May 19, 2026

“I Was Dying Inside” | How Addiction & Depression Nearly Destroyed Her Life

53 minutes

In this raw and emotional episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, Louis Ruggiero sits down with author and recovery advocate Carly Schwartz to talk about addiction, depression, self-medication, relapse, recovery, and what it truly takes to rebuild your life.

Carly opens up about using substances to cope with mental health struggles, the moment she realized things had spiraled out of control, and how she fought her way to over 7.5 years sober. Together, Louis and Carly dive deep into the realities of alcoholism, rehab, AA, dual diagnosis treatment, relapse stigma, mental health, and why recovery is never one-size-fits-all.

This conversation is honest, powerful, heartbreaking, and hopeful — especially for anyone struggling silently with addiction, depression, anxiety, or feeling stuck in life.

We dive into:

* Addiction & self-medication

* Mental health and recovery

* Alcoholism & sobriety

* AA and 12-step programs

* Relapse and shame

* Depression & dual diagnosis

* Recovery success stories

* Carly’s new book: I’ll Try Anything Twice

If you’re struggling — or love someone who is — this conversation could change your life. Recovery is possible.

🔔 Real stories. Raw comebacks. Nothing’s off the table.

I sit down with people who’ve faced it all: addiction, loss, redemption and came out stronger. These are unfiltered conversations about resilience, recovery, and finding purpose again.

🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero

📱 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/nothingsoffpod)

📹 TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@nothingsoffpod)

🔗 Linktree: (https://www.linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable)

🔗 Buy a Nothing's Off Hat: (https://nothings-off-the-table-with-louis-ruggiero.myshopify.com)

🎙️ Connect with our guest

👉 Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/carlicita)

👉 LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlicita)

👉 Amazon: (https://www.amazon.com/Ill-Anything-Twice-Misadventures-Self-Medicated/dp/B0FD8RPH9L)

👉 Website: (https://www.carly.ink)

About the Show

Hosted by Louis Ruggiero, a restaurateur, entrepreneur, and advocate for recovery, Nothing’s Off The Table is where real people share their real stories. From battling addiction to overcoming life’s toughest challenges, Louis and his guests uncover the moments that spark change and fuel unstoppable comebacks. Expect raw honesty, deep insights, and stories that hit home.

Meet Louis

Louis Ruggiero turned his life around after years of struggling with addiction, gambling, and substance abuse. Now, he’s on a mission to amplify voices — from celebrities to everyday survivors — sharing their journeys of grit, growth, and healing.

#AddictionRecovery #WeDoRecover #NothingsofftheTable #LouisRuggiero #RecoverOutLoud #ComebackStories #RecoveryIsPossible #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity

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Disclaimer: The stories and views shared on Nothing’s Off The Table are personal experiences and not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult qualified professionals for guidance on personal matters.

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By Louis Ruggiero

4.5

3030 ratings