Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 162 | Host TJ sits down with Michael Brunk, a passionate recovery ally. Michael delves deep into his family's experience with addiction, highlighting the significant impact on the family unit and the essential support needed for those in recovery. He reflects on his brother's active struggle with substance use and the pivotal moments that led Michael to make personal changes. Through his career in wellness, Michael shifted his focus from self-indulgence to helping others, bringing a unique perspective from the family's side of addiction. Together, TJ and Michael explore themes of family, self-love, personal growth, and the importance of a supportive community in the recovery journey.

00:00 Introduction to the Recovery Matters Podcast

00:23 Michael Brunk's Family and Addiction

01:09 Personal Struggles and Turning Points

01:58 The Impact of Addiction on Family

02:46 Recognizing and Addressing Addiction

04:27 The Role of Wellness in Recovery

12:29 Supporting Families in Crisis

21:00 Navigating Recovery Challenges

21:30 The Role of Family and Support Systems

22:22 Statistics and Realities of Treatment

24:48 Personal Stories and Experiences

29:46 The Importance of Self-Love in Recovery

34:12 Spirituality and Recovery

39:12 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

----Across the Web----

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Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 161 | Rich St. Pierre recounts his challenging upbringing, the impact of family dynamics, and his turbulent years of substance use. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to recovery, including his experiences with various treatment programs and his ultimate decision to turn his life around. Rich highlights the importance of having a support system, finding new identities and passions, and maintaining accountability in recovery. He also delves into how martial arts and fitness played crucial roles in his sobriety and how he integrates these into his current life. Through his candid narration, Rich's story offers inspiration and valuable insights for anyone seeking or maintaining recovery.

00:00 Introduction and Host Background

00:29 Early Life and Family Struggles

03:20 High School and Descent into Addiction

06:09 Attempts at Recovery and Setbacks

08:36 Turning Point and Path to Recovery

18:16 Rebuilding Life and Finding Purpose

22:33 Coping with Loss in Recovery

23:27 The Importance of Therapy

24:58 Finding New Passions

26:42 Identity Beyond Addiction

29:42 The Role of Support Systems

32:37 The Power of Practice

39:03 Commitment to 12-Step Recovery

41:11 Incorporating Recovery into Daily Life

42:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

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🗣Recovery Matters TikTok

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Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 160 | John shares his personal story of growing up in an upper-middle-class family with a high-functioning alcoholic father. Despite a good upbringing, John's young adulthood spiraled into addiction, particularly with alcohol and later cocaine. He recounts his first experiences with these substances and the pivotal moments that led to his criminal activities. John was eventually sentenced to 12 years in prison, an event that he views as life-saving. During his incarceration, John experienced a spiritual awakening and committed to changing his life. He became heavily involved in addiction services and recovery programming. Upon his release, he found support at CCAR, where he now gives back as a recovery coach and volunteer. John emphasizes the importance of suggestions over advice and advocates for multiple pathways to recovery.

00:00 Introduction and Host Backgrounds

00:35 Early Life and Family Dynamics

03:04 First Encounters with Substance Use

04:37 Descent into Addiction

07:00 Criminal Activities and Consequences

07:36 Turning Point and Recovery Journey

11:36 Life After Recovery

19:46 Advice and Reflections

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙RecoveryMatters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

🗣Recovery Matters Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery