Recovery Matters! Podcast Don Smith, Phillip Valentine, Sandy Valentine, Melvin Cabrera

Michael celebrated one year of sobriety on June 24th, 2024. He delves into his deep-rooted battle with addiction. Michael details his life as an everyday meth user, starting at the age of 21, despite coming from a family with a history of substance use. He recounts his initial meth experience at an after-hours party in Fort Lauderdale and how he got entangled in a drug-fueled lifestyle that included sex clubs and parties. Michael shares his struggles with heroin and his transition into IV drug use, his relationships, and the domestic violence he endured, which led to contracting HIV. He speaks candidly about his eventually turning to escorting as a means of survival and how the COVID-19 lockdowns brought him back to the East Coast. The pivotal moment for Michael came when he received a federal target letter, prompting him to seek recovery. He discusses his path to sobriety, including attending meetings at CCAR, taking care of his aunt, and engaging in therapy. Michael's story is a testament to the resilience required to overcome addiction and the transformative power of recovery.

00:00 Introduction to TJ and Michael
00:08 Michael's Journey into Addiction
02:50 The Party Lifestyle and Meth
03:52 Experiences with Different Drugs
05:15 Struggles and Turning Points
14:25 Life in the Gay Community
25:05 Relationships and Domestic Violence
32:38 Path to Recovery
36:05 Finding New Pathways
39:12 Conclusion and Reflections

James, an author, entrepreneur, podcaster, and life coach, shares his tumultuous journey dealing with substance use, injuries, and life's setbacks. He details how his fiancée and a spiritual awakening led him to sobriety, eventually becoming a motivational writer and recovery coach. With an emphasis on the importance of a supportive community, therapy, and spirituality, James highlights the transformative power of recovery and the impact of addressing both physical and emotional pain.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:43 James' Journey to Recovery
03:13 Overcoming Physical and Emotional Pain
05:19 Writing and Promoting Books
09:53 Spiritual Awakening and Recovery
15:03 Challenges and Lessons from the Streets
22:22 Turning Point and New Beginnings
23:01 Shared Experiences and Reflections
23:19 Challenges of Jail Life
24:14 Path to Recovery
24:37 Holistic Approach to Well-being
25:51 Importance of Community Support
26:29 Role of Recovery Coaching
27:24 Finding Purpose in Recovery
30:39 Consistency and New Habits
35:35 Volunteering and Community Engagement
37:05 Final Thoughts and Connection

Jose shares his compelling journey from a troubled childhood in Puerto Rico and chaotic life in Bridgeport, CT, to a life led by addiction, criminal activity, and multiple incarcerations. He candidly discusses the trials of his youth, becoming a drug dealer, battling with heroin and crack addiction, and the impact it had on his family and personal life. The turning point came when he encountered recovery coaches from CCAR. With their support, Jose transformed his life, found purpose, reconnected with his family, and now dedicates himself to helping others in similar situations, illustrating the power and possibility of recovery.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:40 Jose's Early Life in Puerto Rico
00:54 Transition to the United States
01:22 First Encounters with Drugs
02:29 Descent into Addiction
02:50 Life on the Streets
08:20 First Incarceration and Aftermath
12:50 Struggles with Recovery
18:32 A Turning Point
21:41 Facing the Judge: A Heartfelt Plea
23:31 A Turning Point: The Power of Recovery Coaching
24:37 A New Beginning: Becoming a Volunteer
26:06 Learning and Growing: Embracing Recovery
33:59 Reconnecting with Family: Actions Speak Louder
37:56 The Power of Community: Finding Purpose
41:47 A New Addiction: Living and Loving Life
42:14 Final Thoughts: The Journey of Recovery

Jake shares his initial struggles with addiction, multiple attempts at recovery, and the significant turning points that led him to a sustainable, fulfilling life in sobriety. They discuss the challenges of early recovery, the importance of honesty and authentic support, and how Jake eventually found contentment and purpose, including his work in the recovery space and achieving personal milestones like marriage.

00:00 Introduction and Host's Recovery Journey
00:19 Guest Jake's Recovery Story Begins
01:20 The Turning Point: Seeking Help
03:40 Challenges in Detox
12:36 Life in Residential Program
14:56 Conflict and Resolution
19:58 Relapse and Continued Struggles
21:09 Starting the Recovery Journey
22:11 Struggles and Realizations
23:42 Finding a New Path
27:51 Embracing Honesty
29:29 Building a New Life
35:10 Life Today and Reflections

In this compelling episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, host TJ engages in an inspiring conversation with Craig M., a person in recovery who has been clean since April 19th, 2018. Craig shares raw and heartfelt details about his tumultuous past, including his discovery of being adopted, struggles with addiction, and multiple incarcerations. This story highlights the transformative power of recovery, the importance of building a supportive network, and the profound realizations that led Craig to embrace a new life. His journey from darkness to redemption is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the impact of a strong recovery community.

00:00 Introduction to TJ and Craig's Recovery Journey
01:08 Craig's Early Life and Adoption Revelation
03:57 Descent into Addiction and Legal Troubles
05:57 Struggles with Recovery and Relapse
09:59 Turning Point in Prison
19:05 Life in Prison and Recovery Program
24:51 Struggling with Addiction in Prison
25:44 A Turning Point: April 19th, 2018
27:04 Rejoining the Recovery Program
28:07 Fighting for Health and Recovery
28:58 Discovering CCAR and Peer Mentorship
30:29 Creating a New Life Plan
35:00 Overcoming Temptations and Staying Clean
43:22 The Importance of a Strong Network
44:38 Conclusion and Reflections

In this episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, Celine recounts her struggles and ultimate surrender to addiction, a process that began with a tumultuous life marked by desperation and withdrawal symptoms. Her compelling story highlights the physical and mental challenges of finding a detox facility and the pivotal moment of divine intervention that led her to recovery. Celine also discusses her upbringing in a household affected by substance misuse, the emotional toll it took on her, and how she overcame familial and personal battles. The episode concludes with Celine reflecting on her meaningful recovery process, her ongoing relationship with her higher power, and her dedication to helping others as a recovery coach.

00:00 Introduction and Host's Background
00:19 Guest's Early Recovery Journey
01:26 Struggles and Turning Points
04:15 Desperation and Seeking Help
06:51 Finding Hope and Support
11:07 Temptation and Support in Recovery
14:01 Host's Temptation Story
15:06 Changes in Recovery Over Time
15:21 Guest's Childhood and Upbringing
15:28 Growing Up in West Hartford
16:02 Life with a Tricarious Mother
16:58 Childhood Trauma and Drug Exposure
20:05 Struggles with Alcohol
22:38 The Turning Point
26:44 Rebuilding and Recovery
32:53 Words of Encouragement