At one point, he was one of the top high school football recruits in the country, ranked alongside future NFL stars, with Division 1 offers and a clear path to greatness. From the outside, his life looked unstoppable. Behind the scenes, addiction was quietly taking hold. What started as experimentation turned into a full-blown descent into opioid addiction, crack cocaine, drug-induced psychosis, jail time, and moments where death felt inevitable. His identity, his dreams, and his future were stripped away — leaving him isolated, broken, and convinced there was no way out. In this powerful episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, we sit down for an unfiltered, deeply emotional conversation about what addiction really looks like when no one is watching. This episode dives into: * The pressure of being a highly recruited athlete * How addiction slowly hijacks the mind before destroying the life * Losing football, purpose, and self-worth * Experiencing psychosis, incarceration, and total hopelessness * A moment of surrender and faith that changed everything * What real, long-term recovery actually requires This is not a highlight reel. This is the truth about addiction — the chaos, the fear, the shame — and the hope that still exists even at rock bottom. Today, he is living proof that recovery is possible, that your past does not define you, and that no matter how far gone you feel, your story is not over. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, mental health, or feels completely hopeless right now, this episode could be the wake-up call that changes everything. 🔔 Real stories. Raw comebacks. Nothing’s off the table. I sit down with people who’ve faced it all: addiction, loss, redemption and came out stronger. These are unfiltered conversations about resilience, recovery, and finding purpose again. If you’re ready to take the first step in your recovery, reach out to Banyan Treatment Centers — the team I personally believe in. They’ve helped thousands of people rebuild their lives. 👉 Call: [(855) 773-1502] 🌐 Visit: https://www.banyantreatmentcenter.com/?utm_source=louis_podcast&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=banyan_partnership&utm_content=episode_read 🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero 📱 Instagram: @nothingsoffpod 📹 TikTok: @nothingsoffpod 🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable Today’s Guest 🎙️ Connect with our guest: 👉 Instagram: [@Banyantreatmentcenters](https://www.instagram.com/Banyantreatmentcenters) About the Show Hosted by Louis Ruggiero, a restaurateur, entrepreneur, and advocate for recovery, Nothing’s Off The Table is where real people share their real stories. From battling addiction to overcoming life’s toughest challenges, Louis and his guests uncover the moments that spark change and fuel unstoppable comebacks. Expect raw honesty, deep insights, and stories that hit home. Meet Louis Louis Ruggiero turned his life around after years of struggling with addiction, gambling, and substance abuse. Now, he’s on a mission to amplify voices — from celebrities to everyday survivors — sharing their journeys of grit, growth, and healing. #AddictionRecovery #WeDoRecover #NothingsofftheTable #LouisRuggiero #RecoverOutLoud #ComebackStories #BanyanTreatmentCenters #BanyanxLouis #BanyanRecovery #BanyanPodcastPartner #RecoveryIsPossible #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity --- Disclaimer: The stories and views shared on Nothing’s Off The Table are personal experiences and not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult qualified professionals for guidance on personal matters. Copyright: © Nothing’s Off The Table with Louis Ruggiero. All rights reserved. Feel free to share or embed episodes with proper credit and a link to our official pages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices