The 1% in Recovery    Successful Gamblers & Alcoholics Stopping Addiction

Grief Counselor, Alcoholic, Recovery, Ivy League Talk with Joseph O in Philadelphia


Listen Later

Text and Be Heard

Grief drives many toward substances that temporarily numb overwhelming emotions, creating cycles difficult to break without proper support. In this revealing conversation with Joseph, a grief counselor with 14+ years of sobriety, we explore the profound connection between loss and addiction that shapes many recovery journeys.

Joseph shares his personal story of losing his brother to cancer and father to suicide, explaining how these traumatic childhood losses created emotional patterns that later fueled his alcohol addiction. When he first discovered drinking at 16, it seemed like the only remedy for anxiety, depression, and social discomfort stemming from unprocessed grief. Yet as with many who use substances to cope with loss, the relief proved temporary while the underlying pain intensified.

We challenge the common misconception that intelligence can overcome addiction. Despite Joseph's impressive academic background—from elite boarding school through Ivy League graduate studies—he discovered that "you cannot outthink an emotional issue." True recovery requires emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and community support rather than intellectual analysis. This revelation transformed his approach to relationships, parenting his 16-month-old son, and marriage.

Throughout our discussion, we emphasize that grief itself isn't something to fear but a universal human experience requiring validation and support. The path forward involves progress rather than perfection, accountability rather than isolation, and recognizing that multiple emotions—even joy and sadness—can coexist during healing. Whether you're personally struggling with grief, supporting someone who is, or working on recovery, this conversation offers compassionate insights for navigating these profoundly human experiences.

Have you found yourself using substances or behaviors to numb emotional pain? Join our Facebook community, Recovery Freedom Circle, where we create space for authentic healing conversations.

Support the show

Recovery is Beautiful.

Go Live Your Best Life!!

Facebook Group - Recovery Freedom Circle | Facebook

Your EQ is Your IQ
YouTube - Life Is Wonderful Hugo V

Recovery Freedom Circle
The System That Understands Recovery, Builds Character and Helps People Have Better Relationships.
A Life Changing Solution, Saves You Time, 18 weeks
www.lifeiswonderful.love


Instagram - Lifeiswonderful.Love
TikTok - Lifeiswonderful.Love
Pinterest - Lifeiswonderful.Love
Twitter - LifeWonderLove
LinkedIn - Hugo Vrsalovic Life Is Wonderful.Love

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The 1% in Recovery    Successful Gamblers & Alcoholics Stopping AddictionBy Hugo V

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

81 ratings


More shows like The 1% in Recovery Successful Gamblers & Alcoholics Stopping Addiction

View all
ALL IN: The Addicted Gambler's Podcast by Brian Hatch

ALL IN: The Addicted Gambler's Podcast

105 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

112,384 Listeners

The Best of Coast to Coast AM by iHeartPodcasts and Coast to Coast AM

The Best of Coast to Coast AM

2,522 Listeners

Dateline NBC by NBC News

Dateline NBC

47,952 Listeners

The Hidden Addiction Podcast by New York Council on Problem Gambling

The Hidden Addiction Podcast

12 Listeners

I have a Gambling addiction small steps up a steep hill by Paul

I have a Gambling addiction small steps up a steep hill

3 Listeners

ODAAT Gambling Awareness by ODAAT Gambling Awareness

ODAAT Gambling Awareness

16 Listeners