Summary:

In this episode, host Jared Miller engages in a candid conversation with fellow recovery advocate Jaerden, who shares his transformative journey from addiction to recovery. The discussion begins with Jaerden recounting his chaotic early life, marked by family struggles and substance abuse that escalated from marijuana to harder drugs like OxyContin and heroin. He reflects on the pivotal moments that led him to a life of crime, including a series of pharmacy robberies driven by desperation and addiction. After facing significant legal consequences, including time in jail and prison, Jaerden's path takes a turn when he enters a treatment program that offers him the support and community he desperately needed. As the conversation unfolds, Jaerden emphasizes the importance of accountability, community, and the willingness to embrace change. He discusses the challenges of early recovery, including the struggle to reconnect with his emotions and the ongoing journey of self-discovery. Through his experiences, he highlights the significance of mentorship and the power of sharing one's story to inspire others. The episode concludes with a message of hope, underscoring that recovery is a continuous process that requires commitment, openness, and the courage to face one's past.

Takeaways:

-"I was always the compassionate individual, but addiction took me away from that person completely."

Chapters:

00:00 Recording Challenges and Introductions

Summary:

In today's episode, the hosts discuss the significant impact of smoking on recovery from substance use disorders. They explore statistical data that highlights the correlation between quitting smoking and improved recovery outcomes, emphasizing that individuals who quit smoking are statistically more likely to remain sober. The conversation delves into the addictive nature of nicotine, the higher smoking rates among those with substance use disorders, and the importance of addressing smoking in treatment plans. The hosts also share personal anecdotes and reflections on their goals for the new year, encouraging listeners to share their own resolutions.

Takeaways:

-Smoking is a significant health risk that can impact recovery outcomes.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

Summary:

In this episode, Jared Miller discusses the challenges of maintaining sobriety during the holiday season. He highlights the increased risk of relapse, particularly for those in early recovery, and offers practical strategies for navigating social events, setting boundaries, and coping with holiday stress. The conversation emphasizes the importance of social connections, service work, and creating new memories to foster a positive holiday experience. Jared shares personal anecdotes and encourages listeners to reach out to others for support during this challenging time.

Takeaways:

Relapse rates increase significantly during the holiday season.

Chapters:

00:00 Holiday Season and Sobriety Awareness

Summary:

In this episode, Evan Done discusses the opioid litigation funds and their implications for recovery and community support. He shares insights on the role of USARA, the importance of personal experiences in advocacy, and the challenges of fund allocation. The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement, the impact of housing on recovery, and the importance of treating substance use as a health crisis rather than a legal issue. Evan calls for action and involvement from listeners to ensure that funds are used effectively to support those affected by the opioid crisis.

Takeaways:

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Opioid Litigation Funds

Resource Website:

https://nashp.org/state-tracker/state-opioid-settlement-spending-decisions/

Summary:

In this episode of We Do Recover, Matt Borget shares his journey through addiction and recovery, discussing the pivotal moments that led him to seek help and the importance of family support. He reflects on his experiences with treatment, relapse, and the lessons learned along the way. Matt emphasizes the significance of community, gratitude, and the ongoing journey of recovery, while also providing insights into the New Roads Treatment Center and its approach to mental health care.

Takeaways:

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Context of the Podcast

Summary:

In this episode of We Do Recover, Jordan Burningham shares his journey from addiction to recovery, detailing the struggles he faced and the pivotal moments that led him to seek help. He discusses the importance of community, purpose, and healthy habits in maintaining recovery, along with his innovative approach to treatment that focuses on holistic healing. Jordan emphasizes the need for supportive environments and the role of meaningful connections in overcoming addiction. He also highlights the miracles of recovery, including the joy of family and the fulfillment of helping others.

Takeaways:

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

Summary:

This episode of We Do Recover explores the journey of Troy Meyer from a troubled childhood marked by addiction in his family to his own struggles with substance abuse. Troy shares his experiences with addiction, the impact on his relationships, and the pivotal moments that led him to seek recovery. He emphasizes the importance of community support, accountability, and the realization that one's past does not define one's future. The discussion highlights the challenges of early recovery, the significance of personal growth, and the miracles that can happen when one chooses to change their life.

Takeaways:

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

Summary:

In this episode, Jared Miller discusses the theme of change, focusing on both internal and external transformations. He shares personal anecdotes and insights from his journey in recovery, emphasizing the importance of understanding the stages of change and coping strategies. The conversation highlights the challenges of change, the significance of community support, and the necessity of maintaining a flexible mindset. Jared encourages listeners to embrace change as a catalyst for personal growth and to seek help when needed.

Takeaways:

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Change and Recovery

The debate between harm reduction and abstinence-only approaches continues to shape addiction treatment, but is it really an either/or proposition? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Terry Sellers shares his perspective: "Here's where I really disagree with harm reduction. I don't disagree with it for the most part, but when they remove abstinence as one of the possibilities of choices, they've removed patient autonomy. My job as a physician is to lay out all the possibilities and then we decide which one's going to work for you." Throughout our conversation, we explore how substance abuse exists on a spectrum, with various interventions appropriate at different points in recovery. While acknowledging the life-saving potential of harm reduction strategies, we also challenge the notion that abstinence shouldn't be presented as a viable option for those seeking recovery. As Dr. Sellers puts it, "You can't get hepatitis C from a needle if you're not using needles... you can't die of a fentanyl overdose if you don't use something with fentanyl in it." In many ways, abstinence represents the ultimate form of harm reduction. We also tackle the misconception that addiction treatment "doesn't work" by contextualizing success rates. When someone attempts recovery without treatment, success rates hover below 1%, while formal treatment increases this to 15-20% – comparable to management success rates for other chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Perhaps most importantly, we highlight the critical factor most overlooked in recovery: "Here's one of the magic things in treating people is spelled T-I-M-E. If you just go somewhere for 30 days, 45 days, even 60 days, and that's all you do... statistically, we know the longer you stay in treatment, the higher your success rate is going to be." Whether you're a treatment professional, someone in recovery, or a concerned loved one, this episode offers valuable insights into creating recovery pathways that honor individual choice while maximizing chances for long-term success. Join us as we navigate this complex conversation with compassion, experience, and a commitment to patient autonomy. 

NBA legend Thurl "Big T" Bailey knows what it means to bounce back. In this inspiring episode, he opens up about being told he’d never make it in basketball—and how that rejection fueled his journey from junior high benchwarmer to first-round NBA draft pick.

Bailey shares the three life-changing questions he was asked at an Italian border crossing—questions that now guide his approach to purpose, recovery, and resilience:

- Where are you coming from?

- What is your purpose?

- What is your destination?

Through powerful stories of overcoming setbacks, supporting teammates through addiction, and finding meaning beyond the court, Bailey reveals the keys to lasting transformation: consistency, connection, and believing in yourself even when others don’t.

Whether you’re facing your own challenges, supporting someone in recovery, or searching for your “why,” this conversation offers practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement. Discover how to find your coach, rewrite your story, and build a life that matters—on and off the court.

Tune in for an unforgettable conversation with one of basketball’s most thoughtful voices.