Addiction Talk

American Addiction Centers

“Addiction Talk” is a live online talk show dedicated to sharing the personal stories of celebrities, influencers and everyday people impacted by addiction. Through sharing our personal journeys, we break the stigma and shame of addiction, and provide hope and inspiration for the millions of Americans battling this disease every day – because we recover together.

  1. 13H AGO

    Addiction Talk with Fitness and Sober Influencer Maddie Smith

    What does it really mean to earn your way back to yourself? For Madeline Smith, sober influencer and founder of Swole Sober, earned isn’t a hashtag. It’s hard work, dedication, and choosing again and again to make the next right decision. As a military wife surrounded by a “tough it out” culture and someone who prided herself on independence, she believed she should be figure out sobriety on her own. But recovery required something different: the humility to admit she couldn’t. After years of battling addiction and finding herself in the same pattern she vowed never to repeat, Maddie finally raised her hand and said, “I need help.” That moment launched a journey grounded in vulnerability, transparency, and community. Today, through Swole Sober and competitions like Miss Health & Fitness—where she’s pledged to donate any winnings to the Shields and Stripes Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Veterans and first responders—she’s redefining strength: not as white-knuckled independence, but as honesty, connection, and the courage to ask for help. In this episode, we talk about: Why framing addiction as a willpower problem keeps people stuck in shame.How isolation fuels relapse.What it means to build the toolset you were never taught.And how the past does not define you, but what you do next absolutely does. Addiction Talk is brought to you by  American Addiction Centers, a leading provider of addiction and mental health services. Addiction Talk is brought to you by American Addiction Centers. Looking for more addiction-related content? Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok @americanaddictioncenters!   Addiction Talk is brought to you by American Addiction Centers, if you or someone know needs help, call 866-244-1070 or visit our website at americanaddictioncenters.org

    53 min
  2. 12/19/2025

    Jamison’s Recovery Story: From Addiction to Redemption | Desert Hope Treatment Center

    Jamison’s recovery story is a raw, honest, and deeply inspiring look at what real healing can look like after addiction. After more than a decade of substance use, Jamison reached a breaking point that forced him to confront not just drugs—but the trauma beneath them. In this episode of Recovery Stories, Jamison shares how addiction treatment at Desert Hope Treatment Center became the turning point that helped him rebuild his foundation, reconnect with his faith, and redefine what recovery means to him  Jamison opens up about: Leaving active addiction behind after a life-altering moment Traveling across the country to seek treatment at Desert Hope Why trauma—not drugs—was the real root of his addiction How treatment helped him develop emotional intelligence and self-awareness Staying sober in Las Vegas—one of the most challenging environments imaginable Building a new life as a professional boxer, husband, father, and mentor Today, Jamison is living proof that recovery is possible—even when it feels impossible. His story offers hope to anyone struggling with addiction, questioning whether treatment works, or wondering if change is still possible for them or someone they love  If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use, stories like Jamison’s remind us that healing starts with taking the first step—and that you don’t have to do it alone. Call 866-244-1070 Watch, listen, and share this story of redemption, resilience, and recovery.  Addiction Talk is brought to you by  American Addiction Centers, a leading provider of addiction and mental health services. Addiction Talk is brought to you by American Addiction Centers. Looking for more addiction-related content? Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok @americanaddictioncenters!   Addiction Talk is brought to you by American Addiction Centers, if you or someone know needs help, call 866-244-1070 or visit our website at americanaddictioncenters.org

    54 min
  3. 11/06/2025

    From Wheelchair to 1,000 Days Sober: Madison’s Powerful Recovery From Alcohol Addiction

    Addiction Talk: My Recovery Story Madison shares her emotional journey from childhood trauma, to alcohol addiction, to nearly losing her ability to walk — to now almost 1,000 days sober. In this episode of My Recovery Story, Madison opens up about hitting rock bottom, facing the consequences of alcohol neuropathy, entering treatment at Greenhouse Treatment Center, experiencing healing physically and spiritually, and how surrender and faith changed everything. She talks about transfer addiction after gastric bypass surgery, the moment she surrendered in detox, the support she received from women in treatment, and how recovery restored her ability to walk — and her relationship with her son. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol misuse, Madison’s story is living proof that recovery is possible and healing is real. Topics in this video include: • Overcoming alcohol neuropathy • Transfer addiction after weight loss surgery • The power of surrender in recovery • Treatment vs trying to quit alone • Faith, trauma healing, and rediscovering purpose  Addiction Talk is brought to you by  American Addiction Centers, a leading provider of addiction and mental health services. Addiction Talk is brought to you by American Addiction Centers. Looking for more addiction-related content? Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok @americanaddictioncenters!   Addiction Talk is brought to you by American Addiction Centers, if you or someone know needs help, call 866-244-1070 or visit our website at americanaddictioncenters.org

    40 min
  4. 09/18/2025

    From Breaking News to Breaking Free: Beth McDonough’s Recovery Journey from Alcohol

    Veteran crime reporter Beth McDonough built a career on relentless pursuit—until life hit hard. After her mother’s sudden passing, a breakup, and her father’s emergency heart surgery, alcohol became her coping mechanism. Two DUIs and a lost dream job later, Beth faced a choice: go home or go to treatment. She chose recovery. Now 16 years sober and the author of Standby, Beth shares a raw, unflinching conversation about losing everything—and rebuilding with honesty, humility, and hope. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol, this story offers practical insight and proof that long-term recovery is possible. In this interview, Beth discusses: How high-achiever “grit” can hide a growing alcohol problem The breaking point that led her to treatment Early sobriety: shame, repair, and rebuilding trust Tools that sustain long-term recovery (community, routine, service) Writing Standby and turning pain into purpose About Beth: Beth McDonough is a former crime reporter and the author of Standby, a memoir about addiction, loss, and the everyday work of recovery.  Addiction Talk is brought to you by  American Addiction Centers, a leading provider of addiction and mental health services. Addiction Talk is brought to you by American Addiction Centers. Looking for more addiction-related content? Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok @americanaddictioncenters!   Addiction Talk is brought to you by American Addiction Centers, if you or someone know needs help, call 866-244-1070 or visit our website at americanaddictioncenters.org

    1h 11m

About

“Addiction Talk” is a live online talk show dedicated to sharing the personal stories of celebrities, influencers and everyday people impacted by addiction. Through sharing our personal journeys, we break the stigma and shame of addiction, and provide hope and inspiration for the millions of Americans battling this disease every day – because we recover together.