Recoverycast: Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Stories

In this mental health & addiction recovery story, Fausto Castellanos shares his harrowing battle with meth, ecstasy, alcohol, and the trauma behind his substance use. From psych ward holds to becoming “The Hope Dealer,” Fausto opens up about his journey through epilepsy, suicidal thoughts, and eventual recovery.

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

Connect with Fausto: http://www.hopedealer.org/, https://www.instagram.com/hopedealerfausto, https://www.youtube.com/@NotYourAverageCounselor, https://www.facebook.com/faustocastellanoss/

00:00 The Hope Dealer: Fausto's Introduction

02:22 Early Struggles: Anxiety and Seeking Validation

04:29 Childhood Trauma: The Impact of Abuse

09:10 Teenage Turmoil: Drugs and Desperation

13:20 The Party Persona: Escaping Through Substance Abuse

21:44 Rock Bottom: Overdoses and Suicidal Thoughts

29:55 A Glimmer of Hope: Seeking Help and Finding Purpose

31:48 The Pink Cloud Experience

33:02 Sharing My Story on Social Media

34:12 Tools for Maintaining Sobriety

35:00 The Power of Forgiveness

38:43 EMDR Therapy Explained

42:31 Navigating Sobriety Challenges

48:05 The Hope Dealers Movement

56:11 Finding Peace in Asia

57:58 The Importance of Lived Experience in Therapy

01:02:19 Final Thoughts and Social Media

Corey Warren’s addiction recovery story begins with heroin use in high school and escalates into daily vodka consumption, an alcohol-induced seizure, and incarceration for armed robbery. After multiple stints in rehab, Corey not only found sobriety but also built Rise Recovery Community to help others. This is a raw and inspiring journey of transformation through accountability, faith, and community.

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

Connect with Corey: https://www.instagram.com/icoreywarren, https://www.youtube.com/@icoreywarren

Rise Recovery Community: https://www.rrclansing.org/

00:00 A Night to Forget: Alcohol-Induced Seizure

00:43 Introduction to Recovery Cast

01:26 Corey Warren's Journey Begins

02:21 First Encounter with Addiction

02:44 High School Struggles and Rehab

05:25 The Descent into Crime

07:00 Realization and Recovery

08:22 The Role of Alcohol

15:07 Finding Support in AA

21:03 Rise Recovery Community: A New Beginning

26:06 Straight Talk: Reaching Out to Youth

26:28 Upcoming Plans and Reflections on Recovery

26:49 The Tattoo Shop Success Story

27:22 Balancing Business and Recovery

28:24 The Downfall Begins

29:08 Relapse and Its Consequences

33:03 The Road to Redemption

38:05 Embracing Faith and Community

42:26 Navigating Social Media and Authenticity

53:58 Advice for Those Struggling

57:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This addiction recovery story follows Tony Hoffman’s journey from OxyContin, heroin, and meth use—along with incarceration and homelessness—to becoming an Olympic coach and national speaker. His honesty about mental health, trauma, and redemption offers a message of hope and purpose.

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

Connect with Tony: https://tonyhoffmanspeaking.com/, https://www.instagram.com/tonymhoffman

00:00 From Prison Cell to Olympic Dreams
00:27 Introducing Tony Hoffman: BMX Pro to Recovery Advocate
02:45 Tony's Early Struggles and BMX Beginnings
04:17 The Pressure of Talent and the Desire for Normalcy
11:41 The Lone Wolf: Embracing Individual Sports
16:37 The Downward Spiral: Addiction and Isolation
28:16 Rock Bottom: Homelessness and Desperation
33:09 Reflecting on Loss and Fast Living
34:51 The Role of Structure in Recovery
36:28 The Power of a Quote
37:29 The Journey of Self-Discovery
40:39 Finding Community and Mentorship
51:24 The Importance of Rigorous Honesty
59:54 Myths and Realizations in Recovery
01:01:34 Paying It Forward in the Recovery Community

This is Abbey Fickley’s addiction recovery story—from early alcohol use in high school to postpartum depression, Xanax, and Percocet abuse that spiraled into IV heroin use and multiple rehab stays. Abbey shares how relapse, jail threats, and a powerful disownment letter led to lasting sobriety, and how she’s now a thriving sober mom, speaker, and advocate.

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

Connect with Abbey: https://www.tiktok.com/@abbeyfickley, https://www.instagram.com/abbeyfickley/

00:00 Introduction to Recoverycast

01:22 Abbey's Early Struggles with Alcohol

02:37 High School Drinking and Early Signs

18:21 Postpartum Depression and Prescription Drugs

30:38 First Time in Rehab

40:41 Family Therapy and Relapse Prevention

41:32 The Illusion of Control

42:24 The Cycle of Relapse and Recovery

44:54 The Dark World of Addiction

46:36 Facing Legal Consequences

49:09 A Turning Point in Treatment

50:56 Building a New Life in Sobriety

54:01 The Role of Faith and Humility

56:02 Life Beyond Addiction

01:17:53 Advice for Those Struggling

In this episode of Recoverycast, we sit down with Tony Hoffman, an inspirational figure whose life story is a testament to the possibilities of redemption and recovery. Once a troubled teen who went from Wasco State Prison to becoming a pro BMX rider, Tony managed to turn his life around after battling addiction, mental health challenges, and incarceration. Today, as a motivational speaker, founder of pH Wellness, and Olympic BMX coach, Tony shares his incredible journey of how he rebuilt his life, emphasizing the importance of balance, honesty, and community support. Listen as Tony discusses the pivotal moments that shaped his path, the mentors who guided him, and the crucial steps he took to achieve peace and success. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, this episode is a must-listen for inspiration and practical advice on finding the courage to make a change. Don't miss this powerful story of resilience and hope.

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

Connect with Tony: https://tonyhoffmanspeaking.com/, https://www.instagram.com/tonymhoffman

00:00 From Prison Cell to Olympic Dreams

00:27 Introducing Tony Hoffman: BMX Pro to Recovery Advocate

02:45 Tony's Early Struggles and BMX Beginnings

04:17 The Pressure of Talent and the Desire for Normalcy

11:41 The Lone Wolf: Embracing Individual Sports

16:37 The Downward Spiral: Addiction and Isolation

28:16 Rock Bottom: Homelessness and Desperation

33:09 Reflecting on Loss and Fast Living

34:51 The Role of Structure in Recovery

36:28 The Power of a Quote

37:29 The Journey of Self-Discovery

40:39 Finding Community and Mentorship

51:24 The Importance of Rigorous Honesty

59:54 Myths and Realizations in Recovery

01:01:34 Paying It Forward in the Recovery Community

Elizabeth Pearson shares her powerful addiction recovery story, detailing her struggles with alcohol, OCD, sexual trauma, and deep depression. From secretive drinking, an abusive relationship, and a near-suicide, she found healing through 12-step recovery, community, and running marathons. A story of transformation, faith, and finding purpose in sobriety.

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

Connect with Elizabeth: https://www.instagram.com/eatlizabeth/

00:00 Introduction and First Impressions

00:30 Meet Elizabeth Pearson

01:55 Early Struggles with Alcohol

03:43 College Life and Drinking Culture

06:51 Dealing with Trauma and Addiction

12:33 The Turning Point

15:24 Finding Sobriety and Support

19:23 Embracing Recovery

25:26 The Power of Community

28:20 Diagnosed with OCD: A New Perspective

28:45 Understanding OCD Beyond Stereotypes

29:06 Alcoholism and OCD: The Connection

30:47 Daily Practices for Managing OCD and Alcoholism

31:49 The Importance of Asking for Help

33:27 Navigating Relationships in Sobriety

39:22 Spirituality and Running in Recovery

44:30 Family Healing Through Recovery

48:45 The Gift of Recovery: A New Life

52:38 Final Thoughts and Social Media

Kat Sorensen shares her deeply moving addiction recovery story—battling alcohol, cocaine, Xanax, Molly, and Adderall—while climbing the corporate ladder and enduring emotional collapse. Now nearly a decade sober through AA, she’s the CEO of Laguna Shores Treatment Center and founder of Change to Change. A must-hear journey of relapse, surrender, and service.

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

Connect with Kat: https://www.instagram.com/socalkattt,
https://www.tiktok.com/@socalkattt

00:00 Introduction and Initial Struggles
00:24 Welcome to Recovery Cast
01:21 Kat Sorensen's Early Life and Addiction
02:19 First Experiences with Alcohol
03:26 High School and Double Lives
07:50 College Years and Early Marriage
09:26 Struggles with Alcoholism and Career
21:37 Relocation and Escalation
28:00 Rock Bottom and Seeking Help
34:06 A Desperate Search for Solutions
34:37 Discovering Alcoholics Anonymous
34:51 Initial Resistance and Misconceptions
35:24 First Steps in Recovery
37:11 The Importance of Community
38:24 Navigating Early Sobriety
40:15 A Rocky Relationship
43:33 Facing Betrayal and Seeking Help
47:25 The Power of Making Amends
53:57 Building a Supportive Community
01:01:34 Finding Purpose Through Service
01:05:03 Conclusion and Contact Information

Gabby Egan shares her raw and unfiltered addiction recovery story, from getting pregnant at 13 to battling severe alcohol and marijuana addiction, being diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder, and finding sobriety after a viral Vegas arrest. This is a powerful mental health & addiction recovery story about redemption, resilience, and healing.

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

Connect with Gabbie: https://www.tiktok.com/@bbyegan_ 
https://www.instagram.com/bbyegan/

00:00 A Shocking Awakening in Jail
00:27 Introduction to Recovery Cast
01:28 Gabbie Egan's Recovery Journey
01:49 The Struggles and Setbacks of Recovery
04:08 Early Exposure to Substances
06:40 Teenage Turmoil and Early Motherhood
09:15 Diagnosis and Misunderstanding
16:56 Military Service and Substance Abuse
18:34 Living with Bipolar Disorder
25:56 A Life-Changing Trip to Las Vegas
27:25 Unexpected Encounters in Vegas
28:02 A Chaotic Day in Vegas
28:40 Legal Troubles and Jail Time
28:55 Returning Home and Facing Reality
31:41 Diagnosis and Treatment
33:37 Struggles with Substance Abuse
35:07 A Second Incident in Nashville
39:18 The Turning Point: Seeking Sobriety
42:37 Rebuilding Life and Business
47:06 Reflections on Recovery and Future Plans

Ben Fisher’s addiction recovery story spans decades of secret painkiller abuse, alcoholism, and spiritual struggle—all while leading worship at a church. After a blackout while caring for his infant daughter, Ben’s journey from alcohol, opioid, and Suboxone dependency to becoming a viral recovery advocate began. This is a deeply moving addiction recovery story rooted in faith, music, and second chances.

Explore addiction treatment resources: https://recovery.com

Connect with Ben: https://www.tiktok.com/@astringofhope, https://www.facebook.com/1stringofhope

00:00 The Urgency of Speaking Out

00:23 Introduction to Recovery Cast

00:39 Meet Ben Fisher: A Journey of Transformation

02:02 Ben's First Encounter with Alcohol

04:27 The Influence of Music and Idols

08:46 Balancing Two Lives: Church and Rock Star

14:46 Struggles with Addiction and Relationships

20:42 Rock Bottom and the Path to Recovery

32:35 Building a Tiny House: A Journey of Determination

33:07 A Father's Tough Love and a New Fire

34:33 Learning Guitar Building: A New Passion

35:11 The Birth of 'A String of Hope'

35:49 Going Public with Recovery

38:14 The Rise of Social Media Influence

39:59 Personal Growth and Relationships

43:47 Facing Fear and Embracing Change

00:00 The Power of Community and Connection

55:06 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this raw addiction recovery story, Riley Whalen shares her journey through ADHD, alcoholism, marijuana dependency, and academic failure. From a cross-country escape to multiple rehab stints, Riley opens up about how sober living, 12-step programs, and deep personal work helped her reclaim her life—and become a recovery advocate to over 100,000 followers.

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

Connect with Riley: https://www.tiktok.com/@riwhey_orthehighway, https://www.instagram.com/riwhey_orthehighway/

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections
00:21 Welcome to Recovery Cast
02:32 Riley's Early Experiences with Alcohol and Marijuana
09:43 High School Struggles and Family Dynamics
14:22 The Turning Point: Realizing the Need for Help
17:01 The California Journey and Return Home
22:40 First Steps Towards Recovery
27:06 Realizing Alcoholism
27:25 Connecting with Others in Treatment
27:39 The Power of Shared Experiences
28:47 Recovery.com Sponsorship
29:41 Processing Emotions in Treatment
31:18 Defining Alcoholism
35:05 Facing Fears in Treatment
37:15 Transitioning to Sober Living
43:03 Relapse and Recovery
50:40 Life in Recovery
55:09 Advice for Those in Fear
55:54 Conclusion and Social Media