This episode of Threads of Enlightenment features a powerful discussion where `drug addiction` is defined as slow suicide, emphasizing its destructive nature. The speaker shares their personal experience with `substance abuse` and achieving 32 years of sobriety, offering valuable `life advice` for those seeking `recovery`. This conversation highlights the journey towards a `sober life` and the importance of taking steps to `get sober`. 🚀

Thomas J. LaGrave, Jr., is a bestselling author, licensed clinical social worker, and former Navy SEAL Hospital Corpsman with over 35 years of experience working with more than 3,000 young people. Known for his raw, real approach to adolescent mental health, Tom blends lived experience with clinical expertise to help teens—and the adults who care for them—navigate depression, addiction, masculinity, and emotional intelligence in a tech-saturated world.

In this episode I engages in a profound conversation with Thomas J. LaGrave, Jr., who shares his journey from military service to addiction and recovery. Thomas discusses the impact of his family dynamics, the challenges he faced during his military career, and the eventual downfall due to addiction. He emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health and suicide, particularly among youth, and advocates for giving back to the community. The conversation culminates in a heartfelt message to both young people and their parents, urging them to communicate and support one another.

Chapters

00:00 The Value of Time and Journey

02:42 Understanding Service to Mankind

05:18 Family Dynamics and Early Influences

07:50 Navigating Adolescence and Military Life

10:17 The Challenge of Becoming a Navy SEAL

12:53 The Downward Spiral of Addiction

16:02 The Devastation of Loss and Recovery

18:26 Confronting Suicidal Thoughts

21:02 The Importance of Connection

25:06 Impacting Youth and Advocacy

30:27 A Call to Action for Adults

35:21 ThreadsOfEnlightenment_Outro_shortTail.mp4

Takeaways

Time is a precious resource that should be valued.

Life is a journey that shapes who we become.

Young people have the power to influence adults positively.

Family dynamics play a crucial role in personal development.

Military training can be both physically and mentally transformative.

Addiction can lead to a loss of identity and purpose.

Suicide rates among youth and veterans are alarmingly high.

It's essential to reach out for help when struggling with mental health.

Advocacy for youth is vital in today's society.

Communication between parents and children is key to understanding.

Sound bites

"How do you serve mankind?"

"Do as I say, not as I do."

"I see you, I hear you."

I strongly encourage everyone to follow him, and be transformed by his insights.

Everyone has a story, and this is his story.

Below is a list of the sites that house his works.

https://thomasjlagravejr.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thomasjlagravejr/

https://www.instagram.com/thomasjlagravejr/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjlagravejr/

https://www.youtube.com/@thomasjlagravejr

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