and achieving personal milestones like marriage. 00:00 Introduction and Host's Recovery Journey 00:19 Guest Jake's Recovery Story Begins 01:20 The Turning Point: Seeking Help 03:40 Challenges in Detox 12:36 Life in Residential Program 14:56 Conflict and Resolution 19:58 Relapse and Continued Struggles 21:09 Starting the Recovery Journey 22:11 Struggles and Realizations 23:42 Finding a New Path 27:51 Embracing Honesty 29:29 Building a New Life 35:10 Life Today and Reflections
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    43 mins
  • My Wake-Up Call Came in Prison | A Conversation on Addiction

    My Wake-Up Call Came in Prison | A Conversation on Addiction
    Jun 25 2024
    In this compelling episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, host TJ engages in an inspiring conversation with Craig M., a person in recovery who has been clean since April 19th, 2018. Craig shares raw and heartfelt details about his tumultuous past, including his discovery of being adopted, struggles with addiction, and multiple incarcerations. This story highlights the transformative power of recovery, the importance of building a supportive network, and the profound realizations that led Craig to embrace a new life. His journey from darkness to redemption is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the impact of a strong recovery community. 00:00 Introduction to TJ and Craig's Recovery Journey 01:08 Craig's Early Life and Adoption Revelation 03:57 Descent into Addiction and Legal Troubles 05:57 Struggles with Recovery and Relapse 09:59 Turning Point in Prison 19:05 Life in Prison and Recovery Program 24:51 Struggling with Addiction in Prison 25:44 A Turning Point: April 19th, 2018 27:04 Rejoining the Recovery Program 28:07 Fighting for Health and Recovery 28:58 Discovering CCAR and Peer Mentorship 30:29 Creating a New Life Plan 35:00 Overcoming Temptations and Staying Clean 43:22 The Importance of a Strong Network 44:38 Conclusion and Reflections
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    46 mins
  • "God Did For Me What I Couldn't Do For Myself": A Powerful Story of Addiction and Hope

    "God Did For Me What I Couldn't Do For Myself": A Powerful Story of Addiction and Hope
    Jun 18 2024
    In this episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, Celine recounts her struggles and ultimate surrender to addiction, a process that began with a tumultuous life marked by desperation and withdrawal symptoms. Her compelling story highlights the physical and mental challenges of finding a detox facility and the pivotal moment of divine intervention that led her to recovery. Celine also discusses her upbringing in a household affected by substance misuse, the emotional toll it took on her, and how she overcame familial and personal battles. The episode concludes with Celine reflecting on her meaningful recovery process, her ongoing relationship with her higher power, and her dedication to helping others as a recovery coach. 00:00 Introduction and Host's Background 00:19 Guest's Early Recovery Journey 01:26 Struggles and Turning Points 04:15 Desperation and Seeking Help 06:51 Finding Hope and Support 11:07 Temptation and Support in Recovery 14:01 Host's Temptation Story 15:06 Changes in Recovery Over Time 15:21 Guest's Childhood and Upbringing 15:28 Growing Up in West Hartford 16:02 Life with a Tricarious Mother 16:58 Childhood Trauma and Drug Exposure 20:05 Struggles with Alcohol 22:38 The Turning Point 26:44 Rebuilding and Recovery 32:53 Words of Encouragement
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    35 mins
  • From Darkness to Light: A Journey Through Addiction and Recovery

    From Darkness to Light: A Journey Through Addiction and Recovery
    Jun 11 2024
    In this emotional episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, host TJ chats with Jason, who shares the intense and harrowing story of his struggles with addiction and his path to recovery. Jason reveals his early start with substance use at the age of 12, driven by an abusive household, and his subsequent descent into the world of drugs and criminal activity. The narrative covers his multiple incarcerations, the lows of his addiction, moments of introspection, and pivotal turning points. Jason also talks about how he found a support system through Narcotics Anonymous, rediscovered his self-worth, and eventually turned his life around. This episode serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of recovery. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:30 Jason's Early Drug Use and Family Struggles 02:41 Life on the Streets and First Encounter with Cocaine 07:21 Living with a New Family and Deeper Involvement in Drugs 10:50 First Trouble with the Law and Juvenile Detention 14:16 Life in Juvenile Detention and Reinforced Addiction 17:52 The Halfway House Experience 18:19 A Counselor's Eye-Opening Advice 20:01 Struggles with Relapse 21:54 A Humbling Experience 23:33 A Turning Point 26:02 Starting Over 32:28 Recovery and Rediscovery
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    38 mins
  • I Didn't Think I Belonged: How Recovery Helped Me Embrace My Identity

    I Didn't Think I Belonged: How Recovery Helped Me Embrace My Identity
    Jun 4 2024
    In this episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, host TJ, a young person in long-term recovery, converses with Mike, who has been in recovery since March 5, 1984. Mike shares his journey, beginning with his struggles with alcohol from the age of 12, escalating during his time in the Air Force, and eventually leading to his turning point at 21. They discuss the role of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the importance of connection in recovery, and the concept of living one day at a time. Mike also opens up about his experience of coming to terms with his sexuality and the eventual acceptance from his family. Both TJ and Mike emphasize the significance of honesty, dealing with fear, and the support from peers in their recovery journeys. Mike reflects on the realization that most fears are unfounded and talks about the evolution of his personal identity while in recovery. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:31 Mike's Early Struggles with Alcohol 02:18 The Turning Point: Entering Recovery 05:12 The Importance of Connection in Recovery 05:29 TJ's Recovery Journey 07:46 Identity and Recovery 10:27 Living Authentically in Recovery 15:40 Overcoming Fear and Shame 18:34 Final Thoughts and Reflections
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    20 mins