Jason Wahler opens up about OCD, alcohol misuse and an Adderall‑fueled relapse, revealing how he found hope and became a recovery advocate. Growing up in a supportive family in Laguna Beach, Jason began compulsively washing his hands until they bled and wore neoprene gloves full of Neosporin to hide the damage. This early battle with obsessive‑compulsive disorder created a double life – popular and athletic on the outside, but wracked with shame and validation‑seeking behind closed doors. Years later a brain scan revealed he had PANDAS, a strep‑related autoimmune condition that triggers OCD, helping him finally understand his mental health.

As a teen he discovered alcohol. His first sip was poured over his shoulder in feigned bravado, but by 15 he was drinking heavily on weekends, and by 17 he was already attending treatment programs. Fame on MTV’s Laguna Beach and The Hills fueled his bad‑boy persona and masked deeper pain, leading to public arrests and private turmoil. A moment of clarity came when he sat in a therapist’s office with his parents; hearing his dad confess that his parents lay in bed every night waiting for a call that he was dead broke him open. He entered treatment, embraced 12‑step recovery and faith, and built five years of sobriety before slipping again.

The relapse wasn’t glamorous. Prescribed Adderall despite a history of loving cocaine, he began taking ten pills a day and spiraled into drug‑induced psychosis. Drinking returned as a misguided sleep aid, and the cycle of shame and guilt lasted for years until he asked for help again. Today, Jason shares his story to destigmatize addiction, emphasize the link between mental health and substance use, and remind listeners that connection and honesty are the foundation of long‑term recovery. Whether you’re grappling with OCD, alcohol, stimulants or codependency, his journey offers hope that relapse can be part of recovery and that it’s never too late to turn pain into purpose.

Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction & first encounter with alcohol
02:15 – Childhood in Laguna Beach and early OCD struggles
05:00 – PANDAS diagnosis & hidden self‑inflicted trauma
09:00 – Teen drinking escalates and first treatment at 17
12:30 – Laguna Beach fame, bad‑boy persona & codependency
18:30 – Baseball dreams fade and public attention grows
24:45 – Moment of clarity: parents confront Jason’s addiction
30:10 – Celebrity Rehab, 12‑step program & early sobriety
33:45 – Adderall prescription, cocaine cravings & relapse
36:50 – Detox, shame, and the path back to long‑term recovery
37:53 – Preview of part two featuring Jason’s wife, Ashley

❓ Questions the Video Answers:

What is PANDAS and how did it trigger Jason Wahler’s OCD?

How did washing his hands until they bled affect his teenage years?

Why did Jason hide his mental‑health struggles from his parents?

How did his first experiences with alcohol at 14–15 shape his addiction?

At what age did he start drinking heavily and enter treatment?

How did fame from Laguna Beach and The Hills amplify his substance use?

What did his parents say that finally motivated him to seek help?

How did he find sobriety through 12‑step programs and therapy?

What led to his Adderall‑fueled relapse and why was it so dangerous?

How did he cycle between periods of sobriety and relapse for years?

What role did shame and guilt play in prolonging his addiction?

How does Jason approach mental‑health conversations with his own children?

Why is connection and honesty crucial for long‑term recovery?

What advice does he give to people dealing with OCD and addiction?

How can understanding trauma help prevent relapse and support healing?

#addictionrecovery #menta

Imagine going from a college‑bound basketball star to stealing change jars just to stay high. That’s the raw path Dakota Mortensen opens up about in this candid conversation. Growing up on a bird farm with a tight‑knit Mormon family and a deep love for sports, he never imagined that a knee injury would introduce him to pain pills—or that popping a couple to get through practice would snowball into snorting pills, moving to 30‑milligram “blues,” and eventually chasing heroin.

Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/

Dakota recounts how his parents discovered his stash, how he tried to hide his addiction behind a “jock” persona, and how his high‑school sweetheart—later his wife—walked out after catching him smoking heroin. He talks about overdosing in front of her and the shame and emptiness that followed. When she left, he hit rock bottom. Yet he also describes the paradox of feeling “free” when he didn’t care about anything, even as his life spiraled.

Through multiple relapses, treatment centers and hard‑won moments of clarity, Dakota ultimately chose recovery. He shares the emotions addicts often suppress, why community and family support mattered, and how he uses his platform today to advocate for opioid addiction recovery, fentanyl awareness and mental health. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to claw your way back from addiction, this story pulls no punches while showing that sobriety is possible. Stick around to hear how he stays sober, builds community and helps others find hope—and don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment with your own questions, and share this story with someone who needs it.

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome & Dakota’s mission
01:05 – Bird‑Farm Childhood & Basketball Dreams
03:30 – Knee Injury & Pain‑Pill Gateway
05:40 – Snorting Pills & Teenage Experimentation
07:50 – Denial, Warnings & Family Intervention
10:00 – Losing Basketball & Sliding to Stronger Drugs
13:15 – Marriage, Overdose & Dual Lives
18:07 – Rock Bottom: She Leaves & Self‑Hatred
20:30 – Emotions, Numbness & Illusion of Control
23:00 – Choosing Recovery & Becoming an Advocate

❓ Questions the Video Answers:

How can a seemingly harmless sports injury lead to opioid addiction?

What are early signs of opioid addiction in a high‑school athlete?

How did snorting pills accelerate Dakota’s addiction?

How do parents handle finding pain pills in their child’s pocket?

What happens when addiction strips away a lifelong passion like basketball?

How can addiction impact a marriage and cause a loved one to leave?

Why do some people feel “in control” even while their addiction is ruining everything?

What triggers finally push someone from denial to seeking help?

How does self‑hatred and shame feed into the cycle of relapse?

What role do community and family support play in opioid addiction recovery?

How do you rebuild trust and self‑worth during a mental health recovery journey?

What does daily life look like for someone several years sober?

How can sharing your story inspire others to seek mental health treatment?

Why is it important to address both emotional pain and physical dependence in recovery?

What actionable steps can someone take today if they’re struggling with fentanyl addiction?

#addictionrecovery #mentalhealth #sobriety

After postpartum depression triggered a relapse, Brittany Jade lost custody of her three children and spiraled from alcohol back into cocaine, Suboxone and even heroin and meth. Raised by an alcoholic father and introduced to drinking at 13, she later turned to weed, cocaine and acid during her teens and early twenties. Her story includes serious suicide attempts, a turbulent marriage, and a desperate move to California where she hoped a new start would help her get sober. Instead, postpartum stress and hidden drinking escalated into hiding vodka in cabinets and drinking nightly. A relationship with a man from detox led her to misuse Suboxone and eventually inject heroin and meth every day.

Brittany explains how losing custody forced her to confront addiction. She describes detoxing medically, logging breathalyzer tests four to six times per day and taking weekly drug screens to prove her sobriety. Despite setbacks—including psychosis and arrest—she found faith, re‑entered a 12‑step program, and built a support network that included her mother, who moved across the country to help her regain custody. Within 28 days of returning to Wisconsin she got legal custody back. Now more than five years sober, she shares practical relapse‑prevention strategies, the importance of honesty, and why recovery isn’t linear. Listeners will learn how she balances ADHD, postpartum depression and motherhood while staying sober, how she rebuilt trust with her children, and why breathalyzers and drug testing can be powerful accountability tools. Brittany’s raw story offers hope for anyone facing addiction, mental health struggles or custody battles.

Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/

From high‑stakes courtrooms to 12‑step meetings, this conversation covers relapse prevention, early warning signs, Suboxone misuse, heroin and meth recovery, and parenting in sobriety. Whether you’re searching for “alcohol addiction recovery,” “sobriety stories,” “postpartum depression treatment,” “heroin addiction story” or “relapse prevention strategies,” Brittany’s journey delivers actionable insights and inspiration. Stay tuned to hear how she maintains her sobriety, rebuilds relationships and advocates for recovery on social media.

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction & Background
02:10 – Growing Up: Early Drinking, Weed & Cocaine
05:45 – Acid, Suicide Attempts & First Treatments
09:30 – Marriage, “Sober” Wedding & Hidden Drinking
13:00 – Postpartum Depression & Twin Birth Trigger Relapse
17:40 – Suboxone Misuse, Custody Loss & Breathalyzer Logs
22:15 – Heroin & Meth Run, Overdose & Returning Home
26:40 – Regaining Custody, 12‑Step Faith & Five Years of Sobriety
30:10 – Life Today & Advocacy – Hope for Others

❓ Questions the Video Answers:
How can postpartum depression lead to relapse in recovering alcoholics?
What are the early warning signs of alcohol addiction and relapse?
How did Brittany’s teenage weed and cocaine use contribute to her alcoholism?
What role did Suboxone misuse play in her descent into heroin and meth addiction?
How do breathalyzer logs and drug tests help regain custody in court?
What does a medical detox from alcohol feel like?
How can parents protect their children during addiction and custody battles?
What strategies help prevent relapse after treatment (“relapse prevention plan”)?
How does postpartum depression intersect with addiction recovery?
What is religious or alcohol‑induced psychosis, and how can it be managed?
How can you rebuild trust with children after addiction and abandonment?
Why is recovery not linear, and how can you stay motivated on bad days?
Where can you find mental health and addiction treatment resources tailored to you?

#addictionrecovery #sobrietyjourney #mentalhealth

What happens when two sisters face the same trauma but walk completely different paths to healing? In this deeply moving episode of Recovery Cast, host Brittani Baynard sits down with Alyson Stoner and her sister Correy O’Neal for a raw, emotional, and inspiring conversation about addiction recovery, childhood abuse, family trauma, and the long road to rebuilding trust.

Find addiction and mental health treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Learn more about Movement Genius: https://www.movementgenius.com/

From surviving an abusive home and struggling with eating disorders, substance abuse, and homelessness, to rediscovering joy and creating their mental health platform Movement Genius, Alyson and Correy share how they transformed pain into purpose.

They open up about:
-Growing up in a house shaped by addiction, manipulation, and fear
-How trauma shaped their identities, relationships, and bodies
-What it takes to rebuild sibling bonds after years of silence
-The role of somatic therapy, community, and radical honesty in recovery
-Why they built Movement Genius to make mental wellness tools accessible to everyone

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome to Recovery Cast
01:00 – Growing Up in Chaos: Childhood Trauma & Abuse
05:00 – Sibling Disconnect: Silence, Survival & Coping
10:30 – Reconnecting with Their Father & Redefining Trust
17:00 – Addiction, Anorexia & the Illusion of Control
21:30 – Hitting Rock Bottom & Choosing Change
26:00 – Adulting After Trauma: Learning to Live & Feel
32:00 – Healing Through the Body: Somatic Therapy & Movement
40:00 – Permission to Feel: Learning Emotional Safety
46:00 – From Pain to Purpose: Creating Movement Genius
53:00 – Building a Wellness Business That Heals Everyone
55:30 – Reclaiming Their Story: Speaking Truth in Recovery
01:02:00 – What Recovery Looks Like Today
01:08:00 – Trust, Connection & Becoming Sisters Again
01:16:00 – Lessons from the Past & Messages for the Future
01:19:00 – No One Deserves to Suffer: Finding Hope & Community
01:20:30 – Where to Find the Book & Movement Genius

❓ Questions the Video Answers:
How can siblings heal after growing up in an abusive home?
What are signs you’re ready to start your recovery journey?
How does childhood trauma impact adult relationships?
What role does somatic therapy play in trauma healing?
How can you rebuild trust after family betrayal?
What’s the connection between addiction, eating disorders, and trauma?
How can parents break generational cycles of dysfunction?
What does it mean to “find joy” in recovery?
How do you set emotional boundaries while healing?
How can community and safe connection support recovery?
What inspired Alyson and Correy to start Movement Genius?
How can you start feeling your emotions after years of numbing?
What’s the difference between surviving and truly healing?
How can siblings reconnect after years of separation?
Why is truth-telling such a powerful part of recovery?


#MentalHealthRecovery #TraumaHealing #AddictionRecovery

In this mental health & addiction recovery story, Adriana Sansam shares how her husband’s four‑year sober streak ended in relapse and fatal accidental overdose — and how she chose to stay “just for today” so she can stay sober for her children and rebuild their family life.

Explore addiction and mental health treatment options: https://recovery.com

Connect with Adriana: https://www.instagram.com/adrianasansam/, https://www.facebook.com/p/Adriana-Sansam-100086399725563/, https://www.tiktok.com/@adriana.sansam

Just for Today Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/justfortodaypodcast/, https://www.youtube.com/@justfortodaypodcast

Key talking points: 
1. Adriana Sansam lost her husband Eric to a heroin overdose in 2023 after years of high-functioning addiction.
2. Eric had been sober for over four years before relapsing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. Adriana discovered his heroin use after finding a needle early in their relationship.
4. Despite multiple relapses, Eric often asked for help and wanted to recover.
5. He struggled with childhood trauma, grief, and untreated mental health issues.
6. Adriana supported him through detoxes while raising three young children.
7. After Eric’s death, Adriana faced intense grief and suicidal thoughts.
8. She found the phrase “Just for Today” in his recovery journal, which helped her stay alive.
9. Adriana chose to break the silence around addiction and now shares her story publicly.
10. She advocates for open conversations, support for loved ones, and living with honesty and hope.

00:00 Introduction and Content Warning
00:36 Meet Adriana Sansam
01:25 How Adriana Met Eric
04:12 Discovering Eric's Addiction
08:22 Eric's Relapse During COVID
17:28 Living with an Addict
30:39 Eric's Final Days
36:39 The Moment of Realization
38:37 Breaking the News to the Children
40:21 Coping with Daily Life
45:22 The Struggle with Addiction
48:22 Finding Support and Sharing the Story
57:38 Living with Grief and Finding Joy
01:16:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#grief #overdose #mentalhealthawareness 

Trigger Warning:
In this episode, we talk about experiences of abuse and self-harm. These topics can be difficult to hear, so please take care of yourself and listen at your own pace. If you or someone you know needs immediate support, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline anytime.

Caitlyn Boardman shares a mental health & addiction recovery story of early alcohol use, adoption trauma from South Korea, BPD symptoms, an eating disorder, and self-harm—and how she got sober in 2021 after cops were called, then rebuilt through fitness, meditation, and self-compassion. A candid look at relapse, motherhood, and staying sober with boundaries and breathwork.

Explore addiction and mental health treatment options: https://recovery.com

Connect with Caitlyn: https://www.instagram.com/caitlynbayybee/, https://www.tiktok.com/@madeinkoreaxo

Key talking points:
1. Caitlyn began drinking alone in middle school, hiding alcohol in her closet.
2. As a South Korean adoptee with early foster care, she later recognized adoption trauma and cultural isolation.
3. Home life lacked emotional safety; her father died when she was six and grief went largely unprocessed.
4. She developed alcohol addiction alongside BPD symptoms, self-harm, and an eating disorder with body dysmorphia.
5. Drinking escalated after her third child (2016), leading to job loss risks and blackout episodes.
6. A CPS scare after police calls pushed her to get sober in 2021 without rehab, leaning on her kids as motivation.
7. She rebuilt through meditation, breathwork, fitness (from “skinny” to strong), and strict social boundaries.
8. In early 2024 she relapsed in Seattle after being served real beer as “NA,” then drank for three days and stopped.
9. Sharing the relapse online brought empathy and community, reinforcing a no-shame, start-again recovery mindset.
10. Her message: persistence over perfection—relapse is a detour, not a dead end, and sobriety makes presence possible.

00:00 Early Memories of Alcohol
00:26 Introduction to Recovery Cast
00:39 Caitlyn's Background and Struggles
02:07 Childhood and Adoption
05:29 Early Alcohol Use
06:59 Battling Eating Disorders
09:36 Struggles with Borderline Personality Disorder
12:54 Path to Sobriety
16:04 Maintaining Sobriety and Fitness
19:54 Sharing the Sobriety Journey
20:24 Opening Up on Social Media
21:05 A Relapse Story
23:00 Support and Recovery
24:17 Coping with Loss and Staying Sober
25:30 The Aftermath of Relapse
32:39 Struggles with Body Image
35:17 Living with Borderline Personality Disorder
37:48 Encouragement for Those Struggling
39:10 Final Thoughts and Social Media Handles

#addictionrecovery #bpd #eatingdisorders

Courtney Anderson’s addiction recovery story sheds light on what it means to live as a high-functioning drinker — appearing to “have it all together” while secretly battling alcohol dependence. In this episode, the sober coach shares 10 key lessons from her sobriety journey and how she finally escaped the moderation trap for lasting freedom.

Explore addiction and mental health treatment options: https://recovery.com

Connect with Courtney: https://www.courtneyrecovered.com/, https://www.instagram.com/courtney___andersen/,  https://www.courtneyrecovered.com/podcast, https://www.instagram.com/sober.vibes/

Key talking points: 
1. Courtney lived for years as a high-functioning drinker while maintaining outward success.
2. She constantly tried to moderate her alcohol use but never found peace.
3. Anxiety and perfectionism fueled her dependence on alcohol.
4. Social pressure and career identity masked the seriousness of her addiction.
5. A breaking point came when moderation became exhausting and unsustainable.
6. Sobriety brought her clarity, stability, and emotional freedom.
7. She learned that true recovery starts with self-honesty, not willpower.
8. Community and coaching became key parts of her long-term sobriety.
9. Today, she helps others escape the same moderation trap she once lived in.
10. Her message: freedom is possible — not through control, but through surrender.

#addiction
#addictionrecovery
#addictiontreatment

Suzanne Warye’s addiction recovery story explores her journey from high-functioning binge drinking to building a sober life rooted in authenticity. She shares the hidden dangers of mommy wine culture, her struggles with postpartum OCD, and the healing power of choosing sobriety—before hitting rock bottom.

Find alcohol treatment near you: https://recovery.com/condition/alcohol/
Find OCD treatment near you: https://recovery.com/condition/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/

Learn more about Suzanne: https://thesobermomlife.com

Chapters:
00:00:00 Opening & “Brain on Drugs” vs Alcohol Norms
00:01:00 You Qualify for Sobriety Without Rock Bottom
00:02:00 Wisconsin Culture, First Drink & Belonging
00:05:00 Party Girl Era, Blackouts & Shame
00:15:00 The Moderation Myth & Choosing Sobriety
00:16:00 Motherhood Safety Wake-Up Call (Blackout Nursing)
00:18:00 De-Romanticizing Day Drinking & Summer Myths
00:21:00 Mommy Wine Culture & Targeted Marketing
00:27:00 Postpartum OCD, Intrusive Thoughts & Therapy
00:36:00 Jan 19, 2020: First Steps, Books & Lockdown
00:56:00 How Relationships Changed—Husband, Family, Community
01:01:00 Sober Summers, Present Parenting & Hope

Questions this video answers:
Do you need a rock bottom to quit drinking?
Why does “moderation” often backfire with alcohol?
How is mommy wine culture marketed to moms?
What made Suzanne decide to stop drinking in 2020?
How can intrusive thoughts or postpartum OCD show up for parents?
What helped in early sobriety during lockdown?
How do relationships and parenting change in sobriety
What practical first steps support alcohol-free living?
How do you handle grief without turning to alcohol?
Where can moms find sober community and resources?

#QuitDrinking #SoberMomLife #MommyWineCulture

Former child star Alyson Stoner opens up about eating disorders, anxiety, and the trauma of growing up in Hollywood. This mental health & addiction recovery story explores their journey from overwork and disordered eating to therapy, sobriety, and becoming a mental health advocate.

Explore addiction and mental health treatment options: https://recovery.com

Connect with Alyson: https://www.instagram.com/alysonstoner, https://www.alysonstoner.com/, https://www.facebook.com/alysonstoner/

Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything: https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/semi-well-adjusted-9781250353498/

Key talking points: 

1.Alyson Stoner began working 80-hour weeks as a child actor, carrying adult responsibilities.

2. They developed disordered eating and anxiety under Hollywood’s extreme pressure.

3. Alyson lacked mental health tools and lived in survival mode for much of their youth.

4. Treatment at age 17 marked the start of their recovery from eating disorders.

5. Somatic therapy and CBT helped Alyson reconnect with their body and build coping tools.

6. They describe fame as addictive and traumatic, comparing it to an abusive relationship.

7. A sexual assault in adulthood triggered deeper reflection and trauma healing.

8. Recovery gave Alyson the freedom to set boundaries and reframe perfectionism.

9. They now work as a mental health advocate, helping reform safety standards on film sets.

10. Alyson’s story emphasizes community healing, ongoing recovery, and the power of sharing.

[00:00:00] – Intro & Alyson joins the show

[00:01:00] – Mirror or window: Alyson’s purpose in sharing

[00:03:00] – Childhood fame & emotional toll

[00:04:00] – Branded as a product in Hollywood

[00:06:00] – Industry disrupts child development

[00:09:00] – Identity confusion from early roles

[00:12:00] – “Toddler to trainwreck” pipeline

[00:14:00] – Leaving vs. staying in the industry

[00:17:00] – Eating disorders & anxiety

[00:21:00] – No mental health support on set

[00:24:00] – Addiction to adrenaline highs

[00:26:00] – Entering treatment at 17

[00:29:00] – Day 1 in treatment

[00:31:00] – Trigger cards & CBT

[00:34:00] – Learning somatic therapy

[00:36:00] – Redefining food & exercise

[00:39:00] – Fame as an abusive cycle

[00:44:00] – Becoming an advocate on set

[00:50:00] – Surviving sexual assault

[01:00:00] – Recovery, community & hope

#mentalhealthawareness #eatingdisorder

In this addiction recovery story, salon owner & recovery advocate Lauren Welch opens up about her struggles with alcohol, postpartum anxiety, grief, and the pandemic’s impact on her drinking. She shares how an epic meltdown became the turning point toward sobriety and inspired her to create the Sober Curious Society.

Explore addiction and mental health treatment options: https://recovery.com

Connect with Lauren: https://www.instagram.com/lowelch/, https://www.thesobercurioussociety.com/

Key talking points:

1. Lauren Welch began drinking in adolescence, starting with wine coolers at age 12.
2. Her alcohol use escalated in high school and college, fueled by party culture and social validation.
3. Her parents’ divorce in senior year led her to rely on drinking as emotional escape.
4. She dabbled in ecstasy and cocaine during the rave era but avoided opioids due to adverse reactions.
5. Alcohol followed her into adulthood, shifting from bars to nightly wine at home, especially after becoming a mom.
6. The pandemic, postpartum anxiety, and financial stress deepened her reliance on alcohol.
7. Family tragedies—including her brother-in-law’s sudden death and her father’s stroke—pushed her drinking to dangerous levels.
8. An alcohol-fueled meltdown at a wedding became her wake-up call to pursue sobriety.
9. Step by step, she found healing through therapy, community, and building her Sober Curious Society.
10. Now over two years sober, she advocates for women to explore sobriety, find support, and rediscover themselves.

00:00 Epic Meltdown and Sobriety Journey

00:39 Introduction to Recoverycast

01:00 Lauren's Background and Childhood

02:33 Early Experiences with Alcohol

03:24 High School and Coping Mechanisms

04:36 College and Cosmetology School

11:28 Post-College Life and Marriage

13:59 Pandemic Struggles and Family Loss

21:34 Therapy and Realizations

26:09 Struggles of Sharing Feelings

26:27 The Burden of Caregiving

27:52 Mommy Wine Culture

28:46 The Turning Point: Deciding to Quit Drinking

29:16 The Sober Journey Begins

29:37 The Wedding Meltdown

31:30 First Steps to Sobriety

33:18 Building the Sober Curious Society

35:21 Maintaining Sobriety and Overcoming Cravings

37:35 The Importance of Community Support

39:16 Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

44:11 Launching the Sober Curious Society

47:11 Reflecting on Sobriety and Future Plans

53:22 Final Thoughts and Social Media Links