Recoverycast: Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Stories

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

This mental health & addiction recovery story with Kelly U dives deep into childhood trauma, binge eating, depression, and her powerful decision to get sober from marijuana in 2020. From navigating a toxic relationship to healing through EMDR therapy, Kelly shares her raw and hopeful journey.

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

Connect with Kelly: https://www.instagram.com/kellyu/, https://www.tiktok.com/@_kellyu, https://www.youtube.com/@kellyuu, https://tr.ee/1quoaSmuNj

Key talking points:
1. Kelly developed disordered eating at age 10 after a triggering comment about her body.
2. Her eating disorder evolved from anorexia to years of secret binge eating.
3. Growing up in a volatile, emotionally closed household deeply impacted her mental health.
4. She struggled with depression, anxiety, and undiagnosed ADHD throughout school.
5. Kelly entered a 7-year narcissistically abusive relationship that intensified her trauma.
6. Weed became her coping mechanism, leading to daily use and emotional isolation.
7. She began therapy in college, where she slowly unraveled core wounds and family patterns.
8. In 2020, she got sober from marijuana after a breakdown and began true recovery.
9. EMDR therapy and movement helped her reconnect with her body and process PTSD.
10. Today, Kelly shares her story online to reduce shame and inspire others in recovery.

00:00 Shocking Medical Advice
00:23 Welcome to Recovery Cast
00:45 Meet Kelly U: Mental Health Advocate
01:07 Childhood Struggles and Coping Mechanisms
03:44 The Impact of Hurtful Comments
04:24 Developing an Eating Disorder
05:08 Family Dynamics and Seeking Help
09:04 High School Challenges and Coping with Food
10:24 College Life and Toxic Relationships
19:10 Therapy and Self-Discovery
30:18 Struggles with Binge Eating
35:59 Overcoming Eating Disorders and Therapy
36:12 EMDR Therapy and Reframing Memories
37:12 Self-Healing and Closing Emotional Loops
39:38 Struggles with Binge Eating and Sobriety
42:30 Pandemic Loneliness and Decision to Quit Weed
49:08 Building a New Life and Relationships
53:18 Maintaining Mental Health and Self-Care
57:15 Impact of Sharing Personal Journey Online
01:05:29 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

#mentalhealthawareness
#mentalhealthrecovery
#mentalhealthmatters

In this powerful mental health & addiction recovery story, Kody Green shares how early symptoms of schizophrenia led to meth addiction, incarceration, and ultimately a life-changing diagnosis. Now sober for 10 years, Kody is a nationally recognized recovery coach and mental health advocate.

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

Connect with Kody: https://www.kodygreen.com/, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZfYNa7ygWpc-1bDw4wy5JA, https://www.instagram.com/schizophrenichippie/, https://www.tiktok.com/@schizophrenichippie

Key talking points: 
1. Kody was a teen caregiver for his mother, who had undiagnosed schizoaffective disorder.
2. He first experienced symptoms of schizophrenia during his freshman year of college.
3. Fearing institutionalization, he isolated and turned to drugs to cope with hallucinations.
4. Cody dropped out of school and spiraled into active psychosis and meth addiction.
5. His first NA meeting was in jail, where he was incarcerated due to substance use.
6. He reached out for help after release, and his family connected him to fast-track treatment.
7. A schizophrenia diagnosis, antipsychotic meds, and peer support jumpstarted his recovery.
8. He got sober in 2015 and has maintained 10 years of sobriety.
9. Cody built a platform as the “Schizophrenic Hippie” to combat stigma and share hope.
10. He now speaks nationally, sits on the NAMI board, and helps others access recovery.

00:00 First Encounter with AA/NA in Jail

00:09 Worst Jail Meals

00:34 Introduction to Cody Green

01:12 Cody's Wisconsin Roots

02:42 Cody's Childhood and Mother's Mental Health

07:04 Cody's Own Mental Health Struggles Begin

08:36 College and Onset of Schizophrenia

09:47 Addiction and Incarceration

16:59 Life in Jail and Seeking Help

18:57 Diagnosis and Recovery

23:58 Rebuilding Life and Advocacy

25:51 Reflecting on Sobriety and Recovery

26:29 The Power of Peer Support

28:19 Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health

29:57 Challenges of Social Media Advocacy

30:39 Living with Schizophrenia

32:46 The Importance of Sharing Stories

35:08 Turning Points in Sobriety

36:47 The Role of Peer Support in Recovery

40:49 From TikTok to National Advocacy

48:12 Advocacy and Legislative Efforts

49:45 Messages of Hope and Conclusion

#addiction #schizophrenia
#addictionrecovery #mentalhealthawareness

This powerful addiction recovery story features Kori Leigh, who opens up about childhood loss, alcohol addiction, abusive relationships, and self-harm. She shares how 12-step recovery, therapy, and spiritual growth led her to sobriety, purpose, and peace after years of chaos.

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

Connect with Kori: https://www.korileigh.com/, https://www.instagram.com/korileigh, https://open.spotify.com/show/6HeZtt4fp198P8J1hTgcM8

Key talking points:
1. Kori Leigh lost her father at age six, sparking deep trauma and mistrust in God.
2. She struggled with rage, anxiety, eating disorders, and self-hatred throughout her youth.
3. Her substance use began with alcohol in her teens, followed by Ritalin, weed, and heavy drinking.
4. She lived a double life—running marathons and building a career while blackout drinking weekly.
5. An abusive three-year relationship escalated her alcohol and cocaine use.
6. Shame and denial masked the severity of her alcoholism, even as she lost cars and memory to blackouts.
7. Rock bottom came during a blackout Christmas, when she accused her husband of rape while drunk.
8. She entered 12-step recovery in December 2016, beginning her sobriety journey.
9. Early sobriety was brutal, as her husband left and old grief resurfaced, but she stayed sober.
10. Today she has 8+ years of sobriety, is a mentor, podcast host, and lives with peace, faith, and purpose.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote
00:23 Welcome to Recovery Cast
00:35 Meet Cory Lee
01:23 The Journey to Sobriety
02:41 Childhood Trauma and Memories
04:01 Losing a Father
05:54 Coping with Loss and Rage
11:33 Early Substance Use
14:42 Eating Disorders and Alcoholism
20:31 The Downward Spiral
28:18 Rock Bottom and Seeking Help
29:09 Struggles with Alcoholism and Mental Health
29:36 Marriage and the Return of Darkness
30:32 Realization and Attempt to Quit Alcohol
31:58 Hitting Rock Bottom
34:21 The Turning Point: Deciding to Get Sober
35:09 Early Days of Sobriety
38:22 The 12 Steps and Finding God
43:15 Life After Sobriety
45:50 Helping Others and Setting Boundaries
47:34 The Journey of Healing and Recovery
54:01 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

#addiction
#addictionrecovery
#addictiontreatment

Hilary Phelps shares her addiction recovery story after a 15-year battle with alcohol, depression, and perfectionism. From high-achieving athlete to struggling with secret drinking and shame, she opens up about her long-term sobriety, healing through 12-step recovery, and building a new life as a recovery advocate and mother. This mental health & addiction recovery story is powerful, honest, and deeply inspiring.

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

Connect with Hilary: https://www.hilaryphelps.com/, https://www.instagram.com/hilaryphelps_

Key topics:

1. Hilary’s early experiences with alcohol, marijuana, and depression at age 14.
2. Hiding her addiction behind academic and athletic success as a competitive swimmer.
3. How perfectionism and people-pleasing contributed to her emotional decline.
4. Escalation of blackout drinking and destructive behavior during college.
5. The impact of addiction on her romantic relationships and personal identity.
6. Navigating recovery while being part of a high-profile and famous family.
7. Her decision to seek help through outpatient treatment after multiple failed attempts.
8. The recovery tools that have supported her 18 years of sobriety.
9. Parenting with emotional openness and discussing addiction with her young son.
10. Launching The Right Room to help women in recovery and life transitions.

00:00 A Smoking Dilemma at a Funeral

00:37 Introduction to Recovery Cast

01:33 Meet Hilary Phelps

01:40 Swimming Beginnings

04:12 First Encounters with Alcohol

04:54 High School Struggles

11:27 College Challenges

17:01 Blackout Drinking Explained

17:53 The Shame of Addiction

25:07 Relationships and Ultimatums

26:37 First Steps Towards Recovery

30:24 Recovery.com: Your Path to Mental Health and Addiction Treatment

30:50 The Power of Shared Experiences in Recovery

31:12 The Journey of Self-Reflection and Acceptance

33:03 The Turning Point in Treatment

34:18 Navigating Emotions and Feelings in Recovery

35:08 The Importance of Support Systems

37:52 The Challenges and Triumphs of Long-Term Sobriety

43:51 Open Conversations About Addiction with Children

48:01 The Role of Community and Support in Recovery

50:17 Finding Identity and Purpose Beyond Addiction

53:49 Non-Negotiables and Boundaries in Recovery

58:17 Empowering Women Through Shared Experiences

01:02:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This is Zac Clark’s raw addiction recovery story—his journey from heroin, alcohol, and crack use to over a decade of sobriety. Zac opens up about childhood experiences, battling a brain tumor, opioid addiction, relapse, and the turning points that led to founding Release Recovery. A powerful mental health and addiction recovery story about hope, resilience, and lasting change.

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

Connect with Zac: https://www.instagram.com/zwclark/, https://www.instagram.com/thezacclarkshow/, https://www.tiktok.com/@zacwclark

Release Recovery: https://www.releaserecovery.com/

00:00 – Stolen check & the bank moment that changed everything
 01:00 – Introducing Zac Clark: Addiction recovery advocate & entrepreneur
 02:45 – Childhood, hidden trauma & early influences
 06:00 – Permission to ask for help & be curious about your life
 06:30 – Early behavioral addictions before substances
 07:30 – First drink in 8th grade & learning to lie
 09:00 – Falling asleep at the wheel after drinking
 11:00 – Brain tumor diagnosis, surgery & painkillers
 14:00 – From prescribed opioids to street drugs
 17:00 – Why families often don’t see addiction right away
 20:00 – First rehab in 2010 & intro to AA
 24:00 – Relapse & first time using heroin
 27:00 – How heroin became cheaper than OxyContin
 29:00 – $500/day habit & life in active addiction
 36:00 – Arrest, living on the street & “God moment” at the bank
 41:00 – Entering 5-month treatment at Caron
 42:00 – Detox symptoms & early recovery struggles
 46:00 – Tools from treatment: spiritual, clinical & physical
 48:00 – Life after rehab & 8 years of building recovery
 50:00 – Staying sober on The Bachelorette in 2020
 57:00 – Founding Release Recovery & helping others heal
 1:05:00 – Advice for those struggling & ready for help

In this powerful addiction recovery story, Parker Schley shares his journey from teenage binge drinking, cocaine use, and repeated arrests to finding hope in rehab. After a decade of alcoholism that began at 15, Parker entered treatment in 2025 and embraced a 12-step program. Now 6 months sober, he’s rebuilding relationships, discovering life beyond alcohol, and inspiring others with his vulnerability.

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

Connect with Parker: https://www.tiktok.com/@parkerschley

00:00 The Decision to Go to Rehab

00:25 Introduction to Recovery Cast

01:15 Parker's Early Struggles with Alcohol

02:55 High School and the Start of Alcoholism

07:30 College Years and Escalation

15:41 The Turning Point and Seeking Help

23:15 Understanding Alcoholism

23:46 Releasing Shame and Finding Tools

24:20 Transitioning to Sobriety

24:45 Rediscovering Life Without Alcohol

27:29 Building a Sober Community

29:09 Vulnerability and Honesty in Sobriety

33:17 Finding Treatment and Support

38:07 Recovery Routine and Support Systems

41:41 Sharing the Recovery Journey

43:37 Encouragement for Those Struggling