Real Recovery Talk

We recently did an episode called, "Am I An Alcoholic" today, we are taking that a step further and helping to answer questions that you could have if you are wondering if you are addicted. First off, we want you to know that there are no stupid questions and if are having questions about these issues hit the chat button at the bottom of the page and Ben or I will be there to answer your questions.

In this episode, Tom and Ben will help you understand if you are addicted and some signs to look out for that might signal that you are addicted. Addiction can encompass a wide variety of things, but if your behaviors are out of control or negatively affecting your life it might be time for some self-reflection and look into the warning signs and see if any of them apply to you.

Show Notes:

• [02:51] Alcoholism is somewhat like addiction, but addiction encompasses a large variety of things.
• [03:07] You can become addicted to anything but there is a progression to it.
• [03:41] Most people go to a casino to win money, but with slot machines people get addicted to the ritual.
• [06:14] Just seeing the bar, made Tom feel better, people addicted to drugs start feeling better before they actually do the drugs.
• [08:36] They say if you drink alcohol or do a drug long enough that it will literally change your DNA.
• [09:01] Addiction can be a broad term for the overuse of anything.
• [10:09] Early signs of addiction.
• [11:10] Physical dependence and can be two different things, but being physically dependent will cross you into addiction.
• [14:00] When you cross the line and doing drugs is destroying your life with many different negative consequences, those are probably signs that you are addicted or close to being addicted.
• [15:20] Some warning signs can include things like your friends changing. You might find friends who will drink or shop like you.
• [16:27] When Ben was addicted he thought everyone did cocaine. Now that he is sober, he found out not that many people do it. The people you surround yourself with matter.
• [18:27] When you become addicted, you start doing things that you wouldn't normally do and legal consequences come down the line.
• [19:47] Is pornography addiction making you late for work or ruining your relationships? Are you spending too much time online?
• [20:51] Your tolerance increases and that she drink or use more and more Health consequences come along with that.
• [20:54] All of these signs point more and more to some type of addiction.
• [21:15] Alcoholism is slow, but drugs can be more of an immediate type thing.
• [22:37] Methamphetamine and crack release a huge amount of dopamine.
• [24:51] Being in denial and not thinking that you are addicted could be a warning sign that you actually are.

Links and Resources:

• Episode 68 – Am I An Alcoholic?
• Al-Anon

In honor of Memorial Day, I would like to thank everyone in the armed services for all they've done for us, and all they continue to do for us to keep us safe. A lot of people think about getting into treatment, but they have no idea where to start. They have no clue about what resources are available or what resources would be best for them.

The whole process can be confusing. Today's episode is about clearing up that confusion. I'm going to talk about how to get to treatment, what are the best treatments for you, and by the end of the episode, you should have a good idea what the process is like and how to move forward.

Show Notes:

• [04:45] One of the hardest hurdles to get over is admitting that you have a problem, if you are looking for treatment, you've gotten over that hurdle and understand that you have an issue.
• [05:00] There are different types of treatments like detox, residential, intensive outpatient, intensive inpatient, and outpatient. These are all different names for different levels of care. They all encompass teaching you how to stay sober.
• [05:27] Sobriety is the byproduct of figuring out what causes us to use in the first place. There is a therapeutic process for this, and you can really only get it in treatment.
• [06:18] Treatment also provides you with a safe place to be. You have a community of people around you that are struggling with the same things and have the same goal in mind.
• [08:17] Where you go to treatment usually depends on the resources that you have. If you have health insurance, you can go to treatment almost anywhere in the US depending on your benefits.
• [09:07] If you have a medicaid plan, there are state funded providers that you can go to. There are also state funded places and the Salvation Army for people with no medical plan at all.
• [10:14] If you have the resources to go to a private treatment center, do that. I hate to say it, but you do get what you pay for.
• [10:27] Private treatment centers have the ability to have better treatment options. Employees at private treatment centers are paid well. They went to school for their profession and love helping people and love what they do. Many of them are also professional counselors.
• [11:18] If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. This is the case with a lot of the people at the private treatment centers.
• [11:36] If you don't have the resources, a state-funded place will do the job.
• [11:48] Getting sober really lies within the person. If you want help, you will get it one way or another.
• [12:31] You can interview a treatment center. Have a list of questions. One of the things about sales is that you have to know your product.
• [14:12] Ask about the location? Is it conducive for employment? How many people are in the groups? Are the therapists licensed? How long have they been doing this? Don't go overboard. Time isn't on your side with addiction.
• [15:12] Get your basic questions answered and get there.
• [15:40] Set clear cut boundaries with your loved ones. You need to focus on yourself. Outside influence should be limited.
• [17:12] Going out of town for treatment can be uncomfortable, but it can also be the best thing.
• [17:49] Being able to go somewhere for 60, 90, and 120 days is an opportunity to create a solid foundation for your sobriety.
• [18:43] Don't let your family dictate where you can go for treatment.
• [19:19] Going somewhere unfamiliar is another opportunity for you to grow.
• [20:16] Local rehabs can be tied in with surrounding places like employment opportunities.
• [21:02] Drug addicts and alcoholics can be very productive people once they get sober.
• [22:38] Staying local keeps you in your comfort zone, your stomping grounds, and you know where you can get drugs.
• [23:26] State run places can also be harder to get into, because they have a waiting list.
• [23:55] Smaller treatment centers can also have a waiting list. They give more personalized care.
• [24:55] Options are out there whether you have private health insurance or no money at all. It's just a matter of seeking help.
• [26:29] It's amazing what people can do once they decide to get sober. Don't get stuck in hopelessness, because you don't have the right support or health insurance.
• [27:32] If you reach out enough, you will find the help that you need.

Links and Resources:

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Al-Anon
• Salvation Army
• Faith Farm
• Dunklin Treatment Center

Have you ever wondered if you an alcoholic? In this episode, we talk about signs that might mean that you are an alcoholic. Alcoholism is a progressive disease. Most people don't just wake up and become an alcoholic. Although, some people may be genetically predisposed to alcoholism. There are a number of signs that when combined can mean that you are an alcoholic or that are precursors to becoming an alcoholic.

We also talk about the importance of self-diagnosis, because you can't fight something that you don't believe is true. We also talk about recovery and how it is about living life without needing alcohol to cope. We share some of our personal experiences, along with, how recovery can be a great experience if you find the right place to do it at. We also talk about the differences between heavy drinking, binge drinking, and being an alcoholic.

Show Notes:

• [03:25] Alcoholism has to be self-diagnosed. If you don't buy into it yourself, what path are you going to take?
• [03:36] We are going to dive into what is the difference between the problem drinker and the real alcoholic. It's going to come down to the measures that need to be taken.
• [04:21] Alcohol abuse is the precursor to alcoholism. It's possible with alcohol abuse that there aren't any physical consequences yet.
• [04:38] Alcoholics are physically dependent on alcohol. Meaning your body can't go without having it. If you start getting the shakes and having alcohol withdrawal, you have crossed that line.
• [05:06] With alcohol abuse and binge drinking your body may not be physically dependent on it, but it is the precursor to alcoholism.
• [05:33] Alcoholism is progressive. When you get to the point where you're substituting alcohol for the natural neurotransmitters in your brain, that's when you become dependent.
• [06:37] Once you've had a drink, are you able to stop? Not being able to stop, once you start, is probably the easiest way to define it.
• [07:11] People who abuse alcohol can generally stop.
• [07:52] Needing alcohol just to get through the day is a big difference.
• [08:36] Heavy drinking for women is having more than three drinks a day or seven drinks a week. In truth, these things can't really be quantified by the number of drinks. Drinking patterns vary.
• [10:26] Just because you don't drink everyday, it doesn't mean you're not an alcoholic.
• [10:45] Ask if you're able to stop once you start drinking for the night?
• [11:08] Binge drinking can bring you to the frequency of drinking daily.
• [11:50] There is a difference in alcohol metabolism with alcoholics. The symptom is a phenomenon of craving. Once you start, can you stop?
• [13:13] Age isn't a factor. People at any age can start drinking heavily and have it turn into alcoholism.
• [14:28] Tom was 26 when he couldn't stop drinking. He was in treatment with guys who were in their 50s.
• [15:09] If you're questioning whether you're an alcoholic, there's a good possibility that you are.
• [16:01] Even if you are functional, you could still be an alcoholic.
• [18:28] The very first sign and symptom of being an alcoholic is alcohol craving. It's the craving after the first drink. The first drink is the mental obsession. The next drink is the physical craving.
• [20:01] The mental obsession to drink comes from daily interactions and feelings. People go to treatment to learn how to live without drinking.
• [21:57] If alcohol takes up a lot of real estate in your mind then that is the mental obsession.
• [23:26] The more time you spend in a bar, the more you will drink and the more tolerance you will build up. Building up a tolerance is also a sign.
• [24:41] Alcoholism can be very slow and very progressive in a lot of people.
• [25:47] Alcohol is an artificial source of Gaba. The more you drink, the more you need to feel a buzz.
• [26:09] There's also a reverse tolerance where someone's liver and blood is so saturated with alcohol all the time that it only takes one drink for them to get drunk. Reverse tolerance occurs with chronic alcoholics.
• [27:28] Benzos and alcohol are identical with the effect they have on the brain.
• [28:40] It's important to get a doctor that's well-versed in alcohol and addiction if that is what you are suffering from.
• [29:56] There are only two substances that you can die of from withdrawal and that is alcohol and benzodiazepines.
• [31:46] Are you drinking alone? Is it something that is increasing? It can start out socially, but eventually gets to the point where you might drink alone.
• [34:35] Mood swings and irritability is a sign of being an alcoholic.
• [38:23] Despite the outcomes, we are going to continue to drink. This is where the consequences come in when you are an alcoholic.
• [41:05] Drinking in the morning. If you are sitting at home, and you can't function without taking a shot, you are probably an alcoholic.
• [42:40] Risky behavior is another sign. Such as doing things that you normally wouldn't do.
• [45:46] The inability to stop drinking after that first drink.
• [47:20] If you've had to ask if you have a problem, you might already have your answer.
• [47:36] The first step is to identify that you have a problem, then you can just reach out to someone like us to talk about it.
• [48:17] Ben is grateful that he has gone through what he's gone through, because the life he lives today is amazing.
• [48:44] There is a lot of freedom in being able to identify that you are an alcoholic. If you can put in some work, you can build a life beyond your wildest dreams.
• [50:29] There are a lot of recovery options that are actually pretty awesome.

Links and Resources:

Alcoholics Anonymous

Talking to your kids about addiction can be difficult. At what age should you start? How open should you be? In this episode, we discuss all aspects of talking to your kids and loved ones about addiction. Every person and situation can be different, but we want to equip you with answers to discover what's right for your family without making mistakes that can end up backfiring.

We also talk about the three Cs of control, cure, and cause. These are things that people need to do for themselves. You can support them in a helpful way, but you can't do it for them or make it happen. Tom and Ben have an honest discussion of what they have seen in a clinical setting and how they are going to approach these issues with their own kids.

Show Notes:

• [02:45] Ben's son is 9 years old and he is at the point where he might have to make a personal decision about when to talk to him about the subject.
• [03:29] The plan that Ben is going to take is driven by the things he's already seen.
• [03:49] The three Cs. You can't control it, you can't cure it, and you didn't cause it.
• [04:11] You can't control it. The cause and control could come out of anywhere. No matter how hard you try, people are going to do what they are going to do.
• [06:29] As parents, we will want to control it. This can lead to manipulation and lies. You can't control your child's every action.
• [08:03] Ben wants to assist his son in making an educated decision.
• [09:06] Sheltering kids from the outside world can have an affect where kids feel like they are missing out.
• [13:09] Taboo and scare tactics don't work well.
• [15:14] You might have a good time, but it will come with consequences.
• [17:05] You can't cure your child's addiction for them.
• [17:24] Helicopter parents won't let their loved ones figure it out for themselves.
• [18:34] Let the professionals and the people with the experience handle the situation.
• [20:05] Young adults who have lived with very controlling parents end up acting out in ways that often times lead to drugs and alcohol.
• [20:55] When your loved one is in recovery, take a back seat and let the process play out with the professionals.
• [22:00] Sometimes parents have her over everything and want to know every decision that's been made. The client may not want their parents to know everything.
• [23:07] Even if the parent is a professional, they should let the counselors and the program work without emotional involvement.
• [24:15] You don't have to bring your child to every 12-step meeting you go to.
• [25:34]You didn't cause it. Addiction is addiction and it happens. You can't cure it, you can't control it, and you didn't cause it.
• [26:14] Addicts will make you feel like you caused their addiction, so that they can manipulate you.
• [26:44] They brought it on themselves, and they can get through it themselves.
• [27:07] Ben will give his son some exposure and answer questions honestly.

Links and Resources:

• Alcoholics Anonymous

We are so excited to have Carl on the show today. Carl is a client here at Rock, and he is celebrating his 90 days of being sober. In fact, he says that he hasn't been alcohol free for 90 days since he was 16 years old. Carl has given back and contributed to our community and this conversation shows his commitment to sobriety and service.

One of the interesting things about recovery is the diversity of people. People with different backgrounds, jobs, economic experiences, and different ages all coming together to battle the same problem. We talk about how being open and listening can broaden your attitude and actually help you learn about yourself as you learn about others and find common ground in the recovery community.

Show Notes:

• [04:02] As a kid, Carl stole alcohol from his parents.
• [04:19] In high school, it was practically required that he party and be part of the in crowd.
• [04:39] His dad was also a highly functioning alcoholic. In the 70s, drinking was common and it was accepted.
• [04:50] Eventually, his social drinking became more regular.
• [08:28] Ben grew up where there wasn't a lot of alcohol, so he wanted to be part of the normal group and that's why he went and drank and partied.
• [10:06] Alcohol followed Carl through college. He also played sports which allowed him a regimen that got him through college.
• [11:26] In the business world, everything around you is about doing more and doing better. You are looking at the end result, and drinking becomes part of your environment.
• [12:57] After his 30s, drinking became an everyday thing for Carl.
• [14:32] We can all do a holiday of not drinking, it's a rest of the life of not drinking that's more challenging.
• [16:17] There is a diversity of people at the Rock Treatment Center. They have a gentleman who has studied human genomes. They have a kid who shot dope off the streets. A homeless guy. A stock market guy who's the number one salesman. There is a diversity of class and a diversity of age.
• [19:35] Carl has learned a lot by being around a diverse group of people who have the same problem as him. It's very humbling and enlightening. He finds the service aspect healing.
• [20:52] Don't be afraid to get into recovery with people who you think you don't have anything in common with. The real victory lies within crossing over the threshold. We are all fighting for our lives from addiction.
• [21:36] Older people have had a whole lifetime to develop pride and ego. It's a challenge for clinicians to break down the walls of someone who's been drinking for 30 years.
• [26:32] One base at a time can beat swinging for the fences. Something to think about.
• [28:34] Regardless of age the journey speaks to you. You just have to be there to receive it.
• [31:44] There's more to the process than just getting clean.
• [32:14] If you can get through the challenge of living with the diverse group of people and different personalities, you can get through anything.
• [33:20] The housing component is like 80% of treatment. The majority of the day is spent outside of the clinical setting.
• [33:57] You get opportunities to practice conflict resolution and learn how to deal with negative feelings without picking up a drink.
• [36:35] Don't assume you think you know what other people are about or what they have to offer.
• [37:14] Carl is more service driven. He thanks God that his mindset has changed.
• [40:18] Ben thinks Carl brought more to Rock than they gave him.

Links and Resources:

• Alcoholics Anonymous

Therapy is a powerful tool for anyone, and today we'll focus on the role of therapy for someone who is struggling with addiction. My guest, Josiah, is a licensed therapist who has been in the addiction industry for around five years. He has a past history of addiction, so he deeply understands this topic from various angles.

Early in our conversation, we'll take a deep dive into why asking whether a therapist has struggled with addiction is the wrong question. This is a common question for addicts to ask, but we compare it to asking an oncologist whether she has ever had cancer before letting her treat yours. We'll also explore the importance of vulnerability, what to expect when you start going to a therapist for the first time, and much more.

Show Notes

• [01:23] Tom introduces today's guest, Josiah, a licensed therapist.
• [01:59] Josiah tells listeners a bit about himself and explains how he got into therapy and the addiction industry.
• [03:15] What does Josiah say to the opinion that a therapist should have personal experience with addiction?
• [05:23] Josiah shares something else that he tells people who are concerned about their therapist having had an addiction problem.
• [07:18] We hear Josiah's thoughts on the root behind the question of whether a therapist has a history of addiction.
• [11:18] Why would someone want to see a therapist?
• [14:37] Tom elaborates on the role of vulnerability in what Josiah has been talking about.
• [16:39] Outside of drug addiction and alcoholism, who should really see a therapist?
• [19:45] We learn about the #1 thing that Josiah tries to do in his therapy practice.
• [21:40] Tom points out that you need to get through the uncomfortable to have growth.
• [23:25] "What you put into therapy is what you're going to get out of it," Josiah explains.
• [25:20] What should someone expect if they're walking into a therapist's office for the first time?
• [28:20] The length of therapy is determined between the therapist and the client, Josiah points out.
• [29:35] Tom talks about people's expectations of the length of therapy, and how it relates to holding onto control.
• [31:08] Josiah talks more about the potential expectations when you start therapy, and why they're problematic.
• [33:55] How do you know when you're done with therapy?
• [37:01] Josiah shares his final thoughts for listeners, pointing out that therapy isn't about whether there's something wrong with you.

Links and Resources:

• Al-Anon

Josh Gamaitoni is here today. Josh is the National Director of Business Development for Banyan Treatment Center. Josh has helped so many people and is a legend in the treatment world. It wasn't always that way, though. Josh started doing drugs when he was 10 and went on a downward spiral as he grew up. He eventually tried some treatment options, but nothing stuck until he decided that getting sober was something he was going to stick to for a year.

After getting sober, he became a janitor at a church. He also realized that being sober was something that he enjoyed and made it a permanent lifestyle choice. His confidence also grew, and he became sincerely interested in talking to people and helping them. Eventually, he began working in treatment and became the legend he is today. Josh and Tom also go way back as they got sober together at the same time and the same place. Ben joins them for this inspirational conversation.

Show Notes

• [04:23] Josh started using drugs at 10 years old and went down a rapid path of addiction. He got sober around 21 years old. This was the first real program he went into.
• [07:01] He used afterwards, and needed help. He was broken and really wanted to get sober and do something in his life.
• [08:42] He is a firm believer in getting away. Going to South Florida helped Josh.
• [10:15] He got into a really great program. He did 45 days and moved into a recovery home. HOP is a house of principles.
• [17:12] It's beneficial to get out of your own backyard when you are going into recovery.
• [20:15] If you surround yourself with people who you want to be like, do what they do.
• [21:57] Josh realized he did have a drinking problem. He had an anything that made him feel better problem.
• [24:01] Josh became a janitor at the church. He soon learned how to talk to people and eventually, he became the National Director of Business Development at Banyan Treatment.
• [28:58] Josh manages and helps people do what he does. He also goes to the clinics and shares his story.
• [33:06] Communication skills are so important. We need to talk to people in a way that they are able to receive that.
• [33:43] Trust and transparency are very important, because people need to feel safe and know that you have their best interest at heart.
• [37:37] It's okay to take the time and see a therapist. It's okay to not be okay and do what it takes to feel better.
• [40:22] Josh is a huge fan of interventions. It's planned chaos. There are different approaches. You can usually find one that works.
• [47:29] Sometimes people are so crazy when they are out there, that they just need to be stopped. Also people sometimes don't know what they want.
• [50:50] How do you know you want sobriety if you've never been sober before?
• [53:40] Josh spends his time today, helping people find sobriety. His wife is also a therapist. He loves what he does.
• [01:00:16] Josh wants more resources available and one day there will be a way to help everyone that is lost.
• [01:04:35] Holding the truth in his heart is one thing that has helped Josh during the trying times.

Links and Resources:

Banyan Treatment Center

We are big proponents of the 12-step program. There is also a spiritual component of the program. For many people this can be a big turn off. Other people have trouble reconciling the difference between spirituality and their individual religion. We talk about all of this today with our guest Elliott Hughes.

Elliott is the National Outreach Coordinator for Chapel Hill Medical Detox. In this episode, he shares his struggles with getting sober with just religion and how he didn't accept the spiritual components of the 12-step program. Then he shares how he learned to balance the two. He needed the support, community, and action of the program, which then allowed him to practice a stronger faith in his own religion.

Show Notes

• [03:43] Elliott grew up in Indiana. He went to church. He was a decent student. He was an athlete.
• [04:35] in spite of his Christian background, he fell into the grips of addiction.
• [04:43] He began drinking and smoking pot at 14. Things progressed until he found heroin, which really brought him to his knees.
• [07:02] Elliott doesn't think it was rebelling against church that made him start partying.
• [07:40] He just didn't have a solid foundation and chose the route of partying.
• [09:54] The 12-step program talks about a power greater than yourself. It's a spiritual program not a religious program.
• [11:44] Ben found church in his heart and grasps on to the fact that God spoke to him through other people.
• [13:11] You can get sober even if God isn't your path.
• [14:07] When Elliott meets one-on-one, he doesn't want to dilute the message of getting sober by preaching his beliefs.
• [16:36] Ben was a late bloomer with the higher power thing.
• [17:36] Elliott tried to get sober through church for years.
• [18:05] Elliott tried a 12-step program and it didn't work. Then he started a faith-based program, but just going to church wasn't enough.
• [19:25] It takes more than just going to church. You need a program combined with spirituality.
• [20:09] There is a sense of community in the sober community. It's hard to find like minded people at church who are also struggling with addiction unless you tell everyone about it.
• [21:07] With the 12-step program you do more than just attend meetings you have to take action.
• [21:20] There's a sense of community with like-minded people you all have the same goals and there's a service aspect. There is also the sponsor and sponsee part.
• [23:02] The 12 steps and the program gave me a practical way to take a look at myself that going to church didn't.
• [24:42] When people aren't vulnerable and honest, you can't see their transformation.
• [28:19] Faith without works is dead.
• [31:22] What Ben knows is from experience. We can use our struggles for His glory.
• [32:57] Elliott struggles between the balance of spiritual and religious. It's important for him to have the balance and feed himself spiritually.
• [34:40] Someone who hasn't struggled with addiction can't help him like someone who has could.
• [36:49] The difference between religion and spirituality for Elliott was a shift in his heart.
• [39:06] Spirituality is about the relationship you build with your higher power.
• [43:11] If people are out there struggling, they should just hold on because they can recover.

Links and Resources:

• Chapel Hill Medical Detox
• Real Elliott Hughes on Facebook
• Real Elliott Hughes on Instagram

Joyce Matera is the National Marketing Director for Inspire Recovery. Inspire is located in West Palm Beach and it's specifically for people under the LGBTQ umbrella with a specific focus on helping transgender people. Having a safe place for people to go where they can be who they are and get help with like minded people while going through recovery is so important.

Tom, Ben, and Joyce talk about Joyces background and how she got involved in the community and recovery industry. Joyce shares some of the issues that are specific to clients at Inspire and why it is so important to find a peer group that they can trust. They talk about important aspects of recovery and how it specifically applies to this underserved community.

Show Notes

• [02:21] Joyce has been in recovery for 35 years. She was a gay activist during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
• [02:40] A lot of her friends passed away from AIDs. It was also hard for gay people with human rights issues.
• [03:01] She moved to Florida about 12 years ago. She discovered there were treatment centers all over the place. She wanted to do service and saw a gay guy getting bullied at an AA meeting.
• [03:50] She realized there were no treatment options specifically for people in the LGBTQ community. She opened Lambda North which was a 12-step clubhouse.
• [04:07] They have a lot of events for support and meetings.
• [04:20] Inspire Recovery in West Palm Beach is specifically for the LGBTQ community. Joyce helps educate people about issues related to the treatment facility.
• [05:34] People are housed at Inspire Recovery according to their personality, because they don't see gender.
• [06:18] People fall in love at treatment centers all the time.
• [06:55] Most treatment centers are gender specific. Many treatment centers don't know how to house transgender people, so there was a need for this specific treatment center.
• [08:26] They have created a community where people can get peer support and find sponsors and go through the Big Book and whatever things they need to do.
• [10:15] Everything operates like a regular treatment center. They just don't separate clients by gender.
• [10:42] Most of the staff is under the LGBTQ umbrella and is in long-term recovery. Everyone can still use training.
• [13:18] The goal is to bring out the human factor in each person. They are just experts in the LGBTQ community and the transgender community.
• [15:44] A lot of the community hid their identity. It's a lot easier for younger people to be who they are.
• [16:39] They also get clients in their 50s and 60s who have shame over their identity.
• [17:15] If a center isn't a good fit, that person needs to be referred to a place that is a better fit.
• [19:08] At Inspire, they believe hormone replacement therapy is a human rights issue. They have created a safe place to explore.
• [21:32] The transgender community is a underserved population that has been marginalized all of their lives. Inspire is the only place that helps predominantly transgender people.
• [25:57] Groups at Inspire are centered around healing, trauma, and bullying.
• [26:57] People used to stay at Inspire for a year, now the program is two to three months.
• [28:16] Many people stay in the area after building a community and finding peers.
• [30:25] If you're struggling with your sexual identity or gender identity and need a safe place, give inspire a call. They are open 24/7.

Links and Resources:

• Inspire Recovery
• (561)899-6088
• Joyce Matera on LinkedIn
• Lambda North

Josh McBride now works at Coastal Detox after his own experience with recovery. Josh's journey is different from many people's. He was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at an early age, and eventually his pain management led him to addiction and moving to street drugs. Passing out in his car, led him to a 75-day stay in jail without any drugs or medication.

Josh shares his journey with Tom and Ben. He talks about how he didn't have a lot of resources and had to turn to county and free resources. He also talks about the mind shift he had that convinced him to finally take recovery seriously. His story is unique and his perspective is inspirational. This is a wonderful conversation about how to think about recovery and how to find a way to accomplish it.

Show Notes

• [02:49] Josh is originally from Orlando.
• [03:00] At a young age, Josh was diagnosed with crohn's disease. He began using pain meds to control the symptoms of his disease.
• [03:44] Eventually, he became chemically dependent and struggled with addiction for at least 10 years.
• [04:45] In his early twenties, he accepted that he wasn't going to live long and just wanted to stay comfortable with this medication.
• [05:01] Unfortunately, the pain pills led to heroin and in 2011, a police officer found him hunched over in his car.
• [06:17] He went to pill mills and got pills.
• [08:53] He ended up selling his prescription drugs and buying street drugs. He overdosed, convinced the doctor in the hospital to give him oxy, and when he was released he shot up in his car.
• [11:42] People who overdose are medically discharged within an hour. There are gaps. People need to get into treatment after overdosing.
• [14:08] Josh's experience getting clean is different from the average person's.
• [14:55] In 2011, when Josh was arrested, he was put in a county jail that had a lot of different rules. He began a cold turkey detox. He was there 75 days. His mom asked the jail to keep him for two more days until a Monday, so he could go straight into a Faith Farm work program.
• [19:21] He was released on the Saturday, and he walked five miles to a county detox program. They kept him safe for two days, and then his mom took him to Faith Farm.
• [21:17] He was at Faith Farm for almost two years.
• [24:18] He had to put in a lot of work with his Christian based recovery. He took feedback even when he didn't believe in it.
• [27:35] Josh works at Coastal Detox, and it's a great facility.
• [28:02] People need to be under supervision when they are coming off of drugs. There is also a psychological factor. Coastal offers an interdisciplinary approach, plus all of the client's needs are taken care of.
• [30:03] Couples need to be split up to be treated in a healthy way.
• [30:23] There are resources out there for people who don't have good insurance coverage.
• [33:58] There are many ways for people to get clean. There are different paths. Pay attention to what is available to you. You just need a little motivation and be willing to ask for help when you feel discouraged.

Links and Resources:

• Faith Farm
• Coastal Detox