Recoverycast: Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Stories

Recovery.com
Recovery.com
  • 4.5 (66)
  • Mental Health

Explore powerful, real-life mental health and addiction recovery stories in authentic, engaging conversations. Each episode spotlights relatable journeys shared by influential voices—from struggles and setbacks to moments of resilience, hope, and healing. This podcast is a safe, supportive space where vulnerability is celebrated, connections flourish, and listeners find reassurance that lasting recovery and mental wellness are truly possible. Tune in for inspiring narratives, practical guidance, and a compassionate sober community to accompany you on your personal path to healing.

  1. 21h ago ·  Video

    Johnny Persón | OxyContin, Xanax, & a 6-Year Prison Threat to 7-Figure Hat Brand Founder

    Johnny Persón shares how OxyContin, Xanax, and alcohol dependency led to homelessness and a possible six-year prison sentence at 20, and how the 12 steps and therapy helped him build a seven-figure headwear brand. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Johnny joins Brittani on Recoverycast to talk about growing up in Costa Mesa, California, with young punk rock parents and a life built around skateboarding. A week after telling his stepbrother drugs were for losers, he smoked weed for the first time. By 16 he was drinking to fit in at parties and selling weed with $8,000 in a shoebox. When his cousin moved in, a coworker introduced them both to OxyContin, and Johnny hit withdrawal within a week. Xanax, nightly blackouts, and stealing from his mother followed, in a home where several family members were hiding pill use. At 20 he was kicked out and homeless, lost his friend Joey to an overdose, and was arrested after taking money from his mother's safe. Facing six years in prison and a strike on his record, Johnny talked to his seven-year-old sister on a jail payphone, and for the first time he took responsibility for his life. He asked the guards for help, read the Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text his father brought him, and his mother wrote to the judge asking for mercy. The day after his release he went to his first AA meeting, met his sponsor, and was given a three-year hope chip. He describes six months in rehab, sober living, the young people in AA who showed him sobriety can be fun, and how therapy and 12-step work together changed his life. Now almost 16 years sober, Johnny runs a seven-figure headwear brand named after his sister's birthday, with the tagline Unbreakable Resilience. His addiction recovery story is proof that it is never too late for redemption. If Johnny's story inspired you, please like, subscribe, and share, and leave a comment below with your biggest takeaway to help someone find the hope they deserve! ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 02:40 – Welcome Johnny Persón 03:40 – Punk Rock Parents & Costa Mesa Skate Culture 07:00 – Peer Pressure & a First High in Fifth Grade 13:00 – Selling Weed & an $8,000 Shoebox at 16 18:40 – Trying OxyContin & a Household on Pills 27:00 – Xanax Bars, Blackouts & Stealing to Use 36:40 – Homelessness & Losing a Friend to Overdose 43:20 – Facing 6 Years in Prison & a Sister's Plea 52:00 – First AA Meeting, a Hope Chip & Rehab 1:00:40 – Building a Seven-Figure Hat Brand in Sobriety ❓ Questions the Video Answers: 1. How can smoking weed as a kid lead to opioid dependency as a teenager? 2. What does opiate withdrawal feel like the first time? 3. How does peer pressure from older family members affect early substance use? 4. Why do some people black out every time they drink? 5. What happens when several family members are hiding pill use in the same household? 6. How does losing a friend to an overdose affect someone in active addiction? 7. Can jail be a turning point for getting sober? 8. How can a family member's words motivate someone to finally ask for help? 9. What should you expect at your first AA meeting after getting out of jail? 10. What is a sponsor and how do you get one in a 12-step program? 11. Is it okay to go to therapy while working the 12 steps? 12. How can people in recovery channel their drive into building a successful business? #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyStories #OpioidRecovery

  2. Sep 30 ·  Video

    Suzanne Wareye | Alcoholism, Postpartum OCD, & Sobriety

    Are you struggling with alcohol misuse, intrusive thoughts, or the pressure to moderate your drinking? Author and host Suzanne Wareye shares her vulnerable journey with alcohol addiction, blackouts, and postpartum OCD. Suzanne opens up about navigating maternal mental health, breaking free from mommy wine culture, and choosing sobriety without ever having to hit a traditional rock bottom.  Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/   In this inspiring episode of Recoverycast, podcast host Brittani Baynard talks with Suzanne Wareye, author of The Sober Shift and host of The Sober Mom Life podcast. Suzanne shares how alcohol use began as a way to find connection in high school and college before evolving into binge drinking, blackouts, and a constant struggle with moderation. She candidly describes living with postpartum OCD, coping with intrusive thoughts, and navigating the painful loss of her father early in her sobriety journey. Her story offers practical encouragement, hope, and community for anyone seeking mental health healing, relapse prevention, and alcohol-free living.  Subscribe, like, and comment to support more authentic stories of recovery and emotional healing!  ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro  00:21 – Welcome Suzanne Wareye  02:20 – Staying Grounded, Setting Boundaries, & Community Support  06:08 – Book Tour Experiences & The Sober Shift  13:12 – High School Binge Drinking & The Search for Connection  20:20 – Childhood Trauma, Trust, & Parental Alcohol Use  26:58 – Blackout Drinking in Motherhood & Waking Up to Sobriety  33:01 – Deconstructing Mommy Wine Culture & Big Alcohol Marketing  39:35 – Postpartum OCD, Intrusive Thoughts, & Mental Health Therapy  01:01:20 – Overcoming Grief, Building Community, & Life in Sobriety  ❓ Questions the Video Answers: What are the signs of postpartum OCD in new mothers? How can someone quit drinking without hitting a traditional rock bottom? What is mommy wine culture and why is it dangerous? How do intrusive thoughts manifest in people with OCD? Why is alcohol moderation so difficult for people with an unhealthy relationship with alcohol? How does childhood trauma or parental divorce affect future substance use? Can you experience long-term recovery without participating in 12-step programs? How does alcohol misuse impact maternal mental health? What are healthy ways to process grief while staying sober? How can a partner's drinking habits shift when one spouse gets sober? How do you separate your identity from intrusive thoughts in early sobriety? What resources exist for women navigating alcohol-free living? How does big alcohol market specifically to women and mothers? What does the first year of alcohol recovery look like? How can you find genuine connection and community in sobriety? #SobrietyStories #AlcoholRecovery #MaternalMentalHealth

  3. Sep 23 ·  Video

    Lauren Gaffney | Heroin, Crack Use, & State Prison to Recovery Advocate

    Lauren Gaffney shares her 12-year journey overcoming opiate, heroin, and crack dependency, surviving state prison, and finding freedom in recovery.  Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Lauren joins Brittani and Sam on Recoverycast to discuss her transition from a typical suburban childhood to a harrowing battle with substance use. She opens up about the traumatic driveway incident with a former partner that accelerated her use of OxyContin and eventually intravenous heroin. Lauren details her daily bus routes to Kensington, profound isolation, and the severe medical consequences she faced, including the near-amputation of her arm and foot from bacterial infections.  After years of in-and-out jail stints, a year in a therapeutic state prison program completely shifted Lauren's mindset and helped her process deep-rooted shame. She discusses the life-saving impact of spending two and a half years in sober living, the tough love she received at an old-school 12-step clubhouse, and how she stayed sober through the profound grief of losing her father to Alzheimer's. Today, Lauren works as a full-time Alumni Coordinator for All In Solutions, dedicating her life to helping individuals in early recovery stay connected and rebuild their lives.  Subscribe to Recoverycast for more powerful sobriety stories, leave a comment below with your biggest takeaway, and share this episode to help someone find the hope they deserve! ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro  04:38 – Welcome Lauren Gaffney  06:30 – People-Pleasing & Teenage Substance Use  10:45 – A Traumatic Event & Starting Opiates  16:55 – Transitioning to Heroin & Kensington Runs  22:06 – Severe Infections & Near Amputations  27:21 – State Prison & Finding Willingness  32:59 – The Life-Saving Bubble of Sober Living  38:27 – Staying Sober While Losing Her Father  43:32 – Giving Back as an Alumni Coordinator  ❓ Questions the Video Answers: How can a prescription to opiates escalate into intravenous heroin use? What does a typical day look like for someone dealing with severe substance dependency in Kensington? How does unhealed trauma accelerate substance use in young adults? Why is state incarceration sometimes a turning point for people in active addiction? What are the benefits of a therapeutic community program in prison? How do sober living homes protect people transitioning out of treatment? Why is tough love in a 12-step program effective for long-term sobriety? How can you navigate the grief of a parent's passing while staying sober? What is the role of an Alumni Coordinator at an addiction treatment facility? How do you rebuild broken family relationships after a severe substance use disorder? Why is asking for help a continuous necessity in relapse prevention? #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyStories #RelapsePrevention

  4. Sep 16 ·  Video

    Alkhuzama “AZ” Zaini | Vodka Dependency, Late-Diagnosed ADHD, & 1-Year Sober

    Discover how Alkhuzama "AZ" Zaini transformed her life from severe vodka dependency and college isolation to a joyful, thriving recovery journey.  In this powerful episode of Recoverycast, AZ shares her deeply vulnerable story of navigating youth culture, mental health, and the street-level reality of addiction. After moving from Saudi Arabia to the U.S., she faced intense bullying and eventually relied on alcohol to cope with undiagnosed ADHD, anxiety, and PTSD. Her daily vodka dependency nearly cost her an education at Arizona State University, leading to frightening blackouts, a lost scholarship, and terrifying bouts of alcohol psychosis.  Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ But AZ’s story does not end in darkness. After hitting rock bottom and surviving a quick relapse after rehab, she found the profound joy of recovery by committing to her health and accountability. Through radical transparency on TikTok, she built a massive community of over 110,000 supporters, achieved a 4.0 GPA, and finally reclaimed her vibrant personality. This episode is a beautiful testament to the fact that sobriety doesn't just save your life—it gives you a beautiful, unrecognizable new one.  Please subscribe, leave a comment, and share this inspiring episode to help others find hope! ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro  04:50 – Welcome Alkhuzama "AZ" Zaini  05:52 – Childhood, Bullying & Anxiety  12:19 – High School & The First Blackout  24:32 – Moving to ASU & Escalating Vodka Dependency  37:39 – Going to Rehab & A Quick Relapse  46:47 – Alcohol Psychosis & Hitting Rock Bottom  52:53 – The Pink Cloud & Starting a TikTok Community  57:10 – A Life-Changing Late ADHD & PTSD Diagnosis  01:04:46 – The Joy of Recovery: 4.0 GPA & New Beginnings  ❓ Questions the Video Answers: How does undiagnosed ADHD contribute to substance dependency? What are the early signs of alcoholism in college students? How can bullying in middle school lead to long-term mental health struggles? What does alcohol psychosis feel like? Can someone achieve sobriety without staying in rehab? How does walking and listening to music help emotionally regulate in early sobriety? What is the "pink cloud" phase in addiction recovery? How does getting an accurate mental health diagnosis change your life? What is it like to lose a college scholarship due to drinking? How can social media and TikTok help with accountability in recovery? Why is it dangerous to use alcohol for liquid courage and external validation? How does alcohol abuse physically affect your body and appearance? #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyStories #MentalHealthAwareness

  5. Sep 9 ·  Video

    Jesse Crosson | Cocaine Use, 32-Year Prison Sentence, & Reentry Advocacy

    Jesse Crosson's life transformed overnight when a rapid spiral into cocaine addiction and alcohol use resulted in a 32-year state prison sentence at age 18. In this episode of Recoverycast, Jesse shares his journey through substance use disorder, serving 19 years in Virginia state prisons, and receiving a full pardon from the governor.  Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Jesse reflects on growing up with parents in recovery, emotional detachment in childhood, and using cocaine to escape deep feelings of unworthiness. Within three months of trying cocaine, his life unraveled into crime, a shooting that injured two people, and a crushing court sentence. While incarcerated in state prison, Jesse confronted his personal trauma, earned a psychology degree, tutored fellow inmates, and discovered true purpose in service to others.  Following a surprise full pardon after 19 years, Jesse navigated the overwhelming realities of reentry—from sensory overload to relearning society and technology. He candidly discusses overcoming alcohol relapse after release, stepping away from restrictive labels, and building a life grounded in emotional healing and empowerment. As author of The Best Part of Prison and founder of the Second Chancellor Foundation, Jesse brings hope to juvenile detention centers and justice-impacted individuals across the country. His sobriety story proves that no matter how deep your struggle, second chances and total transformation are always possible.  If Jesse’s story inspired you, please like, subscribe, share, and leave a comment below with your thoughts! ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro  00:03:12 – Welcome Jesse Crosson  00:03:56 – Childhood, Trauma, & Parents in Recovery  00:09:26 – Cocaine Addiction & The 3-Month Spiral  00:17:11 – SWAT Arrest & Facing 138 Years in Prison  00:25:24 – Finding Purpose & Psychology Behind Bars  00:36:00 – Losing His Father While Incarcerated  00:44:19 – Receiving a Surprise Full Pardon After 19 Years  00:51:11 – Reentry Anxiety, Hot Ice Cream, & Relearning Freedom  00:55:10 – Second Chancellor Foundation & Youth Mentorship  ❓ Questions the Video Answers: How can emotional detachment in childhood contribute to early substance use? What does it feel like to experience a rapid spiral from cocaine use? How do you cope with receiving a lengthy prison sentence as a young adult? Can you pursue higher education and self-growth while incarcerated? How does mentoring and helping others support long-term recovery and healing? What is the process of applying for and receiving a full gubernatorial pardon? What are the biggest mental health challenges during reentry after years in prison? How do sensory overload and anxiety affect individuals transitioning back into society? Is it possible to rebuild your life after active substance use and incarceration? How does the Second Chancellor Foundation support justice-impacted youth? What role does emotional processing play in breaking cycles of substance use? How do you find self-worth and hope when hitting rock bottom? #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyStories #IncarcerationRecovery

  6. Sep 2 ·  Video

    Cozz | Overcoming Alcoholism, Grief, & Dreamville Success

    Dreamville rapper Cozz opens up about severe alcohol dependency, losing his close friend, and finding healing through cold-turkey sobriety. In this vulnerable episode of Recoverycast, South Central LA native Cozz joins host Brittani Baynard to reflect on his journey through the music industry, childhood trauma, and overcoming heavy drinking.  Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Signed to J. Cole’s Dreamville label at age 20, Cozz quickly found himself on massive world tours where free alcohol was constantly accessible. What started at age 15 as a way to ease social anxiety, manage a chaotic household, and write lyrics slowly turned into severe alcohol dependency. The isolation of the pandemic and multiple DUI arrests pushed him further into a dark cycle, until the sudden loss of his close friend served as a crucial wake-up call.  Choosing cold-turkey sobriety, Cozz transformed his life through physical fitness, walking ten miles a day, and embarking on a deep spiritual awakening. He shares how removing alcohol helped him lose 50 pounds, rebuild his relationship with his mother, process past trauma, and create his most authentic music yet. His story proves that true self-confidence comes from inner healing, discipline, and trusting your own purpose.  If Cozz’s story inspired you, please like, comment, and subscribe to Recoverycast! Share this video with anyone who needs to hear a message of hope today. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro  02:46 – Welcome Cozz  03:42 – Growing Up in South Central LA & Childhood Anxiety  04:51 – Finding Alcohol at 15 to Cope with Family Chaos  08:04 – Signing to J. Cole’s Dreamville Record Label  11:07 – Tour Life, Free Liquor Riders & Escalating Drinking  17:34 – Losing a Close Friend & Realizing Life or Death  19:38 – COVID Isolation, DUIs & Reaching Rock Bottom  27:24 – Going Cold Turkey: 10-Mile Walks & Spiritual Awakening  41:09 – Healing Generational Trauma & Making Sober Music  ❓ Questions the Video Answers: How does alcohol use affect social anxiety and creative confidence? What triggers alcohol dependency in teenagers living in chaotic homes? How do free alcohol riders on tour impact an artist's drinking habits? What role can daily physical exercise like walking play in early sobriety? How does grief and losing a friend serve as a turning point in addiction recovery? Can musical artists stay creative and write songs without drinking? How do you process childhood trauma and heal family relationships in recovery? What are the physical and emotional challenges of quitting alcohol cold turkey? How does isolation during a crisis increase alcohol consumption? How do you rebuild authentic self-confidence after stopping drinking? How can adult children and parents break generational trauma cycles? What does finding peace and simple routine look like in long-term sobriety? #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyStories #MentalHealth

  7. Aug 26 ·  Video

    AJ Banuelos | From Azusa Gangs & Opiates to 12-Step Sobriety & End Overdose

    In this powerful episode of Recoverycast, AJ Banuelos shares his journey from generational gang life, prison, and severe meth and heroin use to becoming a frontline recovery advocate. Overcoming years of trauma, near-death overdoses, and cycles of incarceration, AJ transformed his pain into purpose as Director of Community Engagement and Training at End Overdose.  Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Learn more about End Overdose: https://endoverdose.net/ AJ opens up about growing up surrounded by gang culture, domestic violence, and early substance use. After entering juvenile hall at a young age, he used tough exteriors to mask deep-seated fear and isolation. The cycle continued into adulthood with methamphetamine and heroin use, repeated prison terms, and strained family relationships. However, a poignant conversation with his 11-year-old son and a terrifying encounter with law enforcement became pivotal moments that sparked his desire to change.  Through a 12-step treatment program and sober living, AJ discovered genuine connection, self-worth, and a new identity beyond his past. Today, celebrating five years of sobriety, AJ travels the country training communities, distributing life-saving Naloxone, and breaking the stigma around mental health and substance use disorder. His story proves that no matter how deep the struggle, recovery and transformation are always possible.  If AJ’s story inspired you, please like, comment, and subscribe to Recoverycast! Share this video with someone who needs a reminder that hope and healing are within reach. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 - Intro  04:08 - Welcome AJ Banuelos  05:24 - Growing Up in Generational Gang Culture  10:15 - Early Substance Use & First Time in JuVie  21:08 - Meth Addiction & The Incarceration Cycle  27:18 - Surviving Overdoses & Reaching Rock Bottom  33:14 - A Son’s Request & Entering Treatment  41:16 - Rebuilding Life in Sober Living  46:17 - Finding Purpose with End Overdose  53:13 - What 5 Years of Sobriety Restored  ❓ Questions the Video Answers: How do generational cycles of gang involvement impact youth mental health? What leads a young person into early substance use? How does trauma and suppressing emotions contribute to substance use disorder? What is the emotional impact of entering juvenile hall as a child? How can family dynamics complicate an individual's struggle with substance use? What are the warning signs of severe meth and heroin addiction? How does a parent's addiction impact their relationship with their child? What role do 12-step treatment programs play in long-term recovery? How does sober living help individuals transition back into society? What does frontline overdose prevention training involve? How can Narcan and Naloxone education save lives at music festivals? How do you rebuild self-worth and identity after incarceration? How can someone break the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction recovery? #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyStories #MentalHealth

  8. Aug 19 ·  Video

    Michelle Chubb | From Alcohol, Molly, & Cocaine Dependency to Cultural Healing

    Michelle Chubb shares her powerful story of overcoming alcohol, Molly, and cocaine dependency through Indigenous cultural reconnection and motherhood. Michelle Chubb (known online as Indigenous Baddy) opens up about her journey through substance dependency, party culture, and social anxiety. Growing up between her reservation and Winnipeg, Manitoba, she faced childhood bullying, cultural disconnect, and systemic isolation before turning to heavy alcohol use, MDMA, and cocaine to feel outgoing. Realizing the toll substance use was taking on her self-worth, Michelle and her partner chose sobriety together. By reconnecting with her Cree and Ojibwe heritage, jingle dress dancing, and traditional ceremonies, she found deep spiritual healing, authentic confidence, and a mission to break generational trauma for her daughter. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ In this inspiring episode of Recoverycast, Michelle discusses how cultural healing and community support became core pillars of her addiction recovery and relapse prevention. From navigating heavy binge drinking and party drug dependency to finding her voice as a viral content creator and TEDx speaker, her story offers hope for anyone seeking mental health healing, trauma recovery, and sobriety stories rooted in identity and resilience. Subscribe to Recoverycast for more real stories of hope, leave a comment sharing your thoughts on Michelle's journey, and share this video with someone who needs encouragement today! ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 03:12 – Welcome Michelle Chubb 04:00 – Growing Up on the Reservation vs. the City 08:08 – Facing Childhood Bullying & Cultural Isolation 13:57 – Binge Drinking & Using Substances to Mask Anxiety 16:07 – Escalating to Molly, Cocaine & Party Culture 21:23 – The Turning Point: Choosing Sobriety with Her Partner 22:52 – Reconnecting with Indigenous Culture & Jingle Dancing 27:20 – Becoming "Indigenous Baddy" & Navigating Fame 32:10 – Motherhood, Breaking Generational Cycles & Final Advice ❓ Questions the Video Answers: How does reconnecting with cultural identity support addiction recovery?What are effective strategies to stop binge drinking and party drug use?How can couples support each other when choosing sobriety together?What role do traditional Indigenous ceremonies play in mental health healing?How do you overcome social anxiety without using alcohol or drugs?How do you walk away from toxic friendships when getting sober?What are the signs of healing from generational trauma?How can jingle dress dancing aid in spiritual and emotional healing?What is the connection between childhood bullying and substance dependency?How can parents break generational cycles for their children?How do you build authentic confidence in recovery?What advice helps someone take the first step toward sobriety?#AddictionRecovery #SobrietyStories #IndigenousBaddy

See All (76)

4.5
out of 5
66 Ratings

About

Explore powerful, real-life mental health and addiction recovery stories in authentic, engaging conversations. Each episode spotlights relatable journeys shared by influential voices—from struggles and setbacks to moments of resilience, hope, and healing. This podcast is a safe, supportive space where vulnerability is celebrated, connections flourish, and listeners find reassurance that lasting recovery and mental wellness are truly possible. Tune in for inspiring narratives, practical guidance, and a compassionate sober community to accompany you on your personal path to healing.

Information

More From Recovery.com

You Might Also Like