195: Adam's Second Chance

From Polysubstance Addiction to Counselor: Adam’s Recovery Story | Rock Bottom with Ryan

 

In this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, guest Adam shares how early feelings of isolation, learning issues, and clashing with his parents led to a long search for escape that escalated from alcohol to marijuana, benzos, opiates, and other substances. He describes struggles in high school and college, depression and suicidal thoughts, and a spiritual rock bottom that culminated in fleeing a pharmacy job when police arrived and entering treatment in 2007, followed by sober living and daily meetings. Adam reflects on amends with his mom, the importance of vigilance in sobriety, and how recovery reshaped his values, relationships, and career. Now married and sober since June 1, 2007, he works in detox and runs Linwood Counseling Services, including support for artists navigating substance-heavy music scenes, and discusses future goals like specializing in OCD and clinician burnout.

 

00:00 Amends and Vigilance 01:11 DJs Seeking Sobriety 01:35 Show Intro and Sponsor 02:41 Meet Adam and Sober Date 04:20 Childhood Feeling Alone 06:05 Family Clashes and Amends 10:33 First Drinks and Fitting In 13:22 Anything to Escape 15:11 School Life and Bullying 17:11 College Spiral and Isolation 20:11 Florida Pharmacy Bottom 21:28 Withdrawal and Detox Reality 23:12 Treatment and Early Recovery 25:21 Staying Sober Mindset 26:41 Post Treatment Years Ahead 27:07 Anger to Connection 27:52 Choosing a Fellowship 29:40 Finding a Career Path 32:30 Detox Work and Goals 34:53 Artists and Recovery 37:32 Staying Sober in Nightlife 39:28 Daily Recovery Habits 40:05 Marriage and Addictive Thinking 41:52 Future Goals and Success 43:21 Relapse Prevention Mindset 45:58 Closing Advice and Resources