Episode 9: Rock Bottom to Recovery with Nick Ricciotti

What happens when the career you've built your identity around suddenly disappears?

In this deeply honest episode of The Truth About Healing, Dana sits down with licensed associate counselor, former law enforcement officer, and Vice President of Reps For Responders, Nicholas Ricciotti, to discuss addiction, recovery, trauma, first responder culture, and the power of rebuilding your life after rock bottom.

Nick shares his personal story of entering law enforcement, becoming immersed in the culture of alcohol and substance use, losing his career after an addiction-related investigation, and ultimately finding healing through therapy, community, and recovery.

Today, with more than five years of sobriety, Nick helps first responders, veterans, and others struggling with addiction understand that healing isn't about willpower, it's about connection, support, and learning how to regulate your nervous system without relying on substances.

Whether you're a first responder, healthcare professional, therapist, someone in recovery, or someone who loves a person struggling with addiction, this conversation offers hope, practical insight, and a reminder that your lowest moment doesn't have to define your future.

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode:

Addiction isn't the problem, it's often the solution your nervous system found when it didn't know another way to survive.

📍 Follow Nick:
Instagram: @nick_rfr4

Learn more about Reps For Responders on Instagram:
@repsforresponders

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Work With Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling

Whether you're struggling with trauma, anxiety, addiction, burnout, or feeling stuck in survival mode, our team is here to help.

📍 In-Person Therapy: Scarsdale, NY

💻 Virtual Therapy: Available for residents of NY, NJ, CT, FL & CO

📅 Learn more or schedule a consultation:
www.peacefullivingmhc.com

Additional Resources

🧠 EMDR Resources for Clinicians & Clients
www.danacarretta.com/shop

🛠️ Recommended Therapy Tools, Regulation Resources & EMDR Systems for Clinicians
www.danacarretta.com/therapytools

🎁 Free Nervous System Resources
www.danacarretta.com/free

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⭐ Tag Dana (@the_emdr_coach) and Nick (@nick_rfr4) on Instagram and let us know your biggest takeaway.

Because healing gets easier when we stop doing it alone. 💛

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