Episode 9 – How Am I Sober?

One man's battle with addiction. One decision that changed everything.

CRASH: Choice • Responsibility • AI • Strength • Hope

In Episode 9 of the CRASH Podcast, I sit down with the creator behind @howamisober, who is just days away from reaching six months sober after more than 20 years of opioid addiction.

This isn't a recovery story told from decades down the road. It's happening in real time.

From his first prescription at sixteen, to losing his best friend to an overdose, to living as a high-functioning addict while building a successful career, he shares the reality of what addiction looked like behind the scenes.

We dive into:

• Twenty years of opioid, kratom, and benzodiazepine addiction
• The hidden life of a high-functioning addict
• Drug court, arrests, and near-death experiences
• Why early recovery demands patience more than willpower
• Starting over in a new state with no friends, no job, and no safety net
• How AI became an unexpected recovery tool, helping him taper off opioids and navigate withdrawal one day at a time
• What six months sober actually feels like—the victories, the cravings, and the reality of rebuilding a life

His story is raw, honest, and refreshingly free of clichés. It's a reminder that recovery isn't about becoming perfect overnight—it's about making one better decision than yesterday and allowing time to do its work.

If you're battling addiction, supporting someone who is, or wondering whether change is still possible after years of substance abuse, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.

Follow him on Instagram: @howamisober