Not So Anonymous with Ej Erreca EJ

When my friend Ian and I first crossed paths, we were far from the recovery warriors we've become today. In a candid heart-to-heart, we unpack the laughter-laced struggles of our addiction journeys and the pivotal role of community in our transformation. This episode isn't just about our hardships; it's a story of the bonds that held us together and the powerful shift from isolation to inclusion in the fight against substance abuse.

As we lay bare our experiences, from Ian's custody battles to my penchant for leaving a trail of cigarette burns, we navigate the darker and lighter moments with equal honesty. We talk about our group, the Bushwhackers, and how the support systems we found helped us claw back trust, relationships, and a sense of self. The conversation extends to discussing the chilling rise of powerful drugs like fentanyl, the legal system's grappling with substance use, and our personal fears as parents, emphasizing the life-or-death importance of a solid support network.

Wrapping up with a heartfelt message of hope, we stress the healing potential when one addict extends a hand to another. It's more than recovery; it's about the joy of service and the vitality of empathy in welcoming back those who have stumbled. Our tales are more than personal triumph; they're an invitation to join a community where everyone's story matters and where the collective strength offers a beacon of hope to those still finding their way home.
#REACHOUT https://linktr.ee/nsawithej

From my own personal struggles and triumphs, I've gleaned profound insights into the spiritual disease often associated with addiction and recovery. It's been a hard-won journey, one where I've had to reassess my focus, shifting from what's missing in my life to the blessings I already have. And boy, have I had to fight! Every day, I grapple with motivation, ambition, and that fierce foe, resistance. Yet through it all, I've learned the value of a positive attitude and how it can lead me forward, even in the darkest times.

Imagine a life where you recalculate your approach to situations, where you take responsibility for your actions, and aim for better outcomes. I've lived it, and I can tell you, it's empowering. Let me share with you how serving others who are also wrestling with addiction has lent me strength and fostered my growth. I'll also pull back the curtain on a personal experience of mine, where I tackled a difficult situation head-on through introspection, writing, and honest conversation. 

Mental health is not something to be taken lightly, and I can't stress enough the importance of seeking help when you need it. I'll share with you my own experiences in reaching out for professional help and how these relationships have been my lifelines during challenging times. There's no shame in asking for help, and in doing so, you're taking the best step towards managing mental health issues. So join me for a frank, heart-to-heart conversation about recovery, introspection, and mental health. Let's navigate this path together, towards a better and brighter future.
#REACHOUT https://linktr.ee/nsawithej

Have you ever wondered what it's like to step back into the world after spending decades in prison? How about the intense struggle to reignite the 'emotional light switch' after years of emotional suppression? Join us as we venture into a profound conversation with our guest, Ricky H., who shares his harrowing yet inspirational journey of transformation and recovery after 26 years of incarceration.

It's not often we get a candid insight into the realities of living within a prison system and the emotional toll it can take. Ricky unveils his path from growing up in an environment where prison was the norm, to his soul-stirring journey to change and recovery. He shares how his encounter with a stranger at a NARC meeting became a pivotal turning point, leading him on a path to build healthy, balanced relationships, and 'stay clean for today.'

Wrapping up our conversation, Ricky opens up about his struggles in balancing responsibilities and relationships, particularly after moving to a new home and reconnecting with his children. His story of resilience and hope, highlighted by his ability to acknowledge past mistakes and embrace recovery, is truly awe-inspiring. Experience Ricky's amazing transformation from a life of crime to one of recovery and success, and be moved by his encouraging message for others to give themselves a chance. Ricky's powerful journey is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for change and redemption. We promise, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
#REACHOUT https://linktr.ee/nsawithej

What if there was a way to rise above the despair of addiction, and find a new way to live? Strap in for an emotional rollercoaster as we sit down with Jennifer, a woman whose life is a testament to the transformative power of recovery. Jennifer's story is a raw and inspiring journey, filled with hardships, setbacks but ultimately, redemption. 

Jennifer walks us through her troubled past, sharing openly about her early introduction to substance use in her family. She talks about her downward spiral into addiction and her pivotal moment of realization in a jail cell, when she decided to change her life. Jennifer's candid discussion on handling family dynamics whilst being in recovery shines a light on the often overlooked aspect of the recovery process. 

We wind down with Jennifer sharing her experiences of discovering grace, relearning the staples of life, and the power of shared experiences in recovery. She also delves into her role in designing the California Drug Court, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of addicts. Jennifer's story is a beacon of hope, proving that it's never too late to change. This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of hope and recovery. Don’t miss this awe-inspiring conversation.
#REACHOUT https://linktr.ee/nsawithej

Ever wondered how someone can emerge from the throes of addiction to become a beacon of hope for others? Listen to the raw and powerful narrative of William, whose path, riddled with physical and emotional trauma, led him into deep addiction and then, remarkably, to a life of recovery since March 11, 2015. Our conversation traverses his journey, beginning from his formative years, his descent into a world dominated by gangs and substance abuse, and how his pivotal moments, like his first possession charge, served as rude awakenings to his drug reliance.

William takes us through his darkest times, laying bare the desperate measures his addiction drove him to, such as reporting his own partner to the police only to steal her drugs. Prepare to be moved by his honesty as he recounts his struggle with sex as a coping mechanism and his earth-shattering moment of clarity when Child Protective Services intervened in his life. His story doesn't end with his recovery, it takes an inspiring turn towards his transformation into a drug and alcohol counselor, and his ongoing efforts to help others embattled with addiction.

In the latter part of our conversation, William talks about his struggles, the importance of self-love, and the invaluable support he found within the recovery community. His experiences offer a unique perspective on the difficulties of staying clean and the monumental task of rebuilding one's life after addiction. By walking us through his continuing journey in Narcotics Anonymous and his newfound relationship with God, he illustrates that recovery involves more than just quitting; it's about seeking a higher spiritual experience and maintaining balance. His narrative is a testament to the power of determination and a beacon of hope for anyone grappling with addiction or those seeking to understand this complex disease. Tune in to William's story, a testimony of resilience, and a reminder that we are all worthy of love and redemption.
#REACHOUT https://linktr.ee/nsawithej

Ever battled the demons of addiction and struggled to find a path to recovery? I've been there too. My fight against substance abuse was a tough one, marked by painful detoxes and the constant fear of relapse. But, even amid all the chaos, there was a glimmer of hope - a solution for a safe place to detox. In this riveting conversation, we delve into my personal journey, unfolding the gruesome details of my last unwilling drug use and the life-transforming solution I found. We reflect on the power of clean time and the haunting memories of detox - memories that can become a compelling deterrent to relapse.

Have you heard of the inspiring stories of strength and resilience from the world of recovery? Meet my friend William Man and Claude, a beacon of hope with a whopping 46 years of sobriety. Every encounter with them reinforces my conviction to hold tight to the recovery path. We examine the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of addiction and recovery, emphasizing the vital role of staying connected to a 12-step fellowship. No matter where you are in your journey - active addiction or recovery - remember, giving up is never an option. Battle your fears, seek help, and always be ready to ask for it. Here's to hope, resilience, and the power of recovery.
#REACHOUT https://linktr.ee/nsawithej