In this episode of RAW Recovery — a Trudging Together podcast, Dion sits down with Benjamin Lehner, a recovery creator who uses social media, music, and honest storytelling to talk about sobriety, growth, and rebuilding life.

Benjamin shares a powerful story that begins long before his first drink — growing up uncomfortable in his own skin, chasing validation, and turning to substances as a way to escape himself and finally feel like he belonged. He opens up about alcoholism, opioids, the Tenderloin in San Francisco, repeated treatment attempts, and the moment when his solution stopped working.

The conversation also explores autism, terminal uniqueness, survival, and what recovery can look like when someone begins running toward the truth instead of away from it. Benjamin talks about service, fatherhood, faith, recovery content online, and why he believes all paths to recovery should be loved and encouraged.

This is an honest conversation about addiction, self-worth, spiritual energy, and the reality that recovery is not one-size-fits-all. It’s about learning that the same pain, fear, and craving that once fueled addiction can also be turned toward healing, purpose, and a better life.

If you’ve ever felt like you were too broken, too different, or too far gone, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone — and that recovery, however you walk it, is worth it.

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