connecticut community for addiction recovery

Journey through Recovery: A Conversation with Dr. Rick Davila In this podcast episode, Dr. Rick Davila shares his personal journey with recovery from alcohol addiction which started in October 1966, when he was only seven years old. He shares about his transformative years, the importance of 12-step recovery programs and his strong emphasis on AA meetings for his recovery. Davila explains his experience of transitioning from a troubled adolescent, a military stint and his struggle with heavy alcoholism to becoming a recovery coach. Despite his struggles, he emphasizes his commitment to helping others battling with addiction. He reflects upon the evolution of alcohol and drug rehabilitation treatment, and the emergence of multiple pathways to recovery beyond the traditional 12 step programs. Finally, he expresses his view on maintaining daily recovery wellness and his continued commitment to assisting others on their path to recovery. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation 00:05 Dr. Rick Davila's Early Life and Recovery Journey 01:13 Military Service and Struggles with Alcohol 02:33 Discovering Alcoholics Anonymous and Recovery Culture 04:04 The Struggles and Challenges of Early Recovery 07:27 Transition into the Field of Helping Others 08:14 The Impact of Ego and Power in Recovery 10:36 Returning to the Field and Overcoming Challenges 16:19 Maintaining Recovery and Giving Back to the Community 16:51 Reflections on Multiple Pathways to Recovery 20:17 Closing Remarks and Reflections

In this episode of the Recovery Matters Podcast, host Phil interviews Randy Anderson, a person living in long-term recovery since January 9, 2005. Randy is also a recovery coach and the founder of Bold North Recovery. The episode delves into Randy's journey from addiction to recovery, highlighting the significant role that law enforcement intervention played in his life. Randy shares a pivotal moment in his treatment when a counselor's challenging words ignited his determination to recover. Randy also discusses his advocacy work, particularly in the realm of drug sentencing reform. He emphasizes the racial disparities in the criminal justice system and calls for more people in recovery to get politically involved. Randy believes that the only way to bring about meaningful change is for people in recovery to have a seat at every table, or better yet, to build their own table for others to join. The episode serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of recovery and the importance of advocacy in effecting systemic change.

Nicole, a dedicated recovery coach, and advocate, shares her transformative journey through addiction, recovery, and becoming a guiding force in the lives of others. Nicole's story begins with her struggles with substance use, which led to an eventual realization of her need for change. With determination and support, she embarked on a path of recovery, facing challenges and rebuilding trust with her children along the way. Nicole's dedication to mental health and the holistic aspects of recovery is evident throughout her narrative. She emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health simultaneously with substance use treatment, sharing how she integrated coping skills and structure into her parenting style. Her commitment to her own recovery and helping others eventually led her to become a recovery coach, a role she wholeheartedly embraced. Through her coaching work, Nicole witnessed the power of mentorship and building a support system in the recovery process. She highlights the transformative impact of coaching, describing the satisfaction of seeing individuals experience relief from the grip of addiction. Nicole also discusses the significance of finding a spiritual path that resonates personally, as well as the integration of holistic modalities like reiki, meditation, and essential oils to support well-being in recovery. Nicole's story underscores the importance of perseverance, community, and embracing one's passions in the recovery journey. From battling addiction to becoming a recovery coach, she exemplifies the potential for personal growth and positive change when one commits to a life of sobriety and helping others.

Corri, a harm reduction advocate, shares her journey of personal recovery from substance use and self-destructive behaviors. They discuss their role as the manager of drug user health at Nastad, a nonprofit organization focusing on harm reduction. Corri explains that Nastad operates a Technical Assistance Center for Harm Reduction, providing resources and training to support harm reduction practices for various organizations and individuals. They introduce harm reduction strategies like syringe exchange programs and safe consumption sites. Syringe exchange programs allow individuals to safely dispose of used syringes and obtain sterile ones, reducing the spread of infectious diseases and encouraging treatment. Safe consumption sites provide supervised spaces for substance use, with medical professionals present to prevent overdoses and offer resources. Phil inquires about the arguments against safe consumption sites, to which Corri emphasizes the importance of compassion and support over shame and stigma. They believe that meeting individuals where they are and providing a nonjudgmental environment can make a significant positive impact. Corri opens up about her personal recovery journey, their struggles with opioid use, and other self-destructive behaviors. They found recovery through therapy, community support, and engaging in creative activities such as yoga, aerial arts, and art journaling. Corri is open about occasional recreational substance use like marijuana and wine, which they view within a harm reduction context. They discuss their upcoming presentation at the Multiple Pathways to Recovery conference in August, where they plans to delve into harm reduction principles and how they can be incorporated into different practices. Throughout the conversation, Corri emphasizes the importance of harm reduction as a way to provide support, compassion, and resources to individuals struggling with substance use and promote their overall well-being.

Ted Perkins is a former Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Studio executive, university lecturer, public speaker, Hollywood producer, virtual reality entrepreneur, and successful working film and TV series screenwriter. He volunteers his time as an addiction and recovery YouTube personality, sobriety mentor, and has helped thousands of people on their recovery journey through his essays, videos and weekly SMART Recovery meetings. He is the author of ADDICTED in FILM: Movies We Love About the Habits We Hate and Founder/CEO of the new mutual support meeting format Recovery Movie Meet-Ups. Perkins has lived and worked in over 50 countries, and now resides in Los Angeles.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Cassandra Dorius and hosts Phil & Sandy discuss the importance of community and evidence-based practices in recovery from addiction. Dr. Dorius, who lost her brother to alcoholism, shares her personal experiences with addiction and recovery, and her work in establishing Recovery Community Centers (RCCs) in Iowa. She emphasizes the importance of creating welcoming spaces for people in recovery, and the need for flexibility and adaptability in providing support. They also discuss the impact of substance use disorders and recovery on individuals, families, and communities. They talk about the importance of considering the entire community around a person with a substance use disorder, and the ripple effects it can have on others. They also touch on the idea of recovery being contagious and how it strengthens communities. The conversation then moves on to the topic of evidence-based practices. Dr. Dorius raises the question of whether the term "evidence-based practice" has become somewhat of a throwaway phrase, and people use it without fully understanding or having actual evidence to back it up. She emphasizes the importance of being skeptical and critical of research and data, while also acknowledging the need for good governance and making decisions based on both data and common sense. Finally, the speakers touch on the impact of technology and the pandemic on young people and their need for self-medicating at younger ages. They emphasize the need to adapt interventions and practices to suit the current generation's unique challenges. This podcast episode provides a valuable overview of the complex and multifaceted nature of recovery work. It highlights the importance of community, evidence-based practices, and being mindful and adaptable in helping individuals on their recovery journey. For everything Recovery Matters Podcast, visit https://linktr.ee/recoverymatters

Taylor's story begins with her early exposure to alcohol and its social allure, leading her into a tumultuous world of partying and experimentation with drugs. As she delves into her twenties, she finds herself spiraling into codependent and abusive relationships. Despite attempts to pursue education, her life seems fragmented and lacking stability. However, amidst the chaos, Taylor's determination shines through as she takes the brave step of seeking therapy. Her therapist becomes a guiding light, helping her to unravel the complexities of her past and navigate her emotions. Taylor's journey into self-awareness and healing unfolds, setting the foundation for her recovery path. Taylor's path to recovery takes her through AA meetings and intensive outpatient programs. She shares her experiences of leveling up her drinking habits, experimenting with substances, and finally acknowledging her powerlessness over alcohol. Her dedication to therapy and AA meetings empowers her to confront her past, heal from traumas, and find a renewed sense of self-worth. As her life takes a positive turn, Taylor realizes the importance of staying connected to people in recovery, her sponsor, and supportive friends. Her spiritual condition evolves, finding solace in prayers and embracing a unique and personal relationship with a higher power. Taylor's recovery journey is further enriched by her newfound role as a mother, where she discovers the significance of faith and letting go of fears.

As a recovery coach with over six years of sobriety, Sonia Kahlon shares her personal struggles with addiction and how she found her path to healing.   Originally from Toronto, Canada, Sonia has been living in the States for 25 years. She reflects on her early experiences attending non-12-step meetings, where she initially felt disconnected from the recovery community.   Growing up as the only Indian kid in a predominantly white school, Sonia always felt like she didn't fit in, a common experience for many individuals who turn to addiction. Alcohol was introduced to her at a young age, and she vividly recalls the void it filled in her life, temporarily alleviating anxiety and discomfort. Over time, alcohol became both a social lubricant and a coping mechanism, leading to a decade-long battle with binge drinking.   Sonia's drinking escalated when she started a business after college, using alcohol to escape the pressures of work. This took a toll on her mental and physical well-being, resulting in sleepless nights and constant hangovers. Although she acknowledged the problem a few years before quitting, Sonia struggled to imagine a life without alcohol and feared missing out on experiences.   However, Sonia's perspective began to shift when she explored new interests and hobbies that she had neglected during her drinking years. By selling her business and working with incarcerated individuals and victims of sex trafficking, she discovered fulfillment in serving others. Embracing her curiosity, she reignited her passion for art and writing, using these creative outlets to express her journey of sobriety. Despite her ex-husband's lack of support, Sonia found strength and the encouragement to seek recovery on her own.   Throughout the episode, Sonia addresses the challenges she faced when her ex-husband questioned her sobriety and blamed it for their relationship issues. She recognized that his criticisms stemmed from his discomfort with her new identity as a sober person. Despite the pain caused by their breakup, Sonia firmly believes that her recovery and sobriety were not the problem. She acknowledges the transformative power of recovery in her personal growth and finding her true purpose—helping other high-functioning addicts who may struggle to identify with traditional notions of addiction. https://www.joineverblume.com/ Instagram: @joineverblume Facebook: @everblume TikTok: @EverBlume Twitter: @everblume

In this episode of the Recovery Matters Podcast, our guest Katrina opens up about her journey, starting from a young age. Growing up in a chaotic and dysfunctional household, Katrina felt invisible, yearning to be seen and heard. She found solace in substances, which initially numbed her inner demons and provided a sense of belonging. As she delves into her story, Katrina reflects on her early experiences with alcohol at the age of 11, a pivotal moment that awakened something within her. Seeking comfort and an escape from her pain, she turned to alcohol, weed, pills, and eventually more potent substances. Katrina's childhood was marked by the absence of parental guidance, as her parents divorced when she was in the third grade. Her mother struggled with alcohol addiction, while her father drank heavily. With little supervision, Katrina and her siblings navigated their upbringing independently, forming a tight-knit bond amidst the challenges they faced. Financial struggles were a constant, and the lack of parental presence left Katrina feeling unprotected and yearning for stability. Our hosts, Sandy and Phil, draw parallels from their own experiences, relating to how substances became their armor against social anxiety and allowed them to navigate the world. Despite their different backgrounds, they share the common thread of seeking solace through substance use. Sandy and Phil explore Katrina's feelings of invisibility and her ability to live in the shadows, unraveling her need for recognition and acceptance. Katrina's anger in middle school was an expression of her pent-up emotions, a manifestation of her feeling invisible and unheard. She adopted a tough persona, pushing people away and embracing a "don't care" attitude. This led to confrontations and bouts of bullying, although Katrina herself admits that she was not a skilled fighter. As the conversation progresses, Katrina's vulnerability shines through, and she reflects on her past with a mix of remorse and understanding. Through sharing her story, she aims to shed light on the complexities of addiction and the underlying pain that often drives it. Join us for this heartfelt conversation as Katrina courageously shares her journey, highlighting the power of resilience and the hope of recovery.

In this gripping podcast episode, we meet Tiffany, a 33-year-old hospital patient with a harrowing journey of addiction and resilience. Tiffany shares her story, beginning with her troubled childhood, marked by strict parenting and sexual abuse. Seeking solace outside her home, she turned to drugs and joined a gang at the age of 16. As Tiffany's drug use escalated, she experimented with various substances, including cocaine and opioids. Unaware of the risks and dangers, she became dependent on prescription medication, leading her down a destructive path. Eventually, she turned to heroin, engaging in prostitution and engaging in risky behaviors to sustain her addiction. Tiffany's life took a tragic turn when she witnessed her friend being murdered while trying to protect her. Despite this traumatic event, Tiffany couldn't break free from her addiction. Her desperation led her into a dangerous encounter where she narrowly escaped being killed herself. After countless encounters with law enforcement, hospital visits, and failed attempts at getting clean, Tiffany finally reached a turning point. On June 12th, 2022, she found herself in the hospital with a heart infection caused by drug use. This incident, coupled with her immense suffering, motivated her to seek a way out. Although Tiffany's journey is filled with darkness and despair, her story ultimately carries a message of hope and transformation. Join us as we explore Tiffany's path to recovery, her battles with mental health issues, and her quest for redemption amidst the grips of addiction. Through her raw and honest account, Tiffany sheds light on the complex nature of addiction, the depths of despair it can lead to, and the resilience and strength required to reclaim one's life. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, understanding, and support in helping individuals break free from the cycle of addiction.

Prepare to be inspired as Shaun Weiss, renowned for his role as Greg Goldberg in The Mighty Ducks, joins Phil and Sandy on an episode of the captivating Recovery Matters podcast. Shaun's story is one of resilience, as he not only triumphed over addiction but also overcame homelessness and the challenges of life on the streets. Throughout this engaging conversation, he shares his path to recovery and how he continues to nurture his well-being today. Initially perplexed by the inspiration others drew from his story, he persevered in sharing it, only truly understanding its significance after encountering Matthew Perry's transformative narrative. Fueled by this newfound understanding, Shaun aspires to be the beacon of hope that Perry was to him, guiding others toward recovery. Shaun's story is one of triumph over adversity. Today, he cherishes his recovery and diligently cares for it. Prepare to be moved by Shaun's captivating tale of redemption and resilience. Join the Recovery Matters podcast to witness firsthand the indomitable spirit of someone who has reclaimed their life.

Chelsea grew up in a religious part of the South United States. After graduating from high school, she moved out of her parents' house and began partying, smoking weed and eventually trying drugs like ecstasy and crystal meth. She thought she was just having a good time with everyone else, but quickly realized that her substance use had become an addiction. Chelsea began to experience sleep deprivation as a result of her drug use. She would stay up for days at a time, and when she finally did sleep, she would only get a few hours. This sleep deprivation had a profound impact on her mental health. She began to experience delusions, paranoia, and hallucinations. She also became increasingly irritable and aggressive. Chelsea's family eventually intervened and took her to treatment. She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and addiction, and she began a long and difficult journey to recovery. She has been sober for over 10 years, and she is now a vocal advocate for mental health awareness.

Ryan Sims, a Department of Corrections Recovery Coach, discusses his difficult childhood experience, including his mother's drug addiction and molestation, and his early experiences with drinking and smoking, which eventually led to his first time in prison. He also reflects on finding acceptance and identity while incarcerated, his journey of recovery and self-acceptance, and how his life changed after finding recovery through a recovery coach. As a former member of a well known biker gang, he reflects on his violent past experiences and how he found redemption through recovery.

"Visions" is a moving play that tackles substance use and recovery through depicting the journey of addiction and the awakening of individuals to their problem, leading them to seek help and join Twelve Step programs. The play has reached tens of thousands of people, with the troupe performing in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, shelters, youth houses, and correction centers, where they use the powerful medium of theater to educate about addiction and show that recovery is possible. The play has also been presented to churches, schools, and communities, usually with no fee, except for raising money for charitable organizations. The cast and crew have formed a not-for-profit organization, Visions Recovery Inc, dedicated to substance use prevention and recovery education. Bob L., the author, producer/director, initially penned the images in his head during breaks on his job in an automotive plant, and after facing initial rejection from community theaters, he sought help from friends and acquaintances to form a cast. The play has won several awards for community service and volunteerism, including the State of New Jersey Governor's Volunteer Award in the Arts and Humanities and the Presidential Points of Light Award.

In this episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, Rob Decker of Rise as Lions shares his personal experience with trauma and addiction, emphasizing the importance of bringing traumas to light without judgment or shame. He recalls his own journey of recovery and the moment of clarity that led him to turn his life around. Rob discusses the reality of sobriety and how it involves ongoing work and mindfulness. He explains that his own childhood experiences of rejection, neglect, isolation, and abandonment had hindered his emotional development and led to his self-medication with drugs and alcohol. The speaker also shares the traumatic events from his childhood, including being told his father wasn't his real dad and being molested at a young age. Despite these challenges, the speaker is committed to helping others navigate their own traumas and learn to love themselves instead of turning to self-medication. This honest and candid conversation highlights the importance of ongoing healing and growth in the recovery journey.

Recovery Matters Podcast host Phil Valentine is interviewed as shares his personal experiences with addiction and recovery. From growing up in Manchester, Connecticut to the impact of alcohol and drug use on academic performance, he discusses the challenges and regrets of struggling with addiction in college. He also delves into cocaine addiction and recovery, including the impact on relationships and health. Faith's role in recovery is explored, as well as the importance of building a recovery community and its impact on family life.

TJ, a recovery advocate and Young People And Family Services program manager at CCAR, shares his journey of overcoming addiction and finding a new career path. Topics discussed include growing up in a divorced household, experiencing drugs and alcohol for the first time, early adoption of opiates, medication-assisted treatment, Narcan accessibility, creating a supportive space for parents in recovery, and more.

This conversation centers around the challenges Tom, his wife Sheila, and their family faced in trying to help their son, Jack, recover from addiction. They talk about how they tried various unsuccessful methods to get him to stop, and the challenges of looking for a college that could provide a supportive recovery environment . Eventually, they were lucky enough to find one with a collegiate recovery program, the University of Connecticut aka UConn.

Nanette Ginse, a licensed massage therapist and board-certified reflexologist, has a passion for teaching and bodywork. She has traveled to China to experience Chinese medicine and worked as an instructor of Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and Acupressure for 18 years. Nanette's interest in helping others led her to found a non-profit organization, Self Care For Recovery, in February 2022. Her mission is to provide free therapeutic bodywork to women in early sobriety who cannot afford complementary/alternative healthcare. Her goal is to help these women reach their self-care goals and experience healing through her skillful touch.

Calliese Conner shares her journey to becoming a recovery coach and building a recovery community in the UK. She reflects on her experience with the Recovery Coach Academy and her passion for bringing more recovery resources to her community. Also discussed is the importance of treating people as resources and the impact of language and relationships in the recovery process.