An East Coast transplant has landed in our town to change the lives of those struggling with addiction. Passionate, smart and well versed in the complexities of the addict mind, Ozie has trudged through many treatment paths. From his own alcohol-ism to alcohol-wasm, he has educated himself on how to help others and pursued careers that do just that. 

 Listen as Ozie takes me through the buried traumas of his youth, the unavoidable genetic component that killed his dad, high school years fueled by liquor stashed in his locker, multiple failed marriages and gambling losses that started in his elementary school bathroom. In spite of all the ongoing personal destruction, Ozie made his way through higher education (getting drunk and lost on his way to graduation) and many careers helping others solve their own problems. He put himself through multiple treatment programs, denial and lies, wearing a sign that says, "I'm a Baby" in one program and cleaning ashtrays, sweeping and getting coffee at addiction meetings. Listen as he talks about going from the crack house to the White House, figuratively speaking, in the week's sweet and sassy episode.

I’d like to thank this episode’s sponsor, the Champaign Central C-Club. On Saturday, December 6, the public is invited to honor these local athletes as they are inducted into the Champaign Central Hall of Fame. Cocktail hour will begin at 4 p.m. at 2501 Village Green Place next to Jupiters at the Crossing. For tickets, visit this link or contact [email protected].

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