Paul V. takes us on a wild ride that’s harrowing and hilarious-–often at the same time! From touring the country as a rising rock star to finding love on the set of Independence Day to living in a van, Paul’s life has had few dull moments, at least the way he tells it! His addiction adventures finally led him to recovery and now he finds that his dreams are coming true in improbable ways.

Key Topics & Themes Discussed:

• A Turbulent Childhood: Paul recounts early experiences of feeling unsafe and seeking escape in video games, caffeine and sugar.
• The Path to Addiction: Discover how Paul's initial anti-drug stance dissolved after trying marijuana and how alcohol quickly became his drug of choice.
• Rockstar Dreams and Reality: Paul vividly describes joining a Ska-Punk band, touring extensively, and living his dream rockstar life. His dream came to a crushing end when he was kicked out of the band because of his using.
• Hitting Rock Bottom (Again and Again): Hear about Paul's descent into heroin use, his time on methadone, a severe depression that led him to cry out for "God help me," and a shocking relapse on Kratom (found at a 7-Eleven) that left him "scared of people" and eating under blankets in rehab.
• Embracing the 12 Steps:Paul shares his initial resistance to the 12 steps, including an audacious attempt to get Step 6 changed due to his "ego." He details his journey through NA and SLAA (Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous), and the profound insights gained from doing his first inventory, realizing his own part in past betrayals.
• Living Dreams in Recovery: Discover how Paul's life transformed from homelessness in a van under a freeway overpass to teaching art to special needs children ("Mr. Paul"). He shares the joy of making music again, playing in a band, and seeing his childhood dreams come true through the power of connection and service.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Are you mocking me, street? Because I have not won anything." – Paul on driving down Victory Boulevard every day to a methadone clinic.
• "I would tweak out and play my game all night, stay up all night, and then… I would take a bus to the dealer." – Paul on his early video game addiction.
• "You're never too old to live your dreams and live your purpose and give your gift to the world." – A powerful message Paul received from a stranger.

Definitions:

• SLAA (Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous): A 12-step fellowship for individuals who struggle with sex and love addiction.
• Men's Stag: A meeting (often in 12-step fellowships) exclusively for men.
• Section 8: A government housing program in the United States that helps low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford safe and decent housing.
• In-N-Out: A popular regional fast-food chain in the Western United States known for its burgers and simple menu.
• Kratom: An herbal extract from a Southeast Asian tree that has opioid-like effects and can be addictive.
• MusicCares: A non-profit organization that provides health and human services resources for music people.
• Dual Diagnosis: The co-occurrence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder.

Links:

28th Annual Musicians’ Picnic - Sunday, September 21st 2025

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