Giving Voice to Addiction

Recovery.com
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Giving Voice to Addiction shares the powerful and often unheard stories of real people navigating addiction, hosted by Terry McGuire and expert co-host Caroline Beidler. Listen each week for raw accounts of struggle, resilience, and hope in recovery, offering connection, understanding, and inspiration for anyone seeking to learn or feel less alone.

  1. 09/15/2025

    From Heroin Addiction & Incarceration to Faith-Based Recovery | An Addiction Recovery Story

    This addiction recovery story follows Deonte's transformation from heroin addiction, incarceration, and gang involvement to becoming a peer recovery coach. After multiple stints in prison and a near rock bottom moment involving substance use and lifestyle exhaustion, Deonte shares how MAT (Suboxone), faith, and fatherhood helped him reclaim his life. Explore addiction and mental health treatment options: https://recovery.com Key talking points: 1. Deonte struggled with heroin and opioid addiction, deeply tied to a street-based lifestyle. 2. His substance use escalated in prison after the tragic death of his brother. 3. He used drugs to numb grief and trauma, losing accountability and community. 4. Despite financial success in hustling, his life spiraled into emotional and spiritual emptiness. 5. His addiction worsened, leading to heroin use and eventual rock bottom. 6. A pivotal turning point came when he was arrested in a stolen car he didn’t know was stolen. 7. He began recovery through MAT (Suboxone), faith, and self-reflection. 8. Fatherhood and his mother’s tough love motivated him to change his path. 9. Today, he works as a peer provider, helping incarcerated individuals find recovery. 10.Deonte now lives a purpose-driven life, advocating for authenticity, healing, and hope. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:35 Deonte's Message of Hope 01:03 Lifestyle and Addiction 02:23 The Turning Point: Loss and Escalation 04:46 Rock Bottom and Recovery 11:06 Rebuilding and Finding Purpose 16:23 The Power of Community and Authenticity 28:01 Final Thoughts and Encouragement #addiction #addictionrecovery #addictiontreatment

    33 min

  2. 09/08/2025

    From Alcohol Addiction & Anxiety to Spiritual Awakening in AA Recovery | An Addiction Recovery Story

    Michael shares his raw and powerful addiction recovery story, from numbing emotions with alcohol to rediscovering self-worth through sobriety and spiritual growth. He opens up about battling anxiety, using substances to escape shame, and finding healing in 12-step recovery. A story of transformation, vulnerability, and hope. Explore addiction and mental health treatment options: https://recovery.com Michael shares his raw and powerful addiction recovery story, from numbing emotions with alcohol to rediscovering self-worth through sobriety and spiritual growth. He opens up about battling anxiety, using substances to escape shame, and finding healing in 12-step recovery. A story of transformation, vulnerability, and hope. Explore addiction and mental health treatment options: https://recovery.com Key talking points:  1. Michael used alcohol to numb anxiety and escape feelings of unworthiness. 2. His drinking began in adolescence and was tied to deep self-judgment. 3. He later turned to other numbing behaviors like work, porn, and video games. 4. Emotional avoidance intensified during family trauma and loss. 5. A mental health crisis and psychosis led him to seek help. 6. 12-step recovery introduced him to unconditional love and community. 7. Vulnerability and honesty became central to his healing. 8. He discovered self-love by listening to his inner voice and pursuing passions. 9. Today, he channels his energy into coaching and helping others break numbing cycles. 10. Michael now lives with purpose, freedom, and deep gratitude for sobriety. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:29 Michael's Journey Begins 00:52 The Struggles of Addiction 02:01 Seeking Freedom from Judgment 02:58 Early Stages and Family Dynamics 03:50 Coping Mechanisms and Avoidance 05:35 Turning Points and Self-Discovery 09:34 Finding Community and Support 16:55 Embracing Recovery and Personal Growth 19:31 Message to Those Struggling 22:01 Conclusion and Resources

    23 min

  3. 09/01/2025

    From OxyContin, Alcohol & Depression to Therapy & Recovery Coaching | An Addiction Recovery Story

    Hector shares his powerful addiction recovery story of battling OxyContin, codeine, alcohol, and marijuana. From incarceration and homelessness to finding peace in sobriety, therapy, and recovery coaching, Hector’s journey shows that healing is possible for anyone. Explore addiction and mental health treatment options: https://recovery.com Key talking points: 1. Hector struggled with addiction to OxyContin, codeine, alcohol, marijuana, and promethazine. 2. His substance use began in early adolescence amid family instability and emotional turmoil. 3. Addiction escalated into criminal behavior, multiple OWIs, and eventual incarceration. 4. Periods in jail unintentionally forced sobriety and created space for reflection. 5. He battled depression, homelessness, and shame throughout his addiction. 6. A recovery coach and peer support system helped him feel seen and hopeful. 7. Therapy became a turning point, offering nonjudgmental guidance and self-awareness. 8. He learned to set boundaries, avoid toxic environments, and rebuild his self-worth. 9. Today, Hector values his freedom, mental health, and supports others in recovery. 10. He defines recovery as a personal journey, with sobriety as one possible path. 00:00 Introduction to Giving Voice to Addiction 00:26 Hector's Journey Begins 01:41 The Struggles of Addiction 02:35 Turning Points and Realizations 06:53 The Role of Incarceration in Recovery 10:25 Embracing Therapy and Support 16:10 Reflections on Recovery and Sobriety 26:19 Conclusion and Resources #addiction #addictionrecovery #addictiontreatment

    27 min

  4. 08/25/2025

    From Cocaine Addiction & Psychosis to Peer Support & Recovery Coaching | An Addiction Recovery Story

    In this raw addiction recovery story, Eli shares how a 13-year cocaine addiction led to hallucinations, job loss, and emotional devastation. Hear how a moment of surrender and support from a peer coach turned his life around. His path from psychosis to sobriety is proof that recovery is possible. Explore addiction and mental health treatment options: https://recovery.com Key talking points:  1. Eli struggled with a 13-year cocaine addiction that escalated to daily use and severe psychosis. 2. His addiction began recreationally but progressed to full dependency after gaining access to a local dealer. 3. He lost everything—his job, relationship, and stability—before reaching a breaking point. 4. Eli viewed death as easier than recovery until a confrontation from his mother pushed him to seek help. 5. A pivotal meeting with a peer recovery coach challenged Eli’s thinking and opened the door to hope. 6. He surrendered to treatment, confronting his emotional trauma and learning to live without drugs. 7. Structure, repetition, and daily accountability in recovery helped rebuild his mindset and habits. 8. Eli emphasized that sobriety is physical, but recovery is emotional and behavioral transformation. 9. Connection, vulnerability, and honest self-reflection became the foundations of his ongoing recovery. 10. Today, Eli is sober, rebuilding his life, and committed to staying true to his recovery path. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:30 Eli's Journey Begins 01:11 The Depths of Addiction 02:47 The Turning Point 06:08 Entering Treatment 11:40 Life After Treatment 14:48 The Power of Connection 20:37 Final Thoughts and Reflections #addiction #addictionrecovery #addictiontreatment

    24 min

  5. 08/11/2025

    A Guide to Interventions & How To Help Someone With a Drug or Alcohol Addiction

    This addiction recovery story features interventionist Sam Davis, who shares deep insights from his personal recovery and decades of guiding over a thousand families through the intervention process. Learn how fear, enabling, and lack of education keep families stuck—and how understanding addiction as a mental and emotional crisis can lead to real healing. Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com Key Talking Points:  1. Families often act from fear and confusion, not understanding addiction. 2. Education is the first and most critical step for families. 3. Addiction is a mental and emotional crisis, not just substance use. 4. Intervention requires a unified, educated team of loved ones. 5. Enabling delays recovery by shielding loved ones from consequences. 6. Desperation—not comfort—often motivates the decision to get help. 7. Families must offer clear, prepared treatment options—not vague pleas. 8. Boundaries are necessary to protect both the family and the addicted person. 9. Intervention is about love, clarity, and allowing consequences—not force. 10. The best support is becoming the healthiest version of yourself. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:31 Welcoming Sam Davis 00:35 Understanding Family Dynamics in Addiction 01:48 The Importance of Education for Families 03:35 Building a Support Team 04:24 Identifying the Problem and Solutions 11:07 Choosing the Right Treatment 17:36 Executing an Intervention 20:56 The Role of Family in Recovery 27:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts #addiction #addictionrecovery #addictiontreatment

    29 min

  6. 08/04/2025

    From Cocaine, Methadone & Childhood Trauma to 12-Step Healing | An Addiction Recovery Story

    In this powerful addiction recovery story, Sam Davis shares his path from childhood sexual abuse, stuttering, and deep-rooted shame to decades of addiction involving cocaine, pills, and methadone. Hear how trauma shaped his addiction—and how long-term treatment and 12-step recovery finally led him to surrender, healing, and sobriety. Explore mental health and addiction treatment options: https://recovery.com Key Talking Points:  1. Sam was molested at 10, which deeply impacted his self-worth. 2. He felt different and ashamed due to early stuttering and isolation. 3. He got high at 12 and finally felt comfortable in his skin. 4. His addiction included cocaine, methadone, pills, and more. 5. He went to treatment four times without lasting change. 6. He describes addiction as physical craving and mental obsession. 7. Trauma and emotional pain fueled his substance use. 8. A no-exit-date rehab and family intervention led to surrender. 9. Trauma therapy and 12-step work changed his thinking. 10. Recovery began when he fully surrendered and found peace. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:30 Sam Davis' Personal Journey Begins 02:20 Early Struggles and Childhood Trauma 04:20 The Onset of Addiction 07:41 Understanding the Craving and Mental Obsession 12:00 Family Dynamics and Enabling 17:34 The Turning Point and Recovery 21:54 The Gift of Desperation 26:55 Final Thoughts and Encouragement #addiction #addictionrecovery #addictiontreatment

    29 min

  7. 07/21/2025

    From Alcoholism & Anxiety to Detox & Faith-Based Recovery | An Addiction Recovery Story

    Kyle’s addiction recovery story spans decades of alcohol use, mental obsession, and shame. After multiple failed attempts—including aversion therapy and inpatient rehab—he finally found lasting sobriety through a 7-day detox, spiritual surrender, and embracing recovery tools built over 30 years. A powerful sobriety story of self-forgiveness, family healing, and hope. Explore addiction and mental health treatment options: https://recovery.com Key talking points:  1. Kyle began drinking at 14 and immediately sensed it was a problem. 2. Alcohol became his way of coping with anxiety and low self-worth. 3. Despite knowing the risks, he drank for decades, fueled by shame and obsession. 4. He tried multiple recovery methods—including rehab, AA, therapy, and aversion therapy. 5. Family history of alcoholism and mental health issues deepened his struggle. 6. Relapses followed every attempt at sobriety, especially after personal losses. 7. A 7-day detox became the turning point that helped him reclaim his life. 8. A medical scare during detox reinforced his will to survive and recover. 9. He now lives sober using tools from past attempts and ongoing self-care. 10. Freedom from obsession and self-hate has transformed his relationships and outlook. 00:00 Introduction to Giving Voice to Addiction 00:33 Kyle's Early Struggles with Alcohol 01:43 The Vicious Cycle of Addiction 04:00 Family Concerns and Failed Attempts 07:40 Seeking Treatment and Finding Hope 11:01 The Turning Point and Lasting Recovery 16:33 Life After Addiction 24:35 Conclusion and Resources #addiction #addictionrecovery #addictiontreatment

    25 min

  8. 07/07/2025

    From Alcohol & Pill Addiction to Sobriety Through Trauma Recovery | An Addiction Recovery Story

    This is a deeply honest addiction recovery story of John, who struggled with alcohol and prescription drug misuse for nearly two decades. He shares how unprocessed childhood trauma, shame, and denial led to cycles of relapse—and how rigorous honesty and trauma therapy finally brought him to sobriety and peace. Explore addiction and mental health treatment options: https://recovery.com Key talking points:  1. John battled alcohol addiction and prescription drug misuse for nearly two decades. 2. He experienced multiple stints in rehab, starting in 2010. 3. His drinking escalated to day-drinking and isolation, nearly destroying his family. 4. He endured cycles of sobriety, dry spells, and painful relapses. 5. Childhood sexual abuse was a buried trauma fueling his addiction. 6. Shame, denial, and feelings of "not enoughness" kept him from healing. 7. A final relapse involving mouthwash marked his emotional rock bottom. 8. Trauma work and rigorous honesty became the turning point. 9. He now maintains 17 months of sobriety with deep personal peace. 10. John lives authentically, embracing vulnerability and service in recovery. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:29 John's Journey Begins 01:07 Struggles with Alcohol and Relapses 01:57 The Turning Point 03:33 Understanding the Depths of Addiction 04:52 Seeking Help and Treatment 07:05 Facing the Root Causes 10:23 The Path to Recovery 15:53 Embracing Authenticity 22:12 Conclusion and Resources #addiction #addictionrecovery #addictiontreatment

    23 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Giving Voice to Addiction shares the powerful and often unheard stories of real people navigating addiction, hosted by Terry McGuire and expert co-host Caroline Beidler. Listen each week for raw accounts of struggle, resilience, and hope in recovery, offering connection, understanding, and inspiration for anyone seeking to learn or feel less alone.

Information

  • Creator
    Recovery.com
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Giving Voice to Addiction
  • Show Website
    Giving Voice to Addiction

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