Real Recovery Talk

Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling with addiction? https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

Most people think alcoholism is easy to spot — heavy drinking, blackouts, or DUIs. But the truth is, some of the most dangerous signs are the subtle ones you're probably missing.

In this video, I break down five hidden signs of alcoholism that don't always get talked about but can completely change the way you view addiction. These are the red flags I've seen over and over again working with individuals and families for years in the recovery field — and you may even recognize one of them in yourself or someone you love.

👤 I'm Tom Conrad — 15 years sober and co-host of the Real Recovery Talk podcast. I've spent my career helping people and families understand addiction, get treatment, and rebuild their lives.

📌 In this video, you'll learn: The subtle behaviors that reveal hidden alcoholism Why these signs are often missed until it's too late

What to do if you recognize them in yourself or a loved one

👉 Don't ignore these warning signs — they could be the difference between awareness and disaster.

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

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Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling with addiction? https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we sit down with Mattie Johnson, a firefighter who was told he would never ride a fire truck again. Why? Because alcohol nearly killed him.

For years, Mattie lived fast — drinking hard, partying, and pushing his limits while working in the fire service. He ignored repeated warnings from doctors: "If you don't stop drinking, you're going to die." The wake-up calls came in the form of multiple ICU visits, coughing up blood, and finally stage 4 liver failure.

At one point, Maddie accepted that he would drink himself to death. But then, against all odds, he received a life-saving liver transplant, and chose recovery.

This is a raw, unfiltered story of:

• 🚒 Fire service culture & alcoholism

• 💉 Near-death experiences from alcohol abuse

• 🩸 Facing liver failure & a transplant

• 🙏 Finding purpose, sobriety, and a second chance

If you or someone you love is battling alcoholism, Maddie's story proves that even from the edge of death, recovery is possible.

👉 Subscribe to the channel for new episodes every Wednesday at 5 AM. 📩 Need help or guidance? Email us:

👉 Don't forget to subscribe and share this with someone who needs to hear it.

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

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Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling with addiction? https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, Tom and Ben sit down with Franchesca, who shares her powerful story of getting clean without traditional addiction treatment. After multiple failed attempts at rehab, Franchesca found recovery in the rooms of a 12-step fellowship — and she's been clean for 13 years.

This conversation dives into her early struggles, being a teen mom, losing and regaining custody of her son, detoxing without medical help, and how community, surrender, and honesty saved her life. Whether you're in recovery yourself or walking alongside a loved one, this story is a reminder that there isn't just one way to get sober.

👉 Don't forget to subscribe and share this with someone who needs to hear it.

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

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Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

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RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

In today's episode, Erik takes us through A Vision For You from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

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Do you have someone in your life that struggles with addiction and you feel lost or alone? Join us here! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

We are excited for this new adventure, and freaked out a little bit too!

👉 Don't forget to subscribe for more real conversations about addiction, recovery, and hope. 📩

Questions or need help?

Reach out: [email protected]

Do you have someone in your life that struggles with addiction and you feel lost or alone? Join us here! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

What happens when a woman struggling with addiction becomes pregnant — and discovers there are little to no resources to help her? In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, Tom and Ben sit down with Heather, a researcher and advocate, to unpack the hidden struggles women face when battling addiction, especially during pregnancy.

From stigma and lack of support to how treatment centers and families can respond, this conversation pulls back the curtain on an issue most people never talk about. Why pregnant women are one of the most stigmatized groups in addiction.

The uphill battle mothers face when seeking treatment. How stigma and lack of resources often keep women from asking for help. Stories of hope and what real recovery can look like for women and families.

This is one of our most eye-opening conversations yet — whether you're in recovery yourself, love someone who is, or simply want to understand this issue better.

👉 Don't forget to subscribe for more real conversations about addiction, recovery, and hope. 📩

Questions or need help?

Reach out: [email protected]

Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

In today's episode, Erik takes us through Working with Others: Part 2 from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/

Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/

RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling with addiction? https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

I was listening to a guy on a podcast talk about what it really takes to build a successful business. He said most entrepreneurs spend the first few years working seven days a week, sixteen hours a day, pouring absolutely everything into it. And I thought—man, that's exactly what early sobriety should look like. You get out what you put in. If you treat your recovery like it's part-time, you're going to get part-time results.

But if you go all-in, the payoff is massive. So today, we are breaking down three specific things you can start doing right now to make sure you're building your sobriety the right way from day one.

Have questions or need support? Email us anytime at [email protected].

➡️ Learn more about our Family Reconnect Program: www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/

Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/

RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling with addiction? https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we sit down with George, who recently graduated with not one — but two master's degrees. His story is a powerful reminder that getting clean and sober isn't the end of the road — it's the start of an entirely new life.

George opens up about his journey through addiction, the turning points that led him to sobriety, and how he's used his recovery as a launching pad for personal and professional transformation. From rebuilding his self-worth to achieving academic excellence, George's story proves that recovery can unlock possibilities you never thought were within reach.

If you've ever wondered what's truly possible in sobriety, this episode will leave you inspired and motivated to see the opportunities waiting on the other side of addiction.

📩 Have questions or need support? Email us anytime at [email protected].

➡️ Learn more about our Family Reconnect Program: www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/

Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/

RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc

In today's episode, Erik takes us through Working with Others from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep

SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt

Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk

Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/

Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/

RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/