Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 168 | TJ sits down with Matt, a young person in long-term recovery, to discuss his journey from childhood to sobriety. Matt shares his experiences growing up, the impact of early trauma, and how he initially turned to alcohol for escape. He recounts his struggles with addiction, multiple DUIs, and his path to seeking help, including his time in treatment at the Life Center in Hartford. Now six months sober, Matt reflects on the support systems that have helped him, his volunteer work at CCAR, and his aspirations to become a recovery coach. With humor, honesty, and deep insight, Matt offers encouragement to those new to recovery, emphasizing that setbacks don’t mean failure—they’re just part of the journey.

[00:00:00]–Introduction: TJ welcomes guest Matt 

[00:01:00]–Matt’s childhood and family background  

[00:02:00]–Early trauma and how it resurfaced  

[00:03:00]–First experiences with alcohol and drinking to escape  

[00:04:00]–College drinking and early warning signs  

[00:06:00]–Moving to California and deepening struggles  

[00:07:00]–DUIs and first attempt at treatment  

[00:08:00]–Entering the Life Center and finding spirituality  

00:10:00]–Admitting alcoholism and seeing signs everywhere  

[00:12:00]–Hitting six months of sobriety  

[00:13:00]–Volunteering at CCAR and telephone recovery support  

[00:14:00]–Life in recovery: music, friendships, and faith  

[00:16:00]–Training to become a recovery coach  

[00:18:00]–Overcoming the idea of "drinking normally" again  

[00:19:00]–The importance of staying connected and using a support system  

[00:22:00]–Final message: “Stumbling doesn’t mean failure—keep trying”  

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