Host TJ takes listeners live to the State Capitol in Hartford, Connecticut for Recovery Day. The event features an array of voices, including State Representative Robin Comey, Senator Saud Anwar, and Representatives Patrick Biggins and Devin Kearney, among others, who share their personal stories and legislative efforts to support individuals in recovery. Key discussions include the importance of removing the stigma associated with addiction, the potential benefits of Overdose Prevention Centers, and the need for robust community support and resources. The episode highlights the interconnected nature of recovery, community well-being, and legislative advocacy, emphasizing that recovery is a journey that involves everyone. Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 180

00:00 Introduction to Recovery Matters Podcast

00:26 State Representative Robin Comey's Personal Recovery Journey

02:54 Senator Saud Anwar on Overdose Prevention

07:18 Patrick Biggins on Youth and Recovery

08:43 Students for Recovery: Advocacy and Support

11:29 Taylor Aitken on Legislative Support for Recovery

13:47 Mike Pohl on Community Recovery Efforts

17:42 State Representative Devin Kearney on the Importance of Recovery

18:39 State Representative Toni Walker on Embracing Recovery

21:46 Stacy Sharpentier on Funding and Recovery Support

23:56 Conclusion and Resources for Recovery

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

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🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery

From a childhood marked by trauma and instability to multiple incarcerations, heroin addiction, and even surviving a gunshot to the head—Rick opens up about the chaos that defined his past and the redemption he’s found in recovery.

Rick reflects on the moment he finally surrendered on February 5, 2008, and how that surrender sparked a transformation that's helped him become a community leader, father, and advocate. He shares how meaningful work—including launching Redemption House and running recovery housing for over a decade—continues to give his life purpose.

🔥 Key Topics Covered:

• Rick’s early life and introduction to drugs at age 13
• Escaping a wilderness program and his first encounters with the justice system
• Surviving a near-fatal shooting during a robbery gone wrong
• Going to prison—and later choosing recovery while incarcerated
• Getting clean in 2008 and rebuilding his life
• The power of service, connection, and purpose in recovery
• The creation and impact of Redemption House, a safe bridge for those who relapse
• How one redemption bed can save the state $141,000/year
• Inspiring success stories of people who found hope through recovery housing
• The role of CCAR and recovery coaching in sustained wellness

00:00 Introduction and Host Backgrounds

00:32 Rick's Early Life and Family Struggles

01:25 Teenage Years and First Encounters with Drugs

02:19 Legal Troubles and Juvenile Detention

02:57 Escaping and Continued Struggles

03:57 First Prison Sentence and Continued Drug Use

06:23 Near-Death Experience and Hospitalization

09:33 Recovery Journey and Sober Living

11:05 Life in Recovery and Helping Others

12:29 The Redemption House Initiative

13:47 Building Community Relationships

14:15 The Role of Redemption House

14:46 Support Services at Redemption House

15:12 Success Stories and Future Plans

16:01 The Importance of Recovery Community

16:16 Personal Recovery Journeys

18:07 The Financial Impact of Redemption House

19:00 The Need for Long-Term Recovery Support

20:53 Self-Love and Purpose in Recovery

22:09 Inspiring Personal Stories

24:27 Exciting Future Projects

24:50 Concluding Thoughts on Recovery

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• 🎧 Risen From the Ashes: The Redemption Podcast (Rick’s other podcast) – Available on Spotify
• 🏠 Redemption House – A nonprofit recovery bridge for individuals who relapse
• 🤝 CCAR – Get connected with a Recovery Coach: https://ccar.us

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery

In this episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, host TJ takes listeners to the CCAR New London Recovery Community Center in Connecticut. The center, along with two others in the state, is at risk of losing funding. TJ interviews various individuals, including John, the impromptu center manager, and volunteers like Andrew and Ernest, all of whom share their personal recovery stories and the significant role CCAR and the Recovery Community Center have played in their lives. They discuss the variety of support services offered, the importance of community, and the challenges they've faced and overcome. Abby, from the Young People and Family Services Program, also shares her journey and the impactful work she does with young people and families struggling with addiction. The episode highlights the transformative power of community support in recovery and underscores the critical need to sustain funding for these vital services.

00:00 Introduction and Host's Background

00:15 Save Our Center: CCAR New London Recovery Community Center

00:43 Interview with John: Recovery Journey and CCAR's Impact

03:49 John's Personal Recovery Story

06:56 Interview with Andrew: Overcoming Relapse

15:13 Interview with Ernest: Volunteering and Recovery

20:05 Interview with Victor: Community Impact

22:33 Interview with Daniel: Telephone Recovery Services

26:56 Interview with Abby: Young People and Family Services

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery

Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 177 | Eric shares his incredible transformation—from growing up surrounded by chaos, falling into addiction, and navigating incarceration, to building a life centered on recovery, family, and purpose. With brutal honesty and heartfelt insight, Eric reflects on the trauma he carried, the choices he made to survive, and the life-changing moment he finally surrendered.

Through his journey, Eric found not only freedom from substances but also the strength to heal, reconnect with his children, and become a guiding light for others walking the recovery path. If you've ever doubted whether change is possible, Eric’s story will remind you that redemption is always within reach.

💬 Topics covered:
00:00 – Introduction
01:15 – Growing up in chaos and early trauma
06:30 – Life in the streets and surviving addiction
13:50 – What it took to finally surrender
19:20 – The turning point: jail and a higher calling
26:10 – Recovery, family, and becoming a father
33:00 – Giving back and finding purpose through service
38:45 – Final reflections and message to those still struggling

🔥 Key takeaway: “I didn’t think there was a way out—but recovery showed me there was.”

🎧 Like what you hear? Subscribe for more real recovery stories that inspire hope and healing.

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery

Alexis Nicole overcame addiction and transformed her life. Alexis discusses her early struggles growing up in a middle-class family, experiencing bullying, early exposure to drugs and alcohol, and the subsequent spiral into deeper substance use. She delves into significant turning points, including encounters with domestic violence, substance use, and homelessness. Through the support of a rehab program and her newfound spirituality, Alexis found strength in recovery. She talks about her path to becoming a recovery coach and her commitment to helping others in the Hartford community. Alexis' story is one of resilience, faith, and the importance of taking life one day at a time. She emphasizes the necessity of therapy, community support, and a passion for helping others on their recovery journey.

00:00 Introduction and Host Background

00:29 Guest's Early Life and Family

01:43 First Encounters with Substances

03:13 Escalation and Teenage Years

04:36 High School and Relationship Troubles

05:55 Diving Deeper into Drug Use

07:15 The PCP Era

08:58 Realizing the Problem

14:02 Hitting Rock Bottom

15:48 Entering Rehab: The First Steps

16:09 Realizing the Problem

16:35 Finding Motivation and Support

17:06 A New Relationship and Pregnancy

18:13 Completing the Program and Moving Forward

19:03 Building a New Life

20:38 Starting a Career in Recovery

21:32 Balancing Work and Personal Life

23:19 The Importance of Persistence

25:54 Living a Fulfilling Life

29:20 Advice for Those Struggling

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery

Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 175 | TJ talks with Dave Ogden, a counselor from Groton and Grasso Tech, about his incredible journey of overcoming substance use and personal loss. Dave shares poignant memories from his troubled childhood, his encounters with drugs in school, and the life-changing impact of meeting his wife. He candidly recounts the traumatic experience of his son's death and the subsequent struggle with Xanax addiction and withdrawal. Through perseverance, therapy, and the support of his community, Dave emerges as a strong advocate for recovery and support in schools, highlighting the inception and goals of the Students for Recovery initiative.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

00:39 Early Life and First Encounters with Drugs

01:10 High School and Escalation of Drug Use

02:18 Turning Points and Family Influence

03:04 Tragic Loss and Struggles with Xanax

05:17 Withdrawal and Hospitalization

11:52 Recovery Journey and EMDR Therapy

12:43 Students for Recovery Initiative

18:03 Supporting Recovery in Schools

18:22 Creating a Recovery-Friendly Environment

18:51 Student Involvement in Recovery Initiatives

19:28 Recovery Fest: A Community Effort

21:17 Challenges and Reflections on Recovery

26:47 Advice for Those New to Recovery

29:10 Personal Experiences with Addiction

30:54 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery

Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 174 | Leeroy opens up about his tumultuous childhood, growing up in a dysfunctional household where drugs were prevalent. He describes his early encounters with alcohol and marijuana, which eventually led to addiction. Leeroy speaks candidly about the impact of his lifestyle on opportunities and relationships, and the pivotal moments that drove him to seek sobriety. Now working as an intervention specialist, Leeroy utilizes his past experiences to support others in similar situations.

00:00 Introduction and Host Backgrounds

01:04 Growing Up in a Dysfunctional Household

02:42 First Encounters with Drugs and Alcohol

05:26 The Impact of Marijuana Addiction

06:45 Turning Points and Realizations

09:15 Struggles with Alcohol and Family Reflections

13:57 Challenges in Early Sobriety

15:57 Overcoming Triggers and Long-Term Recovery

17:03 High School Weed Addiction

17:24 The Dangers of High Potency THC

17:38 Marijuana Withdrawal and Health Issues

18:08 Changing Weed Culture and Legalization

18:29 Personal Journey of Quitting Weed

21:25 Challenges of Nicotine Addiction

26:37 Parenting and Addiction Awareness

30:06 Using Past Experiences to Help Others

32:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery

In this episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, TJ, interviews Luke, who has been clean since October 2022. They discuss Luke's early life, his descent into addiction, the impact of his mother's diagnosis, and his numerous overdoses and stints in jail. Luke shares his turning point towards recovery, involving treatment, sponsorship, and service work. He emphasizes the importance of humility, service, and dedication in recovery. Luke also talks about his passion for music and sports and the joy and responsibility of being a father.

00:00 Introduction and Recovery Background

00:37 Early Life and Ego

01:39 Descent into Addiction

02:30 High School and Family Tragedy

04:13 Homelessness and Overdoses

07:14 Turning Point and Recovery Journey

09:32 Building a New Life

11:03 Lessons Learned and Giving Back

14:29 Nostalgic Memories of Playing Ball

14:51 Discovering Music During Recovery

15:10 The Creative Mind in Recovery

16:08 The Joys and Challenges of Fatherhood

18:21 Advice for Those New to Recovery

19:55 The Catalyst for Change

22:16 Gratitude and Higher Power

24:36 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery

Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 172 | In this episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, Mark, sober since 1992, reflects on his youth in Connecticut, the hardships faced due to substance use, and his eventual path to recovery. Mark details the turning point that led him to seek help, his prison experience, the critical role of community and step meetings, and the strategies he employs to maintain sobriety.

00:00 Introduction and Host Backgrounds

00:42 Early Life and High School Challenges

01:32 Introduction to Substance Use

04:18 Struggles with Addiction

07:40 Turning Point and Recovery Journey

10:13 Life in Recovery and Reflections

19:16 Maintaining Sobriety and Current Life

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery

Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 171 | Taylor opens up about growing up in a home surrounded by substance use, the struggles of feeling unworthy, and the choices that led him deeper into addiction. He shares the harsh realities of hitting rock bottom, losing his father, and the moments that finally pushed him to embrace recovery. From living in a crack house to opening a sober home, Taylor’s transformation is nothing short of inspiring. His raw honesty and powerful insights offer hope to anyone struggling with addiction.

00:00 – Introduction and host introductions
00:27 – Taylor’s childhood: Growing up in a chaotic, addiction-filled home
01:56 – Experimenting with drugs and alcohol at a young age
03:13 – Homelessness, survival, and falling deeper into addiction
04:48 – The devastating loss of his father and the impact on his substance use
06:51 – Repeated arrests, consequences, and the inability to see the problem
08:35 – Realizing he wasn’t fooling anyone—his wake-up moment
10:17 – Early recovery attempts: Trying to control his use and failing
12:36 – The shift in mindset that finally led to real change
13:09 – Entering a sober house and learning what true recovery looks like
13:39 – A heartbreaking overdose that became a turning point
14:45 – The role of meetings, sponsorship, and building a strong network
17:02 – Opening a sober house and helping others find recovery
20:51 – Relapse, near death, and the lesson that changed everything
23:35 – Letting go of ego, chasing true fulfillment, and embracing a new way of life

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery