Tag: Mental Health

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Men’s Mental Health Quotes: 25 Inspiring Messages to Live By

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month,1 a time to uplift and validate the emotional lives of men. These 25 mental health quotes spotlight the power of vulnerability, healing, and self-love while also highlighting important mental health challenges that many men face.

As a therapist who works primarily with men, I’ve learned this: most guys aren’t taught how to name what they feel, so instead they manage it quietly. Their mental well-being suffers from it. These quotes aren’t just feel-good messages. They’re reminders from real men with real stories that your mental health matters and it being honest about it doesn’t make you soft— it makes you strong.

Mental health quote image featuring Ernest Hemingway's words: “We are all broken. That’s how the light gets in.” The background shows a blue-toned silhouette of a man with illuminated veins and a glowing heart, symbolizing emotional healing and vulnerability. Light beams radiate from the heart outward. Image from Recovery.com, designed for Men’s Mental Health Awareness.

25 Quotes to Inspire and Live By

These quotes are reminders that mental health struggles don’t define you and recovery is possible.

Here’s a revised list of 25 inspirational quotes for Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month—featuring only quotes by men.

These voices range from artists and athletes to philosophers and advocates, offering encouragement for mental well-being, vulnerability, and resilience.

Illustration featuring three mental health quotes for men on the theme of being understood. The first quote by Michael Phelps addresses stigma, saying, “I believe the biggest stigma right now with mental health is that a lot of men are afraid to talk about it.” The second quote by Frederick Buechner states, “The heart of man’s pain is the pain of not being seen.” The third quote by Wayne Dyer reads, “Self-worth comes from one thing—thinking that you are worthy.” A blue-toned illustration of a man holding his hands to his chest under a spotlight appears on the right.

25 Quotes to Inspire and Live By (By Men, For Men)

  1. “There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.” – John Green
  2. “You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.” – Robin Williams
  3. “Being vulnerable is not a weakness—it’s a strength.” – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
  4. “Don’t give in to stigma. A diagnosis does not determine who you are or what you can do.” – Pete Wentz
  5. “The heart of man’s pain is the pain of not being seen.” – Frederick Buechner
  6. “Mental health is just as important as physical health. You have to nurture your inner world the same way.” – Lewis Hamilton
  7. “I believe the biggest stigma right now with mental health is that a lot of men are afraid to talk about it.” – Michael Phelps
  8. “You don’t control the situation, but you control what you think about it and how you respond.” – Ryan Holiday
  9. “We are all broken. That’s how the light gets in.” – Ernest Hemingway
  10. “It’s okay not to be okay.” – Prince Harry
  11. “Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength.” – Sigmund Freud
  12. “The times in my life when I’ve been happiest are when I’ve let myself be the most vulnerable.” – Chris Evans
  13. “It is not death that a man should fear, but never beginning to live.” – Marcus Aurelius
  14. “My dark days made me stronger. Or maybe I already was strong, and they made me prove it.” – Emery Lord
  15. “I am seeking. I am striving. I am in it with all my heart.” – Vincent van Gogh
  16. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
  17. “You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore.” – William Faulkner
  18. “Life is not easy. Life is not fair. But life is beautiful if you choose to see it that way.” – Steve Gleason
  19. “Self-worth comes from one thing—thinking that you are worthy.” – Wayne Dyer
  20. “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Confucius
  21. “Everyone is going through something that we can’t see.” – Kevin Love
  22. “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” – Viktor Frankl
  23. “He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.” – Confucius
  24. “There is no education like adversity.” – Benjamin Disraeli
  25. “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” – Albert Einstein
Mental health quote for men featuring the words of Sigmund Freud: “Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength.” The illustration shows a kneeling man crying with his face in his hands, while a second version of himself stands behind him flexing his muscles, symbolizing inner strength emerging from emotional struggle. Blue tones emphasize resilience and healing.

Men’s Mental Health Treatment

Men often experience unique mental health struggles2 that can make asking for help feel overwhelming. But with the right support, healing is possible.

Men are often taught to manage quietly, power through, or downplay their struggles altogether. I see it all the time in the therapy office. Clients who’ve spent years in high-functioning survival mode without realizing how lonely or exhausted they’ve become. The truth is, asking for help is often the most courageous step in a man’s healing journey.3

Men’s-Only Rehab

Men’s-only treatment centers offer a safe space to explore personal trauma, mental health challenges, and substance use in a nonjudgmental setting. They provide a gender-responsive approach to care, helping men reconnect with their emotional well-being without societal pressure to appear “tough” and surrounded by other men who truly get it.

Burnout and Stress

Burnout can look like overcommitment, irritability, numbness, or quietly feeling like you’re failing at everything. Plenty of men say things like, “I’m just tired,” but what they may mean is, “I feel like I’m not allowed to stop.” Chronic stress can impact both mental and physical health, leading to anxiety, depression, or even substance misuse. Men’s programs address these mental health conditions with evidence-based therapies focused on stress management and emotional regulation.

Loneliness

Men are lonely. I share this in a recent article in my weekly newsletter, More to the Story:4

There is a crucial difference between being alone and being lonely. Loneliness is an emotion that, like all others, tries to communicate something to us. It is neither inherently good nor bad; instead, it indicates that we lack connection and intimacy—two fundamental human needs. When someone asks, “How are you doing?” and you respond with, “Oh, I’m good!” but the truth is that you are not good at that moment, you will inevitably feel lonely. This discomfort arises from a lack of genuine connection and intimacy. 

Loneliness isn’t a flaw or failure—it’s a signal. For many men, it can feel shameful or weak to admit feeling isolated, but the truth is that loneliness may be pointing you toward the connection and support your mind and body deeply need. If that’s hard to believe—if your lived experience tells you that connection isn’t safe or possible—you’re not alone in that, either. That pain is real, and it deserves compassion.

Dual Diagnosis

Many men experience co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Dual diagnosis treatment tackles both issues at the same time, recognizing how depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder may be driving unhealthy behaviors.

Eating Disorders

Although often overlooked, eating disorders like binge eating and body dysmorphia affect men, too. These conditions can be tied to trauma, shame, and perfectionism. When we trace it back, and unhealthy relationship with food can often be rooted in unprocessed grief, body-based trauma, or a desperate attempt to feel in control. Specialized care is critical to promoting long-term wellness and better mental health.

Explore Men’s Treatment Centers

Not all treatment centers are created equal. When searching for support, it’s important to look for men’s programs that are trauma-informed, personalized, and led by licensed mental health professionals. From support groups to inpatient rehab, men have options for addressing their mental health needs.

FAQs

Q: What are some inspiring quotes to support men’s mental health?


A: Inspiring quotes like “It’s not weak to speak” or “Real strength is asking for help” remind men that vulnerability is a part of courage, not a contradiction to it. These messages help normalize emotional expression and support seeking help.

Q: Can quotes about mental health help men open up about their struggles?


A: Yes, quotes can be powerful conversation starters. They provide language for feelings that may be hard to express and let men know they’re not alone in their experiences.

Q: What to say to a man struggling with mental health?


A: Offer validation and support: “You don’t have to go through this alone—I’m here for you,” or “It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to ask for help.”

Q: Why is men’s mental health overlooked?


A: Cultural expectations and stigma around masculinity often discourage men from expressing emotions or seeking help, leading to underdiagnosed and untreated mental health issues.

Q: Are men less prone to mental illnesses than women?


A: No. While women are more likely to be diagnosed with certain conditions like depression or anxiety, men often experience mental health issues differently—and may be less likely to seek help, which can increase the risk of substance use or suicide.

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Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy: Insights for Family Reunification and Restoring Connection

In mental health care, we often treat interventions like compartments—one tool for anxiety, another for trauma, another for family systems. But healing rarely lives in silos. It moves in circles, overlaps, and reemerges across seemingly unrelated landscapes. 

This is especially true when it comes to exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, long considered the gold standard treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).1

When we step back, we begin to see how foundational ERP principles—tolerance, trust, and transformation—can also offer structure and insight in areas like reunification therapy, family systems2 work, and court-ordered treatment plans.

Illustration of a man calmly shaking hands with a red monster, symbolizing fear, alongside the quote:

ERP is most commonly known for treating OCD symptoms, specifically obsessions, intrusive thoughts, and compulsive behaviors. But it’s not just a type of therapy reserved for those battling contamination fears or checking rituals. Its roots in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)3 and its reliance on gradual, anxiety-provoking exposures make it surprisingly adaptable to relational spaces—especially when those spaces are defined by avoidance, fear, or rupture.

What ERP Really Teaches Us

Exposure and response prevention therapy is about facing fear—and doing it differently. It invites the client to approach a feared situation or stimulus (real or imagined), while resisting the urge to engage in the habitual safety behaviors that once offered relief. That might look like resisting a hand-washing compulsion, or sitting with the discomfort of not seeking reassurance.

Infographic listing conditions and behaviors treated by Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy, including OCD, anxiety disorders, body-focused repetitive behaviors, relational avoidance, and trauma-linked patterns. Examples include contamination fears, panic disorder, nail biting, emotional shutdown, and fear of being seen.

ERP isn’t just for obsessive thoughts—it’s for any place where fear keeps us from connection. In reunification therapy, it becomes a path back to trust, one tolerable step at a time.

The process is structured, intentional, and often uncomfortable. But in that discomfort is possibility: a new way of relating to fear. And over time, with practice, the nervous system learns something crucial—this feeling won’t last forever. I can survive it. This is the mechanism of habituation, and it’s a cornerstone of ERP’s effectiveness.

In the world of OCD treatment, this model has revolutionized care. From in vivo exposures to imaginal exposure, ERP has helped countless individuals reclaim their lives from obsessive thoughts, perfectionism, and debilitating rituals. 

But what if we considered ERP’s logic not only in treating OCD, but in addressing the relational phobias that often show up in families experiencing estrangement or high-conflict divorce?

Infographic titled “5 Steps of ERP Therapy” showing how Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy works. Steps include: identify the fear, create a fear hierarchy, begin gradual exposure, prevent the usual response, and repeat until habituation. Visuals include icons of a brain, fear ladder, exposure ramp, cycle-breaking symbol, and clock.

The Therapist’s Role: Skilled Guide, Not Enforcer

In this context, the mental health professional becomes a kind of behavioral cartographer—charting the terrain of fear and walking alongside families as they navigate it. Just as ERP therapists track rituals and avoidance patterns in OCD, reunification therapists can identify emotional compulsions: the urge to withdraw, to vilify, to control.

The clinician’s job is not to insist on connection, but to foster capacity—to help the child sit with what’s hard, to help the parent resist reactive behaviors, and to guide both toward emotional flexibility. These are evidence-based treatment strategies, grounded in CBT, but translated to a relational domain.4

This is particularly powerful when considered as a tool for court-ordered therapy, such as in cases involving CPS, family law, or mandated co-parenting plans. ERP’s deliberate pacing, collaborative structure, and emphasis on inhibitory learning (rewriting what the brain has learned about safety) align well with the delicate pacing required for long-term family reunification.

Healing doesn’t live in compartments. The same tools that help us face intrusive thoughts can help families face each other again—with honesty, discomfort, and the courage to try.

Dr. Mala Chaudhery-Malgeri

What ERP Is Not: A Word of Caution

While ERP therapy is an effective treatment for many anxiety-related disorders,5 including social anxiety, panic disorder, and OCD, it must be used with deep ethical care when applied in family contexts. This is not about forcing reconciliation. It is not about exposure for exposure’s sake. In families where child abuse, domestic abuse, or ongoing mental health conditions have created genuine safety concerns, no exposure should be initiated without comprehensive evaluations, trauma-informed oversight, and clear legal and clinical safeguards.

ERP is a tool—not a shortcut. And in complex family systems, it must be paired with humility, cultural sensitivity, and attunement to each individual’s readiness and consent.

Real-Life Implications: Beyond OCD, Toward Connection

The gifts of ERP reach far beyond the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Its structure teaches distress tolerance, insight into cognitive distortions, and the courage to face relational fears. These skills are invaluable in reunification therapy, co-parenting relationships, and even outpatient psychotherapy with adolescents who are navigating estrangement, identity confusion, or loyalty binds between caregivers.

For clinicians, ERP reminds us that healing doesn’t always look like comfort—it looks like commitment. A commitment to therapy, to presence, to uncertainty. And for families,6 it offers something far more sustainable than a quick fix: the possibility of true, hard-earned repair.

Whether we are helping someone resist a compulsion, sit with shame, or face a loved one they haven’t spoken to in years, the heart of the work is the same: exposure to fear, and the slow, steady unlearning of resistance.

ERP as a Bridge Between Clinical Rigor and Human Repair

At its best, exposure and response prevention is about more than treating OCD symptoms. It is a way of saying: we can face what scares us, and still move toward love. That principle doesn’t just belong in psychiatry textbooks or first-line treatment guidelines—it belongs in family rooms, courtrooms, and therapy spaces where pain and possibility sit side by side.

ERP works because it reflects how healing actually happens—not in perfect conditions, but in real life, with real people, doing the brave work of showing up again and again.

In this light, we don’t just see ERP as an effective treatment for anxiety—we see it as a roadmap for restoration. Not just of functioning, but of family, belonging, and hope.

FAQs

Q: What is exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy?

A: ERP is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) specifically designed to help individuals confront their fears and anxieties without falling into the trap of avoidance or compulsions. It involves two key steps: exposure to anxiety-provoking situations or thoughts, and response prevention, which is the practice of resisting the usual reactive behaviors that follow. Over time, this helps the brain learn that fear doesn’t need to control your life.

Q: What is the history of exposure and response prevention techniques? 

ERP emerged in the 1960s as a treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), rooted in behaviorism and the understanding that avoidance reinforces fear. Over decades, research has consistently validated ERP as one of the most effective treatments for OCD and other anxiety-related disorders. It’s evolved to address a wide range of compulsive behaviors, including health anxiety, perfectionism, and intrusive thoughts.

Q: Can I do ERP therapy on my own?

While some people can begin exploring ERP principles on their own (especially with guided workbooks or digital tools), working with a trained therapist is strongly recommended—especially for complex or deeply distressing fears. A therapist can tailor the exposures, monitor progress, and help prevent unintentional re-traumatization or avoidance cycles.

Q: What is the difference between CBT and ERP?

CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) is the umbrella under which ERP falls. CBT focuses broadly on identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. ERP zeroes in on the behavioral aspect of anxiety disorders—specifically how rituals and avoidance maintain distress—and aims to break that cycle through repeated, supported exposure.

Q: How long does ERP therapy take?

ERP is often short-term and structured. Many people begin to see improvement within 12 to 20 sessions. However, the length can vary depending on the severity and complexity of symptoms. What’s important is consistency—change happens through repetition and support, not overnight.

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Ben Fisher’s Recovery and Redemption: 11 Ways to Find Your Purpose After Addiction

“You know, but some of us need to speak out because too many people are dying. And there’s these, you know, back in the day when AA started, there weren’t these drugs that were killing people first time. Yes. And it’s a scary place. So we need a few soldiers out there that are willing to do this.” – Ben Fisher

The journey of addiction and recovery is deeply personal, often marked by profound challenges and ultimately, immense triumph. For many, the path to sobriety is not just about abstaining from substances, but about rediscovering purpose, rebuilding connections, and transforming past experiences into powerful tools for change. Ben Fisher, the creative force behind “A String of Hope,” embodies this transformation, channeling his own battles with addiction into a platform that resonates with millions seeking mental health and addiction recovery.

1. The Genesis of a Troubled Connection: Music, Identity, and Early Exposure

Ben Fisher’s journey with addiction began at a surprisingly young age, interwoven with his passion for music and the perceived glamour of the rock and roll lifestyle. At just 12 years old, while playing guitar at a family gathering, he was handed a Budweiser by a “drunk uncle.” The experience was immediate and profound. “That wave hit me of, you know, feeling that for the first time at 12. And my 12-year-old brain was like, this is it. This is what I need to feel normal. It was like a switch flipped in me.”

This pivotal moment, however, wasn’t an isolated incident but rather a culmination of earlier influences. At seven, watching Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock, Ben was captivated, feeling a deep connection to the artist’s ability to move people through music. He began to idolize musicians who, despite their artistic brilliance, were also known for their struggles with addiction and alcoholism. This early association between rock stardom and substance abuse became a dangerous blueprint in his young mind. “I idolized them and I’m like, okay. So I have to live that lifestyle if I want to be that person. So I leaned into that at an early age.” This narrative highlights how formative experiences and environmental factors can inadvertently lay the groundwork for future struggles.

2. The Illusion of Control: Balancing Dual Lives

As Ben grew older, his addiction progressed, but so did his ability to compartmentalize. He maintained a starkly contrasting dual life: the party-hardy musician embracing the “rockstar lifestyle” and the dedicated worship leader at his church. “My entire drinking career and drinking and drug career, I was living two different people,” he recounts. “One was the party rockstar lifestyle and the other was the guy playing music at church.”

This ability to hide his struggles, particularly his burgeoning addiction to opiate pain medication, became a defining characteristic of his early adult life. He meticulously concealed his substance use from his girlfriend, who would later become his wife. “She knows nothing about it,” he said of his wife’s unawareness of his opiate addiction. “I was really good at hiding it and I hid it all, all through my life.” This functional addiction, where individuals maintain a semblance of normalcy despite severe substance use, can prolong the denial phase and delay seeking help. The façade of functionality can be incredibly isolating, as the individual carries the immense burden of their secret.

3. The Progressive Nature of Addiction: From Beer to Opiates

Ben’s story serves as a stark reminder of addiction’s progressive nature. What began with underage drinking escalated significantly in college, where he engaged in heavy pot use and occasional cocaine use. The turning point, however, came after a painful breakup when a coworker introduced him to opiate pain medication. “I tried them and they made me feel better. They made me feel way better.” This moment marked a new and more insidious phase of his addiction, as opiates offered an even more potent escape from emotional discomfort.

His reliance on opiates became so entrenched that he eventually sought Suboxone, initially buying it on the street before obtaining a legitimate prescription. The fear of his then-fiancée discovering his secret prompted a dangerous decision: cold-turkey withdrawal from Suboxone. This decision, made without medical supervision, led to a grueling, month-long withdrawal period that he endured alone, further illustrating the desperate lengths individuals will go to hide their addiction. “If you know anything about that, I know it’s a medication that’s great for helping people get off, but you have to taper down, step down very slowly. I went cold Turkey. It was the worst experience I’ve ever gone through. And nobody knew I was going through it. I went through it alone.” This dangerous self-detoxification further entrenched his alcohol use as a coping mechanism.

4. The Crushing Weight of Secrecy: Hiding in Plain Sight

The emotional toll of leading a double life, particularly from the person he loved most, was immense. Ben’s wife was unaware of his opiate addiction for seven years, even as they fell in love, got engaged, and bought a house. “That’s gotta be heavy on you,” the podcast host observes. “To not only just going through that addiction, but to hide such a huge part of you and what you’re going through from the person that you care so much about.”

The constant vigilance required to maintain this deception, coupled with the escalating demands of his addiction, undoubtedly contributed to his internal suffering. The pressure to maintain a “functional” exterior, even as his internal world crumbled, is a common theme in addiction. This sustained psychological burden can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and a deeper sense of shame.

5. The Fall from Grace: Losing Purpose and Community

A crucial turning point in Ben’s descent was the exposure of his addiction to his church community. His daily ritual of buying and consuming cheap vodka, even while driving, highlights the pervasive nature of his alcohol dependence. The moment of reckoning came when his eight-month pregnant wife found him passed out in his car, a bottle of vodka beside him. Her call to a friend at the church, whose husband was in recovery, ultimately led to Ben being pushed out of his role as worship leader.

“I ended up later in life becoming a worship leader, music director at a church… That broke me in my drinking. Then I was already at blackout stage. So then we were at the point where it’s like treatment, like what are we gonna do here?” This loss of his perceived identity and community, a place where he had found a sense of purpose through music, was devastating. While initially harboring resentment, Ben later recognized the complex dynamics at play, acknowledging that the church, in its vulnerable state, was also trying to protect itself. This incident underscores the profound impact addiction can have on relationships and one’s sense of self-worth.

6. The “Rock Bottom” That Changed Everything: His Daughter’s Safety

Ben’s true rock bottom arrived on Easter Sunday, 2016. After blacking out while caring for his infant daughter the day before, he woke up on his parents’ couch with no recollection of the events. The realization that his addiction had jeopardized his daughter’s safety was the jolt he needed.

“What she told me, just, it absolutely scared the life outta me because again, my daughter is everything to me. I, I love her more than the world. And, um, like I, I get emotional just thinking about it because, you know, something bad could have happened and, and I, if I didn’t go to jail, if something bad happened, I, I can tell you I probably wouldn’t be here ’cause I wouldn’t wanna live after that.” This moment, devoid of grand dramatic consequences like incarceration or near-death experiences, was nonetheless profoundly impactful. It demonstrates that “rock bottom” is subjective and deeply personal; for Ben, the threat to his child’s well-being was enough to trigger a fundamental shift. The immediate consequence of being asked to leave his home until he sought help further solidified his resolve.

7. The First Steps of Recovery: 90 Meetings in 90 Days

With his marriage on the line and the terrifying realization of his actions, Ben committed to recovery. His first concrete step was embracing the “90 meetings in 90 days” approach, a common recommendation in 12-Step programs. Despite his introverted nature, he dedicated himself to attending meetings daily. “I was going to meetings every day. I was sitting there and I never talked at any meetings. Like, you would’ve never seen me doing anything like this.”

This initial immersion in the recovery community, even without active participation in sharing, provided a crucial foundation of support and exposure to the principles of sobriety. It allowed him to absorb the experiences of others, gradually eroding the isolation that had characterized his addiction. This structured approach to early recovery provides consistency and a sense of routine, which can be invaluable in navigating the initial turbulent stages of sobriety.

8. Redefining Higher Power: A Personal Journey of Spirituality

Ben’s past role as a worship leader presented a unique challenge in his recovery journey, particularly concerning the concept of a “higher power” in 12-Step programs. He admitted to holding resentment towards organized religion. However, the flexibility of “God of your understanding” resonated deeply. “I loved how they said God of your understanding. And I latched onto that ’cause I’m like, I don’t understand the God that I have been leading worship too for other people. I don’t understand him right now.”

This willingness to redefine his spiritual beliefs on his own terms allowed him to engage with the spiritual aspect of recovery without feeling constrained by traditional religious dogma. This personal interpretation of a higher power is a cornerstone of many recovery programs, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to find a spiritual path that supports their sobriety.

9. Finding New Obsessions: The Power of Purposeful Action

Beyond attending meetings, Ben recognized the vital need to actively engage in something meaningful. He embraced the idea of finding “new addictions” or, more accurately, healthy obsessions. “I gotta, I gotta do something with myself. Yeah. You have to find something to kind of like dive into. That’s a huge part of my recovery story and what I..tell people is like, get busy doing something. Find something you love and do it. Find a new addiction, really obsession.”

This proactive approach to filling the void left by substance use is crucial for sustained recovery. For Ben, this translated into tangible projects, like building a playhouse, which provided a sense of accomplishment and a healthy outlet for his energy.

10. A String of Hope: Connecting Through Vulnerability

Ben’s journey eventually led him to create “A String of Hope,” a platform dedicated to mental health, addiction recovery, and personal growth. This endeavor is a powerful manifestation of his core desire, recognized only in recovery, to connect deeply with others. “I thought when I saw Jimi Hendrix that day, I thought what I wanted to be was a rockstar. And what I really wanted to do is harness what he had to connect to people.”

Through candid storytelling and motivational insights, Ben fosters a community of support and resilience, turning his past struggles into a beacon of hope for others. This act of service, of sharing his vulnerability and insights, has become his ultimate purpose, allowing him to impact millions. “I know now, today with the cute little videos that I do, I’m able to do that… Now I’m realizing like it was never about being a rock star and like performance, it was about connecting to people.” This demonstrates the profound healing that can occur when individuals transform their personal pain into a source of inspiration for others.

11. The Ongoing Journey: Life Beyond Addiction

Ben Fisher’s story is a testament to the transformative power of recovery. His life, now marked by sobriety and purpose, is rich with opportunities to connect and inspire. From a young boy captivated by a rockstar’s image to a man who understands the true meaning of connection, Ben’s journey highlights the continuous process of growth and self-discovery in sobriety. His story underscores the importance of seeking help, even when the path is difficult, and the profound impact that finding a new purpose can have on long-term recovery.

“Here I am today and life is so much better. And I’ve had so many opportunities like this to do.” His ongoing commitment to sharing his story, even as an introverted individual, showcases the strength and conviction that can emerge from overcoming adversity. Recovery is not a destination but a continuous process of self-improvement, resilience, and a commitment to a life lived fully and authentically.

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Ibogaine Treatment for Addiction: 4 Struggles It Transforms

When you first enter recovery, it can be daunting to consider the road ahead. Especially after drug or alcohol addiction, which is based on instant gratification, you may be concerned about the slow rhythm of sustainable change. Some people find it helpful to kickstart this process using ibogaine-assisted therapy.

Ibogaine is an alternative medicine, often administered in a short-term retreat setting. While it’s not readily available in the U.S., patients travel to treatment centers around the world to seek it out. If ibogaine is right for you, it could certainly be worth the trip. 

This plant medicine experience is extremely different from most other forms of treatment.

Infographic titled

What Is Ibogaine?

Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive alkaloid, found in a West African shrub called tabernanthe iboga. In small doses, it’s a mild stimulant. In large doses, it can produce a dreamlike psychoactive state. This medicine has a long history, and has historically been used in healing and initiation ceremonies by members of the Bwiti religion.

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is exploring ibogaine as a potential treatment for drug abuse, especially opiate addiction.1 According to their experts, 

People with problematic substance use have found that larger doses of ibogaine can significantly reduce withdrawal from opiates and temporarily eliminate substance-related cravings.

Experts found that ibogaine can have both psychological and physiological benefits. Treatment centers sometimes administer it at the beginning of a patient’s detox process because it “diminishes opioid withdrawal symptoms and reduces drug cravings.”2 Research shows that ibogaine and its analogs “potently promote neuronal growth,” and produce “antidepressant-like behavioural responses.” This makes it potentially beneficial for patients with a variety of mental health diagnoses.

Infographic comparing the benefits and risks of ibogaine treatment. Benefits include reduced withdrawal symptoms, interruption of addictive patterns, increased neuroplasticity, improved emotional insight, and support for depression and PTSD. Risks listed include cardiac complications, nausea and tremors, severe psychological distress, lack of FDA approval in the U.S., and potential fatality if used unsafely. Design features icons and a balanced layout from Recovery.com.

Uses of Ibogaine

This versatile treatment is often useful for patients at the beginning of their recovery process. According to Álvaro de Ferranti, Founder of Tabula Rasa Retreat, ibogaine can be used to treat a range of conditions, or even as a preventative measure:  

Ibogaine is known to arrest cravings and addictions to stimulants such as crack cocaine and meth. It can also help people with dual disorders, mental disorders, and people who simply want to enhance their life spiritually and find answers and come back to self-love.

Let’s look at how ibogaine helps with different types of drug addiction and mental health issues.

Infographic titled “What to Likely Expect During the Ibogaine Experience,” outlining four phases over 72 hours: Phase 1 (Onset, 0–1 hours) with nausea and heaviness; Phase 2 (Intense, 1–6 hours) with dreamlike visions and emotional depth; Phase 3 (Processing, 6–24 hours) with reflection and emotional release; and Phase 4 (Integration, 24–72 hours) as clarity returns and healing begins. Includes icons and brain imagery

1. Ibogaine for Opioid Addiction: Breaking Free from Physical Dependence

In the Western world, this treatment is best known for its effect on recovery from opiate addiction. It alleviates most withdrawal symptoms, making detoxification faster and less uncomfortable. Patients also experience long-term benefits.

In one study by MAPS, 

Results showed the most improvement in drug use at one month with 50% of participants reporting no opioid use during the previous 30 days. Ibogaine was associated with substantial reductions in opioid withdrawal symptoms3 and drug use in participants and may provide a useful prototype for development of innovative pharmacotherapy of addiction.

Ferranti claims that “Ibogaine takes away heroin withdrawals instantly.” It’s important to note, however, that people detoxing from alcohol, benzodiazepine, or opioid dependence should seek medical advice and taper off of these substances under qualified medical supervision before beginning this treatment. 

Make sure to talk to the providers at your treatment center about your medical history to avoid any serious side effects.

2. Ibogaine for Cocaine and Stimulant Addiction: Reducing Cravings and Relapse Risk

According to the team of providers at Iboga Quest in Mexico, “cocaine addiction appears to respond very well to ibogaine treatment4 when coupled with proper preparation and after-care.” This finding aligns with preliminary data from formal research.

In one observational study, subjects who had been treated for “cocaine dependence, almost none of whom used opioids, reported a median relapse-free interval of 5.5 months following single doses of ibogaine.”5 Ibogaine’s influence on the risk of relapse may be due to its other psychological benefits.

Another study6 focused on people in recovery from cocaine addiction found that,

Patients benefited from the treatment in all the secondary outcomes, reporting decreases in craving and improvements in personal relationships, quality of life, and self-efficacy, thus supporting existing notions that treatments combining ibogaine and psychotherapy do have a therapeutic potential in the treatment of substance use disorders.

3. Ibogaine for PTSD: Rewiring the Brain After Trauma

Many people in recovery have co-occurring disorders, meaning they have both substance use disorders and additional mental health diagnoses. In this case, it’s quite common for patients to have PTSD. This condition has a complex relationship with substances: Some people turn to substances to self-medicate its symptoms, and others develop PTSD due to experiences they have while using substances.

The use of ibogaine is shown to have a positive impact on PTSD patients.7 One study, conducted with military veterans, found that ibogaine treatment “may offer a rapid and robust, and well-tolerated, treatment option for those suffering from a variety of psychiatric and cognitive symptoms.” It’s specifically helpful for symptoms related to trauma.

4. Ibogaine for Depression: A New Path Toward Emotional Clarity and Healing

Promising research is currently being done into ibogaine as a treatment for depression.8 Scientists began by creating an analog of ibogaine, intended to have similar effects. This medicine, called tabernanthalog (or TBG), “appears to relieve depression and addiction symptoms without producing hallucinations or other dangerous side effects.”

Although much more research is needed into the effects of TBG, some healthcare providers already support success using ibogaine to treat depression. According to the team at Tabula Rasa Retreat, “Ibogaine can lead to an increase in serotonin levels in the brain, leading to a sense of well-being and possibility after a difficult period.” Their program caters to people with substance use disorders, depression, PTSD, and a variety of other mental health concerns.

The Experience of Ibogaine

Ibogaine is available at treatment centers around the world, though not in the U.S. Just like any other type of rehab, each of these facilities has its own distinct philosophy. Choose an environment that suits your specific needs. 

Ibogaine induces a psychedelic experience. During the session itself, you may find yourself in a dreamlike state for up to 72 hours. Patients often report revisiting traumatic events from the past, and gaining new insight into their least healthy behavioral patterns.

“It’s like hitting the reset button.”

As you slowly emerge from this state, you’ll likely notice immediate and significant differences. Rich, a patient at Iboga Quest, had previously undergone detox, and later decided to try ibogaine after a relapse. Comparing these 2 experiences, he told interviewers, 

With iboga, or ibogaine, it’s like hitting the reset button. I would say I still had symptoms, but they were significantly less—maybe 20-30% of what you’d normally have.

Ibogaine also transformed his experience of shame. Prior to treatment, he struggled to accept himself and was haunted by past mistakes. In an ibogaine-induced dream state, he envisioned a human body with empty spaces inside it, which he’d been trying to fill by using substances. As he explored these images, he learned the value of accepting himself just as he is.

I always thought that acceptance was almost like admitting defeat. And [ibogaine] showed me that I didn’t have to necessarily like these aspects of myself; it wasn’t asking me to do that. But I had to accept them. These are things that happened. And even if they’re aspects of myself that were true at some point, they don’t have to remain true. And accepting them doesn’t mean that they remain true forevermore. In fact, accepting them puts you in a really great position to be able to change those aspects of yourself that you don’t like. And so that was my major teaching, really.

Health Risks 

Ibogaine has some significant health risks, and may cause physical side effects. There are reported fatalities. In one case, 19 people are known to have died within 1.5 to 76 hours of taking ibogaine.9 This was mainly due to preexisting conditions that increased the risk of cardiovascular stress, and the physical effects of substance withdrawals that were not properly managed during treatment. 

Before you begin this treatment, make sure you find a high-quality, reputable treatment center and consult with a medical professional to ensure it’s a safe method for you.

Long-Term Effects

Unlike some other psychedelic medicines, ibogaine can have a lasting effect on mental health.10 In fact, researchers believe that it can “modify addiction-related neural circuitry through the activation of neurotrophic factor signaling.” This makes it especially supportive for long-term recovery.

Despite its immediate benefits, however, ibogaine is not a miracle cure for substance use disorders. Researchers warn that ibogaine “is not a cure for addiction. Instead, it merely interrupts addiction.”11

Planning for Aftercare

The phase immediately following treatment can be an especially vulnerable time. If at all possible, it’s best to make plans for aftercare as a follow-up post-treatment. This ensures you have the right support to sustain the life changes you began.

Some patients begin recovery with ibogaine, then go on to attend a more comprehensive inpatient rehab program. Your treatment team can help you decide on the best course of action for your situation. 

Starting Your Recovery With Ibogaine

Although more research is needed, ibogaine is a very promising treatment. Whether you’re healing from substance abuse, trauma, or another mental health diagnosis, it may be a good place to start moving forward. However, like any other medication, this medicine is not appropriate for all patients. 

Remember that while recovery can start with ibogaine, it’s just the first step in a lifelong process. It’s best to combine this medicine with other evidence-based therapies, which may include rehab, medical care, talk therapy, or other options. Ibogaine can be a powerful element of your healing process, and may make it easier for you to move toward a healthier lifestyle. But this experience is no replacement for the slow, careful cultivation of habits that support your recovery.

To further explore this therapy, search for a rehab offering ibogaine-assisted treatment and contact their admissions team to learn more about their programming.

FAQs

Q: What is ibogaine therapy?

A: Ibogaine therapy is a plant medicine that uses a psychoactive compound from the West African iboga shrub to treat addiction and mental health disorders. Treatment involves a supervised session where patients experience a dreamlike state that helps them gain insights into behavioral patterns and past traumas.

Q: Is ibogaine used to treat addiction?

A: Yes, ibogaine is primarily used for substance use disorders, especially opioid use disorder, but can also be used for mental health conditions. Research shows it can reduce withdrawal symptoms and temporarily eliminate cravings. 

Q: Does ibogaine get rid of withdrawal symptoms?

A: Ibogaine significantly reduces opioid withdrawal symptoms but doesn’t eliminate them completely. One study found that 78% of patients did not show clinical signs of opioid withdrawal 48 hours after ibogaine administration,12 and 68% reported only mild withdrawal symptoms. Medical supervision and proper tapering before treatment are essential for safety.

Q: How much does ibogaine treatment cost?

A: Ibogaine treatment typically costs between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on the facility and services included. Since treatment is not available in the United States (ibogaine is considered a  Schedule I controlled substance and is not FDA-approved), you should also consider additional travel expenses.

Q: How safe is ibogaine treatment?

A: Ibogaine carries significant health risks and isn’t safe for everyone. High doses can cause serious cardiac complications, especially for people with heart conditions. Make sure your facility provides proper medical screening and supervision to minimize risks.

Q: Is ibogaine an effective treatment for substance use disorder?

A: Studies of ibogaine show that this treatment can be effective, particularly for opioid addiction. Several studies support this, including one in which 50% of patients reported reduced opioid cravings13 lasting for up to 3 months after treatment. However, ibogaine is not a cure—it temporarily interrupts addiction, creating an opportunity for recovery work.

Q: What are the side effects of ibogaine?

A: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of coordination, tremors, and sensitivity to light and sound. Serious side effects can include cardiac arrhythmias and seizures. The hallucinogenic experience may involve revisiting traumatic memories.

Q: Where can I find ibogaine treatment centers?

A: Ibogaine treatment centers operate in Mexico, Costa Rica, Canada, and parts of Europe. When selecting a facility, research their medical protocols, safety record, and aftercare support. Look for centers with thorough medical screenings and qualified staff.

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Depression and Recovery: Sabra’s 7 Ways to Find Your Path to Feeling Good

Battling depression can feel like being stuck in a deep pit with no way out. The weight of sadness, lack of energy, and loss of interest in life can be overwhelming, making even simple daily tasks feel impossible. But what if there were not just one, but many paths to finding your way back to feeling good?

In a recent episode of the Giving Voice to Mental Health Podcast by Recovery.com, Sabra, a woman navigating career transitions and significant grief, shared her powerful journey through depression and recovery. Her story highlights a crucial message: options are beautiful, and not having options can be dangerous.

Sabra’s experience underscores the multifaceted nature of depression and the importance of a personalized approach to healing. From navigating seasonal affective disorder and deep depressive episodes to exploring different medications and ultimately finding profound relief through ketamine treatment, her story is a testament to resilience and the evolving landscape of mental health care.

1. Recognizing the Nuances of Depression

Depression isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. It can manifest in various forms, from persistent low-grade sadness to severe, debilitating episodes. Sabra’s narrative beautifully illustrates this spectrum. She openly discussed her diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to changes in seasons, typically in winter. However, she also spoke of “deep depressions” triggered by significant life events, such as a traumatic divorce, a devastating breakup, and the compounding grief of losing her father and beloved dog.

For Sabra, a self-proclaimed “type A person, artist who has hustled and worked and been doing all of the things all of the time,” depression brought her to a jarring halt. She describes it as slowing her down, making her feel like “nothing is functioning.” Even when she appeared “normal” to others, internally, she felt a profound loss of energy, passion, and drive.

“It may look normal, but it’s not your normal,” she powerfully stated, emphasizing the internal struggle that often goes unseen. This highlights a critical aspect of depression: its impact is often deeply personal and may not always be evident to those around you. Recognizing this internal disparity is a vital first step toward seeking help.

Life throws curveballs, and for individuals prone to depression, these curveballs can act as powerful triggers. Sabra’s story is a prime example. The end of a challenging marriage, a subsequent heartbreak, and then the successive losses of her father and dog plunged her into deep depressive states. These external factors exacerbated her underlying tendencies toward depression and SAD.

“I knew that there were other factors involved, like having tried a few different medications within the year and that they didn’t work. And just being triggered more and saying, yeah, this is more than just grief. This is uncontrollable grief, this is depression,” Sabra recounted.

Recognizing triggers is an essential part of managing mental health. Whether it’s seasonal changes, significant life stressors, relationship difficulties, or grief, understanding what might precipitate a depressive episode allows for proactive strategies and seeking support before symptoms become overwhelming. It’s about understanding that while grief is a natural response to loss, when it becomes “uncontrollable” and leads to a significant decline in functioning, it may have transitioned into depression.

3. The Journey Through Different Treatment Paths

The path to recovery is rarely linear, and Sabra’s experience with various treatments perfectly illustrates this. Her initial attempts with traditional antidepressants, Zoloft and Lexapro, yielded mixed results. While they offered some support, the side effects and lack of significant improvement led her to discontinue them. This highlights a common reality: finding the right medication and dosage often requires patience and collaboration with a healthcare provider.

Sabra’s candidness about the challenges she faced with these medications—sleep disturbances, headaches, and a general feeling of not receiving enough support—is a crucial reminder that not every treatment works for everyone, and it’s okay to advocate for yourself and explore alternatives.

“I did not respond well to the Zoloft. I didn’t sleep well. I had headaches all the time. It was making me very unhappy and uncomfortable. And so that was not the right thing,” she explained.

Explore treatment options for depression.

4. Embracing Novel and Emerging Treatments: Ketamine

When traditional approaches weren’t providing the relief she desperately needed, Sabra was introduced to ketamine treatment through a friend who is an ER doctor and co-owns a ketamine clinic. This marked a significant turning point in her recovery journey. Despite her initial fear and unfamiliarity with psychedelic drugs, the structured, clinical setting and the presence of a supportive nurse helped alleviate her anxieties.

Ketamine-assisted therapy is an emerging treatment for severe depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions, often used when other treatments haven’t been effective. Administered in a controlled environment, it can rapidly reduce depressive symptoms and offer a new perspective for individuals struggling with persistent mental health challenges.

“She said, it’s okay to cry. There’s nothing wrong with that. Just experience what you can and I’ll be right here with you the whole time,” Sabra shared about her nurse, highlighting the compassionate support that made a difference.

After six sessions of ketamine treatment, Sabra experienced a profound shift. Less than a month later, she was “smiling and laughing and telling the story and out and about and feeling great.” While she still grieves her dog, the debilitating depression that consumed her had lifted.

This transformative experience underscores the importance of staying open to evidence-based, newer interventions when conventional methods fall short. It’s a reminder that the landscape of mental health treatment is continually evolving, offering new avenues for healing and recovery.

5. The Power of Community and Support

Beyond formal treatments, Sabra emphasized the critical role of community and support in her recovery. Her best friend, who advocated for ketamine treatment and provided a vital connection, played a significant role in her journey. Having someone who could see her suffering and offer a concrete solution was invaluable, especially when Sabra felt too overwhelmed to seek help herself.

“My best friend is married to an ER doctor and they own a ketamine clinic here in town, and she had been telling me, I wish you hadn’t gone on those antidepressants. I really think the ketamine would help,” Sabra explained, showing the pivotal role her friend played.

This highlights a universal truth in mental health recovery: you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether it’s friends, family, support groups, or peer communities, having a network of people who understand and care can make a profound difference. As the podcast hosts discussed, mental health challenges can be incredibly isolating, and having someone simply listen without judgment can be a powerful form of healing.

“When we can just listen, that alone can be like a treatment. That alone is one of the things that helps us get through, get past or find a little bit of peace in whatever pit we happened to be stuck in at the time,” one reflected.

6. The Evolving Nature of Recovery and Self-Compassion

Recovery from depression isn’t a destination; it’s an ongoing journey. As Sabra and the hosts discussed, what works today might not be what’s needed a year from now. Our needs change, and so too should our approach to mental well-being. This calls for a flexible mindset and a willingness to continually reassess and adapt our coping mechanisms and treatment strategies.

The idea that “all of those things that maybe felt like they didn’t work, they were leading us somewhere,” is a powerful perspective. Each attempted treatment, even if seemingly unsuccessful, provides valuable information and nudges us closer to what does work. It’s about building a comprehensive toolkit of strategies and resources rather than relying on a single “fix.”

Furthermore, self-compassion is key. Depression often comes with intense self-criticism and feelings of inadequacy. Sabra, as a “type A” individual, struggled with feeling “substandard” when her energy and drive diminished. Learning to extend grace to oneself during these challenging periods is vital for healing.

7. The Importance of Options and Accessible Resources

Perhaps the most resonant takeaway from Sabra’s story is the profound importance of having options and access to resources. When depression takes hold, the ability to seek out and evaluate different pathways to healing can be severely impaired. This is where comprehensive, accessible resources like Recovery.com become invaluable.

“I think to know that there are many options, but you have to find the one that works for you because there’s not one right solution and it might be a multitude of things,” Sabra wisely advised.

A platform that allows individuals to explore various treatment modalities, filter by location, insurance, and specific conditions, can significantly reduce the barrier to seeking help. When someone is at their lowest, the thought of navigating complex healthcare systems can be overwhelming. A streamlined resource that presents available options empowers individuals to take that crucial first step.

“Because having options is a lot better than not having any options,” the hosts concluded, summarizing the core message of Sabra’s empowering narrative.

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Riley Whelan’s Alcohol Addiction Journey: 7 Ways “Uniquely Broken” Led to Lasting Recovery

The journey to sobriety is often paved with isolation, shame, and the daunting belief that one’s struggles are singular and insurmountable. Yet, as Riley Whelan, a prominent TikTok creator and sober advocate, eloquently shares on Recoverycast, the path to healing often begins with the liberating realization that you are not, in fact, “uniquely broken.” Her candid account of battling ADHD, addiction, and relapse offers a powerful narrative of resilience, highlighting the transformative power of self-acceptance, community, and professional support.

1. The Genesis of a Problem: Early Exposure and Self-Medication

Riley’s story begins in Louisville, Kentucky, a place where, as she describes, drinking at a young age was “very normal.” Starting at 13, her initial encounters with alcohol were seemingly innocent—a means to “fit in, have fun,” and emulate what she perceived as normalcy. However, even from the outset, her consumption patterns diverged significantly from her peers. “I never drank normally,” she recalls, “like the first time I ever drank it was in excess and I don’t even really remember that much of it, but I knew that I wanted to keep doing it.”

This early immersion quickly escalated. By high school, drinking became the anticipated weekend ritual, and marijuana entered the picture as a daily “maintenance” tool. What started as a desire for connection subtly transformed into a dependence, an unconscious attempt to fill a void. Riley later identified this void as stemming from undiagnosed depression and anxiety, coupled with ADHD. The substances, particularly marijuana, served as a crude form of self-medication, quieting the relentless noise of her mind and offering a fleeting sense of calm.

Explore treatment options for depression, anxiety, and ADHD.

2. The Illusion of Control: The Isolation of a Secret Battle

As her substance use progressed, so did its insidious grip, fostering a profound sense of isolation. While early use involved social settings, Riley increasingly preferred to use alone, retreating into a private world fueled by addiction. This solitary consumption further cemented the belief that her struggles were unique, a secret burden she carried. “Those things really isolated me too,” she reflects. “Like just from the world in general. I thought I was uniquely, I thought I was unique…Uniquely broken. Yeah…and it just turns out I was an alcoholic and it’s okay.”

This feeling of being “uniquely broken” is a common thread among those battling addiction. The shame and stigma associated with substance use often prevent individuals from seeking help or even acknowledging their struggles to others. This internal battle can exacerbate mental health symptoms, creating a vicious cycle. The inability to articulate or even recognize these feelings at a young age, as Riley explains, further compounded her isolation. She “had no idea what I was experiencing,” only that it was “unsettling.”

3. The Family Dynamic: Unintended Enabling and the “Playbook” of Discipline

Riley’s high school years were marked by escalating challenges, as her family grappled with her increasingly concerning behaviors. Despite her parents’ love and efforts, their approach to her substance use largely followed a traditional “playbook” of discipline rather than open dialogue about underlying issues. “It was never, and like, this is no, no shade to like my parents or anything because I have no idea what it’s like to be a parent to me,” Riley clarifies, acknowledging the difficulty of parenting an adolescent struggling with addiction.

She describes how her parents’ response was primarily disciplinary – “if you get caught drinking when we catch you drinking, when they would catch me drinking, it was like, you’re grounded. Like, we don’t even understand. We don’t know why you’re doing this.” This common parental response, while well-intentioned, often falls short in addressing the complex nature of addiction, especially when coupled with a genetic predisposition. Alcoholism ran on both sides of Riley’s family, a crucial factor that often goes unaddressed in early interventions.

4. The Geographical Cure: A Cross-Country Illusion

By her early twenties, Riley’s life was spiraling. Kicked out of her parents’ home and facing eviction, she impulsively embarked on a cross-country journey to California, driven by the misguided belief that a change of scenery would solve her problems. “I told myself if I just made a geographical change that I… don’t think I’m the only person that’s ever like fall fallen victim to that,” she admits. This phenomenon, often termed the “geographical cure,” is a common, yet ultimately ineffective, coping mechanism for individuals struggling with addiction. The underlying issues that fuel addiction are internal, and simply changing one’s environment rarely addresses them.

Her time in California, coinciding with the onset of COVID-19, only exacerbated her addiction. “Things did not get better. They got worse,” she states, emphasizing that addiction, like a shadow, follows wherever one goes. This period was marked by increasingly reckless behavior and a growing dependence on alcohol, further isolating her from her family, with whom she had minimal contact, primarily reaching out only “when I needed something.”

Explore treatment options for alcohol addiction.

5. The Turning Point: Rock Bottom and the Call for Help

The illusion of the “geographical cure” shattered when Riley, after six and a half months in California, was gently nudged back to Kentucky. Stripped of distractions and in constant confrontation with her addiction, she hit rock bottom. “I was like in survival mode. And it was just me and my alcoholism,” she recalls. The pain became unbearable, a daily yearning “just wishing the pain would go away.”

The true catalyst for change came from her sisters, who confronted her with a heartbreaking truth: “we love you so much, but this is, this is like not our sister that we know… we have looked up to you our whole lives and this is what you’ve become.” This raw honesty, delivered by those she held dearest, penetrated the denial and shame, finally breaking through her resistance. At this point, she was “willing to do whatever was necessary” to get help, marking a crucial shift from unwilling participant to active seeker of recovery. This willingness, as Riley emphasizes, is paramount. Even with all the facts and support, true change only occurs when the individual is ready.

6. Entering Treatment: The Reality of Recovery, Not a “Normal Drinker”

Riley’s first foray into treatment was born out of desperation and a fundamental misunderstanding of what recovery entailed. Still under the influence upon arrival, she harbored the misconception that treatment would teach her “how to drink better.” This highlights a common initial expectation among those entering recovery – the desire to control their substance use rather than abstain entirely.

However, treatment quickly dispelled this illusion. It was the first time she truly confronted the definition of alcoholism and recognized herself in every symptom. “I had such an idea, locked in idea of what I thought an alcoholic was. That was like an older adult who had lost everything… and I thought I was way too young to be an alcoholic.” This self-realization, coupled with exposure to other individuals in recovery, proved to be a profound turning point. Connecting with others who shared similar experiences, even those much older, fostered a sense of belonging and dissolved the intense isolation she had felt. “It was cathartic,” she explains. “Because I had never, I had not grown up with anybody that I knew, or that I felt like experienced what I experienced and only it, it only an alcoholic can really get through to another alcoholic.”

This shared experience in a supportive environment, as she points out, is crucial for breaking down the shame and self-blame that often accompany addiction. Seeing others who had engaged in similar behaviors but were now getting healthy provided a powerful sense of hope and validation.

7. The Enduring Truth: “It Gets Better”

Riley’s most poignant piece of advice, shared at the beginning of her interview, encapsulates the essence of her journey: “It gets better.” This simple yet profound statement, while initially seeming generic, has been undeniably proven true throughout her sobriety. For her younger self, struggling with unidentifiable anxieties and a pervasive feeling of being “less than,” such a concept would have been incomprehensible. But through the arduous process of confronting her addiction, seeking help, and building a life in recovery, the meaning of “better” has become tangible.

Her story is a testament to the fact that addiction is a complex disease, not a moral failing. Recognizing this distinction is fundamental to fostering self-compassion and seeking appropriate care. While the path to recovery is often messy and challenging, it is undeniably “beautiful, and absolutely worth it.” The journey out of isolation and into a supportive community is not only possible but essential.

Riley’s advocacy, through her TikTok platform, now helps countless others navigate their own journeys, offering a vibrant voice of hope and reminding everyone that “none of us have to do it alone.” If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, remember Riley’s words: “It really does get better.” Help is available, and finding the right support can make all the difference.

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Tanya’s Path to Drug and Alcohol Recovery: 5+ Steps to Reclaiming Your Life

 

Addiction is a complex journey, often misunderstood as solely a struggle with substances. However, as one individual’s powerful story reveals, the path to recovery is often a multifaceted healing process from deeper wounds. Tanya, a guest on the Giving Voice to Addiction Podcast by Recovery.com, shares her remarkable journey, highlighting that recovery is frequently about addressing underlying issues like grief, loss, abandonment, and trauma. Her experience underscores a vital truth: addiction is a symptom, and true healing involves confronting the root causes.

1. Recognizing the True Nature of Addiction

Tanya’s story begins with an early exposure to alcohol in a home where drinking was normalized. By the age of 11, she experienced intoxication, and at 14, she discovered cannabis, which provided a feeling of solace and belonging she desperately sought. Unlike alcohol, which she associated with her mother’s struggles, cannabis became her preferred escape. This early attachment to substances wasn’t seen as a problem, but rather a coping mechanism for a turbulent childhood marked by abandonment and instability.

For Tanya, drug use was a “reasonable reaction to the life you were living and ways of managing it versus a problem.” This sentiment resonates with many who turn to substances to cope with overwhelming emotions or difficult circumstances. It highlights a critical aspect of addiction: it often serves as a maladaptive coping strategy. Recognizing this distinction—that the substance use is a symptom rather than the sole issue—is a crucial first step in understanding and addressing addiction comprehensively.

2. Unmasking the Illusion of Control

A common thread in addiction narratives is the belief in one’s ability to control substance use, even in the face of escalating negative consequences. Tanya, despite periods of sobriety and academic success, found herself repeatedly returning to drugs. Her intravenous drug use at 17, followed by her brother’s suicide and an abusive relationship, pushed her to a desperate point where she sought to use enough to not wake up. Yet, even after this harrowing experience and facing multiple felony charges, she maintained the illusion of control.

“I still was convinced that I was in, I was in control that I can stop.” This persistent denial is a hallmark of addiction. The brain’s chemistry is altered, making it incredibly difficult to simply stop, despite intentions or external pressures. The belief that one can stop at will often delays seeking professional help, perpetuating the cycle of use. Tanya’s realization that her “brain was hijacked” and she wasn’t truly in control marked a significant shift in her perspective.

3. Embracing the Power of Community and Connection

For many years, Tanya felt isolated in her struggles, believing no one understood her experience. This sense of being alone is a common barrier to recovery. However, a turning point came when she was mandated to treatment and discovered recovery communities like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

“I didn’t even know there was like a whole like community of people in recovery. I felt so alone. I felt really like no one understood. And I went to my first meeting and it was a speaker meeting and it was like that gentleman was telling my story up there.”

This realization that others shared similar experiences provided a profound sense of belonging and hope. Building a “community of support” became a foundational element of Tanya’s long-term recovery. A co-host of the podcast, points out, “The opposite of addiction is connection.” This connection can be found in various forms: mutual support groups, outpatient programs, therapy groups, or through peer support specialists. These communities offer a safe space for sharing, understanding, and mutual encouragement, combating the isolation that often fuels addiction.

4. The Role of Trauma Therapy in Healing

While community support and addressing substance use are vital, Tanya emphasizes the transformative impact of trauma therapy. She began trauma therapy while pregnant with her daughter, a period when she still struggled with active addiction. This concurrent focus on healing past wounds alongside addressing substance use proved to be a powerful combination.

“I’d also started trauma therapy when I was pregnant with my daughter… I think by far that has been the, the biggest contributor to who I am as a person today, as the work that I’ve done in that space.”

Many individuals turn to substances as a way to self-medicate unresolved trauma. Addressing these underlying traumatic experiences through therapy can dismantle the very foundation of addictive behaviors. Trauma-informed care recognizes the profound impact of past experiences on current coping mechanisms and provides strategies for healthy emotional processing and resilience building. This holistic approach is often crucial for sustainable recovery, as it tackles the root causes of distress that might otherwise lead to relapse.

5. Resilience, Perseverance, and Self-Love

Tanya’s journey was not linear. Despite her initial period of sobriety, she experienced a relapse six and a half years into her recovery, triggered by the belief that she could control alcohol. This experience, though painful, ultimately deepened her commitment to sobriety and led her back to residential treatment. It highlights that recovery is a continuous process, and setbacks, while challenging, can also be opportunities for growth and renewed dedication.

Today, Tanya celebrates over 11 years of long-term recovery from all substances. She has built a life filled with “profound and deep and meaningful and loyal and trustworthy” relationships. She has established her first truly “safe space” in her home and dedicates her professional life to supporting others on their recovery journeys as a clinical substance use counselor—a dream she held since childhood.

Her story is a testament to the power of “hard work, perseverance, courage, bravery, accountability.” For those in the depths of despair, Tanya offers a message of profound hope: “You matter. You are enough, you are lovable despite what you are doing because that is just it, it’s actions. It’s not who you are.” This message of self-love and inherent worth is often lost in the grips of addiction but is fundamental to reclaiming one’s life.

6. Inspiring Hope and Reducing Stigma

Tanya’s willingness to share her story publicly contributes significantly to reducing the stigma associated with addiction and recovery. By “recovering out loud and proud,” she helps to illuminate the commonalities in human struggles and foster a more compassionate understanding of addiction.

“I think the stigma is reducing. We still have a long ways to go, but I think the more that we recover out loud and proud and talk about, you know, our struggles and bring more stuff into the light and out of the darkness, um, the more healed communities that we do have, because we will see that we have many more similarities than we do differences.”

Her journey exemplifies that recovery is not just about abstaining from substances but about profound personal transformation and building a life of meaning and purpose. By sharing these stories, individuals like Tanya offer a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even from the darkest places, a remarkable life is possible.

Finding Your Path to Recovery

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, remember that hope is within reach.

Recovery.com: Offers a comprehensive directory of treatment centers and resources.

Recovery is a deeply personal journey, but you don’t have to walk it alone. As Tanya’s story powerfully illustrates, with resilience, support, and a commitment to healing, a life of profound joy and self-love is not just a dream, but a tangible reality.

What step will you take today to begin or continue your journey towards recovery and a more fulfilling life?

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Beyond the Game: How Montee Ball Found Purpose in Recovery After the Roar of the Crowd

The intoxicating roar of a stadium, the adrenaline of competition, the unwavering devotion of fans — for many athletes, this is the pinnacle of existence. Yet, what happens when the cheers fade, the spotlight dims, and a different kind of silence sets in? For Montee Ball, a former NFL running back and Wisconsin Badger legend, the transition from gridiron glory to everyday life brought with it unexpected challenges, particularly a burgeoning struggle with alcohol. His story offers a powerful glimpse into the psychological and emotional landscape of athletes grappling with identity, purpose, and the unforeseen chemical dependencies that can emerge when the high of the game is no longer a constant.

“When you have 80, 90,000 people screaming your name and that high that you get,” Ball reflects, “that’s not gonna be forever.” This profound truth underscores a critical, often overlooked aspect of athletic careers: the intense dopamine rush and the unique chemical dependencies that can develop from sustained high-performance environments. When these external sources of validation and excitement are removed, individuals may find themselves adrift, seeking familiar highs in unhealthy ways. For Ball, this void was filled by alcohol, which he initially believed would “help me loosen up, something that would help me to get that high again.”

Understanding the Athlete’s High: Dopamine and the Desire for More

The life of a high-level athlete is characterized by intense physical exertion, rigorous training, and moments of profound triumph. These experiences trigger significant releases of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation, and reward. For athletes like Montee Ball, the constant pursuit of victory and the adulation of thousands of fans create a unique neurological landscape. The brain becomes accustomed to these heightened levels of dopamine, and when the external stimuli (the game, the crowd) are removed, a chemical void can emerge.

This isn’t merely about missing the thrill; it’s a physiological adjustment. The brain, seeking to restore its accustomed levels of dopamine, may drive individuals towards other sources of intense pleasure, whether that be substance use, gambling, or other high-risk behaviors. As Ball eloquently puts it, “How are you going to manage these chemical dependencies that are gonna come about, of course, right? With this release of dopamine, these happy hormones, like how are you going to manage that as well? Because that’s not gonna be forever.” This highlights a critical need for proactive preparation and education for athletes, recognizing that their brains are being conditioned in unique ways by their profession.

The Influence of Culture: When Partying Becomes the Norm

Montee Ball’s collegiate experience at the University of Wisconsin-Madison vividly illustrates how environmental factors can contribute to the development of substance use issues. Madison, known for its vibrant football culture and enthusiastic tailgating, presented a stark “cultural shock” for Ball, who hailed from a smaller town in Missouri. The pervasive drinking culture, where early morning celebrations extend late into the night, created an environment where excessive alcohol consumption was not just tolerated but often celebrated.

“Football is really gassed up around here… we really enjoy like football, tailgates, UW Badgers, but like we also kind of reward the, like, starting drinking at like 8:00 AM and going until 3:00 AM,” notes the Recoverycast co-host. This normalization of heavy drinking, coupled with the pedestalized status of athletes, can create a dangerous illusion. When an athlete is viewed as a “poster child” and given preferential treatment, it can be incredibly difficult to recognize and address a developing problem. The constant adulation and access to social settings where drinking is central can obscure the line between recreational use and dependency. This environment, while seemingly celebratory, can inadvertently foster unhealthy coping mechanisms.

The Weight of Expectations: Societal, Familial, and Personal Pressures

Beyond the cultural backdrop, athletes often face immense pressure from various sources. Societal expectations demand peak performance and an idealized public image. Familial pressures can involve upholding a legacy or providing financial support. For Montee Ball, being a “poster child for a wonderful football club” meant constantly striving for perfection, both on and off the field. These pressures, combined with the physical toll of the sport, can create a breeding ground for depression and anxiety.

Ball admits, “I was not prepared for these pressures that were coming along. And of course, alcohol was there for my cure as I believed.” This underscores a common pattern: when individuals lack healthy coping mechanisms for stress and emotional distress, they may turn to substances as a perceived solution. Alcohol, in this context, becomes a temporary escape from the weight of expectations, offering a fleeting sense of relief or emotional numbness. This reliance, however, only serves to deepen the underlying issues.

The Stigma of Silence: Why Athletes Don’t Ask for Help

One of the most significant barriers to recovery for athletes is the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health and substance use. The “macho” culture often prevalent in sports discourages vulnerability and the expression of emotions. Athletes are conditioned to project an image of strength, resilience, and invincibility. Admitting to a struggle, whether with mental health or addiction, can feel like a sign of weakness, potentially jeopardizing their career, reputation, or standing within their team.

Ball describes his internal struggle when a coach and teammate asked if he was struggling: “I do wish that I, you know, felt empowered to say that I’m struggling, that I need help, that I, I would love a little bit of advice.” The fear of being perceived as less capable or of losing one’s position on the team can lead to silence and denial. This stigma, as Ball notes, is “still quite the monster that’s keeping a lot of people silent… keeping the snowball going.” The perception that showing weakness will lead to negative consequences often outweighs the desperate need for support. This is particularly true for athletes, where their livelihood and identity are so intertwined with their physical and mental fortitude.

The Illusion of Connection: Feeling Alone in a Crowd

Despite being surrounded by thousands of cheering fans and a constant entourage of teammates and friends, athletes can experience profound feelings of isolation and loneliness. This paradox is a common theme in the stories of those grappling with mental health challenges and addiction. Montee Ball vividly articulates this feeling: “I can guarantee you that Chris [Farley’s brother] probably shared with you that there are many moments in his life where he had multiple bodies around him that knew him and that were calling him a friend, but he had no idea who they truly were.”

The superficiality of these relationships, often transactional and dependent on the athlete’s performance or status, leaves a deep emotional void. The constant need to “put on this act” and maintain a public persona can prevent genuine connection and vulnerability. The co-host shares a similar experience: “There is nothing scarier than being surrounded by people and feeling like you wanna cry because you’re, I’ve never felt so alone right now.” This intense emotional pain drives individuals to seek solace in external sources, often exacerbating the problem.

The Generational Gap: Learning to Open the Door to Emotions

Montee Ball’s upbringing in a “very wonderful household” with “very stoic” parents highlights a generational pattern in emotional expression. Many individuals, particularly men, grow up in environments where talking about feelings is not actively encouraged or modeled. Ball describes this experience: “No one locked the door, but nobody showed me how to open it. Or told me that it there was an option to open this door.” This lack of emotional literacy can lead to internalization of struggles, making it difficult to process complex emotions and seek help.

This “father playbook,” as one host describes it, often passes down a stoic approach to life that may no longer be applicable in modern society. When individuals are not equipped with the tools to navigate their emotional landscape, they become susceptible to self-sabotage and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Breaking this generational cycle requires conscious effort to create spaces for vulnerability and to teach emotional intelligence.

Hitting Rock Bottom: The Catalyst for Change

For many, the journey to recovery begins with a profound low point, a moment of reckoning that forces a re-evaluation of one’s life. For Montee Ball, this came in February 2016, when he landed in jail after a period of heavy intoxication and unkind behavior towards those around him. The irony of watching the Broncos win the Super Bowl from a jail cell, just months after being released by the team, served as a painful yet powerful catalyst.

“There was so much built up anger,” Ball recalls, reflecting on the experience. While undoubtedly a difficult period, he acknowledges it was “one that I needed for sure.” This moment of profound loss and humiliation forced him to confront the consequences of his actions and the depth of his addiction. It stripped away the last vestiges of his old identity and opened the door to a new path.

The Power of New Beginnings: Fatherhood as a Turning Point

While rock bottom can be a powerful motivator, the sustained commitment to recovery often stems from a deeper sense of purpose. For Montee Ball, the unexpected news of his son’s impending birth, just two weeks after his release from jail, served as a profound turning point. “When he was born, of course it was a, I will never touch this bottle again… He will never experience or ever see a drunk dad.”

This powerful resolve, fueled by the desire to be a present and healthy father, provided a compelling reason to embrace the arduous journey of recovery. While the initial spark came from his son, Ball emphasizes a crucial truth of recovery: “You have to do it for yourself first. You deserve it first more than anyone.” This highlights the dual nature of motivation in recovery: external motivators can initiate the process, but sustained recovery requires an internal commitment to self-worth and healing.

The Work of Recovery: Therapy, Meditation, and Self-Reflection

Recovery is not a passive process; it demands consistent effort and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. Montee Ball fully embraced this commitment, opting for intensive outpatient treatments and individual therapy, accumulating “over a hundred plus hours of therapy.” His journey of self-discovery led him to invaluable tools for managing his impulses and finding inner peace.

One of the key takeaways for Ball was the practice of meditation, not in the stereotypical sense, but as a deliberate act of creating “a space for yourself… to self-reflect.” For someone who described himself as “such an impulsive human being prior to even drinking,” learning to “widen that space before you respond” was transformative. This practice of pausing, reflecting, and choosing a thoughtful response rather than reacting impulsively is a cornerstone of emotional regulation and personal growth.

Therapy, for Ball, was not solely about addressing alcohol use; it was about confronting underlying issues, particularly his “relationship with yourself.” This often overlooked aspect of healing is crucial. While substance use disorder may manifest with outward symptoms, the deeper work involves addressing the emotional and psychological roots of the problem. As one host notes, “You can heal the body from substance use disorder, but to heal the soul… from with the mental health of it, that’s a different animal altogether.”

Breaking Down Barriers: The Need for Diverse Therapists

Montee Ball’s experience highlights a critical disparity in mental healthcare: the lack of black and brown therapists. When he sought professional help, he initially looked for a therapist he could “somewhat relate to on… the cultural aspect” but struggled to find one. This underscores the importance of cultural competence in therapy. Individuals from marginalized communities may face additional hurdles in seeking help due to historical mistrust, cultural norms, and a lack of therapists who understand their unique experiences.

“We need more black therapists, black and brown therapists,” Ball asserts. This call for increased diversity in the mental health profession is vital to ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds feel comfortable and understood when seeking support. When therapists share similar lived experiences, it can foster a deeper sense of trust and facilitate more effective healing.

Redefining Identity and Finding Purpose Beyond the Game

Montee Ball’s journey is a powerful testament to the possibility of redefining identity and finding purpose beyond a singular, celebrated role. His willingness to speak openly about his struggles with alcoholism and mental health, transforming his platform into a force for good, demonstrates a profound shift in priorities. He now travels the country speaking to students, athletes, and communities, advocating for vulnerability, seeking help, and choosing a new path.

This transition from athlete to advocate is not merely a career change; it’s a redefinition of self. The “inner reflection” and “peace” found through therapy and self-work enabled him to “give up one identity to get to the next place.” This new identity is rooted in authenticity, service, and a deeper understanding of self. It exemplifies the transformative power of recovery and the potential for individuals to leverage their past experiences to inspire and uplift others.

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Johnny’s Journey: 12 Insights on Healing from Suicidality and Rock Bottom

Growing up, Johnny experienced persistent anxiety, but early attempts at therapy didn’t resonate. Depression took hold in high school, escalating in college to a point of paralyzing hopelessness. His days became a blur of missed classes, work, and a desperate reliance on drugs and alcohol to numb the pain. Blackouts became frequent as he sought oblivion from the torment of simply existing. “I was really just not enjoying um, just being alive like every day was, was painful,” Johnny recalled. Self-hatred consumed him, leading to dark thoughts and even a suicide note.

Behind a carefully constructed facade of intoxication, Johnny hid his struggles. Friends remained unaware of the internal battle raging within. “Because I would use all the substances to pretend like everything was okay,” he explained. His escapes involved alcohol, cocaine, and occasionally other substances, each night a fleeting attempt to find a “fun,” pain-free experience, only to be followed by the harsh realities of memory loss and regret. The transition from casual use to a desperate need for escape was subtle but significant. “And I don’t think there’s any like healthy way to do drugs, but I definitely like, I guess the mindset changed from…oh, let’s party kind of way to let me just like escape for a little bit. I need to do this,” Johnny realized.

The turning point came during a night of intense despair in his fraternity house. Confessing his suicidal thoughts to his parents over the phone prompted their immediate intervention. Their worry and subsequent arrival became the catalyst for change, overriding the bleak thought that his absence wouldn’t matter. “I had come to a point where I was thinking like  everybody in my life would be able to get over me killing myself, I guess. but I was just struggling with feeling like my mom couldn’t get over it. And then seeing her the next day kind of like cemented that, you know, I would not wanna leave her like broken like that.” His initial approach to seeking help was a last resort, a fragile hope in the darkness. “I gave recovery a shot. If I can fix my IBS and fix my depression and suicidality, then great. And if not, I can just take my life afterwards.”

Navigating the vastness of the internet in search of help for mental health and substance use felt like an insurmountable task for Johnny. The sheer volume of information was paralyzing, making it difficult to know where to begin. However, discovering Recovery.com provided a much-needed sense of clarity and direction. This platform offered a structured approach to finding treatment options, categorizing facilities and providing comprehensive information, reviews, and resources in one accessible place. This streamlined process transformed the overwhelming search into a manageable step towards finding help.

2. The Importance of Comprehensive and Individualized Care

Johnny’s struggles extended beyond substance abuse, encompassing depression, anxiety, and even gambling issues. Therefore, finding a treatment center that offered a holistic approach was crucial. Recovery.com facilitated this by allowing him to identify facilities that addressed a range of co-occurring disorders. This ensured that he wouldn’t feel like an outlier and that his specific needs would be met, paving the way for more effective and meaningful treatment.

3. The Calming Influence of Shared Experiences

The fear of the unknown surrounding treatment was significant for Johnny. However, a conversation with someone who had previously attended the facility he was considering helped to alleviate some of his anxieties. Hearing firsthand about their experiences provided a sense of reassurance and demystified the process. This highlights the profound impact that sharing personal stories can have in offering hope and guidance to those contemplating seeking help.

4. Johnny’s Gradual Integration into a Supportive Community

Entering treatment felt like stepping into an unfamiliar world for Johnny. Adjusting to the structured environment and connecting with strangers took time. The initial days were marked by a sense of disorientation. However, the gradual integration into the recovery community proved to be a pivotal aspect of his healing journey. The shared experiences and mutual support fostered a sense of belonging and understanding that countered the isolation he had previously felt.

5. The Unexpected Bonds of Resident-Led Support

While the formal treatment program was essential, the informal support networks within the facility also played a significant role for Johnny. The resident-run AA group created a strong sense of camaraderie and provided an additional layer of support and understanding. This highlights the power of peer-to-peer connections in fostering a sense of community and shared recovery.

6. Breaking Free from the Grip of Isolation

Both depression and substance use thrive in isolation, reinforcing negative self-perceptions. Connecting with others in recovery who had experienced similar struggles shattered the illusion of being alone in his pain. Witnessing their vulnerability and resilience offered a powerful message of hope and the possibility of recovery for Johnny.

7. The Profound Impact of Empathy and Shared Humanity

Sharing space with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different struggles fostered a deep sense of empathy and connection for Johnny. Hearing their stories and witnessing their strength in the face of adversity broadened his perspective and reinforced the understanding that despite our differences, we share a common human experience marked by both pain and the capacity for healing.

8. Shifting from Escape to Healthy Engagement

Johnny’s substance use had been a maladaptive coping mechanism, a way to escape emotional pain. As he addressed the underlying issues in therapy and developed healthier coping strategies, his relationship with substances shifted. The intense craving for escape diminished, allowing for a more balanced and conscious approach to social situations involving alcohol.

9. Addressing Root Causes for Lasting Healing

Treatment provided the crucial opportunity for Johnny to delve into past traumas and experiences that had contributed to his mental health struggles. By processing these experiences with the guidance of a therapist, he began to understand the origins of his pain and develop healthier ways of coping. This focus on addressing the root causes, rather than just the symptoms, is essential for long-term healing and well-being.

10. Cultivating Purpose as a Foundation for Recovery

Finding a sense of purpose and meaning in life became an integral part of Johnny’s recovery. Identifying activities, relationships, and passions that brought joy and fulfillment provided a positive focus and a reason to move forward. This emphasis on creating a life worth living is a vital component of sustained recovery.

11. The Importance of Aftercare Planning

Recognizing that recovery is an ongoing process, the treatment program emphasized the significance of aftercare planning for Johnny. Developing a concrete plan for therapy, support groups, and healthy lifestyle choices provided a sense of direction and helped to mitigate the anxiety of returning to everyday life. This proactive approach increases the likelihood of sustained recovery and continued growth.

12. Embracing a Holistic Path to Well-being

Ultimately, Johnny’s journey to recovery involved a holistic approach that addressed the interconnectedness of his mental health, substance use, and overall well-being. By addressing past traumas, developing coping skills, building a supportive community, and cultivating a sense of purpose, he began to move from a place of despair towards hope and healing. This comprehensive approach underscores the complexity of recovery and the importance of addressing all aspects of an individual’s life.

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Kristina Padilla’s Path to Owning Their Recovery Story

Kristina Padilla, an indigenous queer leader and fierce advocate for recovery, mental health, and the LGBTQIA2+ communities, shares their powerful journey on Recoverycast. Their story is one of resilience, identity, and ultimately, the freedom that comes from fully owning one’s narrative. This is a story of overcoming addiction, gang involvement, and abuse to find a path of leadership and helping others.

Early Exposure and the Search for Belonging

Kristina’s early life was marked by exposure to alcohol and a search for belonging that led them down a dangerous path. “All I know is he would come pick me up and in between his legs he’d have his Coors beer,” Kristina recalls, describing their father’s alcoholism. This early exposure, coupled with their parents’ busy work lives, left Kristina feeling bored and seeking connection elsewhere. “Nobody had any time for a little Kristina, and so little Kristina found belonging in gangs, found belonging in drugs.”

This search for belonging led to early experimentation with drugs. At 14, Kristina was introduced to cocaine and then crank, which quickly took hold. “It was there for me whenever I needed it,” they explain, highlighting the allure of drugs as a substitute for the connection they craved.

Gang Involvement and a Double Life

Kristina’s involvement with gangs started at a young age. This involvement wasn’t just about drugs; it was about finding a place to belong. “I was excited because not only was it being introduced to me, but it was like part of the gangs were introduced, and this was just like, wow, this is interesting,” Kristina says.

The gang life became a significant part of their identity, leading to a double life. While their family worked hard, Kristina was drawn to the streets, engaging in risky and dangerous behavior. This period was marked by a constant search for something that felt missing, a void that drugs and gang affiliation temporarily filled.

The Turning Points: Overdose and Abuse

Kristina’s journey to recovery wasn’t a straight line. It was marked by two significant turning points. The first was an overdose, a stark wake-up call that, while initially didn’t lead to immediate change, planted a seed. The second, and more decisive, turning point came from an abusive relationship. “She stabs me with a screwdriver,” Kristina recounts, describing the violence they endured. This moment of intense physical and emotional pain served as a catalyst for change.

A Mother’s Unwavering Support

Throughout Kristina’s struggles, their mother remained a constant source of support. Even during the darkest times, their mother’s love and determination to help shone through. After the violent incident, Kristina finally reached a breaking point. “I woke up the next day and I said, you know what, mom, if you take me right now, I’ll go. You gotta take me right now.” This plea marked a turning point, and their mother acted immediately.

This unconditional love played a crucial role in Kristina’s journey. Despite the pain and frustration, their mother never gave up hope, providing the support needed to finally seek help.

Entering Treatment and Facing the Past

Entering treatment was a daunting step. Still under the influence, Kristina faced the reality of their addiction and the long road to recovery. This highlights the challenges of early recovery, including the physical and emotional toll of detoxing.

Treatment provided a space for Kristina to confront their past, including the trauma of sexual abuse and the cycle of violence they had been trapped in. It was a time of immense vulnerability and a crucial step towards healing.

Finding Strength in Recovery

Recovery wasn’t just about abstaining from drugs; it was about reclaiming their life and finding a new identity. Kristina’s story is a testament to the transformative power of recovery. They went from leading a gang to becoming a leader in their community, using their experiences to help others.

Kristina’s journey highlights the importance of recognizing the potential for change in individuals who have been written off by society. They are now using their skills and experiences in a positive way, demonstrating that recovery is possible and that past mistakes don’t define a person’s future.

From Gang Leader to Community Leader

Kristina’s story is one of transformation. They channeled the leadership skills they developed in the gang into a force for good. “Basically, I was already a business development rep,” Kristina reflects, recognizing how their past experiences, even the negative ones, contributed to their current abilities.

This transition from gang leader to community leader demonstrates the power of recovery and the potential for individuals to redirect their lives in meaningful ways. It’s a message of hope and a challenge to societal stigmas surrounding addiction and recovery.

The Importance of Seeing Transformation

Kristina powerfully addresses the often narrow and stigmatized view of addiction. “I think a lot of times people look at addicts and alcoholics and any other kind of addiction, you know, they think about somebody with heroin needles in their arms. Or when it could be medical doctors that are popping pills. Mm-hmm. And nobody’s seen that.” This quote challenges the common stereotypes and highlights the diverse faces of addiction, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the humanity and potential for recovery in everyone.

Unconditional Love and a New Path

Kristina’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of unconditional love and support in the recovery process. Their mother’s unwavering belief in them, even during the darkest times, played a crucial role in their journey.

This narrative underscores the transformative power of human connection and the potential for individuals to find a new path, even after years of struggle. Kristina’s story is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that recovery is possible and that a brighter future awaits those who seek it.