Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 169 | Danny, who recently celebrated four years of sobriety, discusses his early experiences with drugs and alcohol, the impact of his mother's death on his substance use, and his subsequent journey through addiction, legal troubles, and incarceration. Both hosts reflect on the challenges they faced, the turning points in their lives, and the importance of support systems. They offer insights and advice for those in early recovery and emphasize the transformative power of perseverance and self-awareness.

00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions

00:38 Early Life and First Encounters with Substances

01:10 Teenage Years and Substance Abuse

04:32 Escalation and Coping with Loss

05:28 Struggles with Prescription Drugs

14:41 Incarceration and Turning Point

20:59 Life After Recovery

22:30 Advice for Those in Recovery

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Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 168 | TJ sits down with Matt, a young person in long-term recovery, to discuss his journey from childhood to sobriety. Matt shares his experiences growing up, the impact of early trauma, and how he initially turned to alcohol for escape. He recounts his struggles with addiction, multiple DUIs, and his path to seeking help, including his time in treatment at the Life Center in Hartford. Now six months sober, Matt reflects on the support systems that have helped him, his volunteer work at CCAR, and his aspirations to become a recovery coach. With humor, honesty, and deep insight, Matt offers encouragement to those new to recovery, emphasizing that setbacks don’t mean failure—they’re just part of the journey.

[00:00:00]–Introduction: TJ welcomes guest Matt

[00:01:00]–Matt’s childhood and family background

[00:02:00]–Early trauma and how it resurfaced

[00:03:00]–First experiences with alcohol and drinking to escape

[00:04:00]–College drinking and early warning signs

[00:06:00]–Moving to California and deepening struggles

[00:07:00]–DUIs and first attempt at treatment

[00:08:00]–Entering the Life Center and finding spirituality

00:10:00]–Admitting alcoholism and seeing signs everywhere

[00:12:00]–Hitting six months of sobriety

[00:13:00]–Volunteering at CCAR and telephone recovery support

[00:14:00]–Life in recovery: music, friendships, and faith

[00:16:00]–Training to become a recovery coach

[00:18:00]–Overcoming the idea of "drinking normally" again

[00:19:00]–The importance of staying connected and using a support system

[00:22:00]–Final message: “Stumbling doesn’t mean failure—keep trying”

----Across the Web----

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✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

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Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 167 | Tajay's story begins with a life-changing arrest, leading him to outpatient treatment and, ultimately, to CCAR. He didn’t initially seek recovery—it found him. While in IOP, he struggled with staying sober, turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism. However, deep down, he knew he wanted more for himself. His commitment to trying something differentled him to school, where a conversation about psychology unexpectedly introduced him to the idea of becoming a recovery coach. This opened the door to a new world, and through CCAR, Tajay found the support, structure, and inspiration to rebuild his life.

One of the most significant changes in his recovery journey was reevaluating friendships and relationships. He realized that many of his past connections were built around substance use, and changing his circle was necessary. He now values friendships based on mutual respect and personal growth rather than peer pressure or partying. Relationships, particularly romantic ones, remain tricky, especially when dating someone who isn’t in recovery. However, he emphasizes the importance of healthy communication and setting boundaries.

Education played a crucial role in his transformation. What started as a simple way to stay busy turned into a passion. Tajay became deeply involved on campus, founding the Legacy Club to help students network, connect, and take their careers seriously from day one. His belief that “it’s not just what you know, but who you know” helped him secure opportunities, despite not yet having a degree. He encourages students to build relationships, take advantage of resources, and stay open to new possibilities.

Beyond education, Tajay found purpose in entrepreneurship and music. His first venture, a clothing brand focused on positive affirmations, gave him his first taste of running a business. While it was a learning experience, it laid the foundation for his current passion—creating and promoting music. Initially hesitant, he pushed past self-doubt and began sharing his music on social media, even shooting a music video for one of his songs, Love Life. His new goal is to combine music, merch, and motivation, using his platform to inspire others.

Throughout the conversation, Tajay emphasizes that recovery is not easy, but it’s worth it. He describes recovery as "armor"—something that protects him from life’s hardships. He acknowledges that early recovery is overwhelming, especially when emotions come rushing back after years of numbing pain with substances. However, he encourages anyone on the fence about recovery to stick with it. His biggest message? "Don’t quit before the miracle happens."Tajay’s life is proof that even when things seem impossible, recovery can open doors you never imagined.

00:00 – Intro & Tajay’s background
02:00 – Getting arrested & his first steps into recovery
06:00 – How addiction shaped his friendships & how he had to change his circle
10:00 – Finding education as a new path & becoming a leader on campus
14:00 – The "Get Out of Here" mindset vs. realizing it’s about changing yourself
18:00 – Entrepreneurship, music, and using creativity in recovery
23:00 – The moment he knew he had to go all in on sobriety
28:00 – What he’d say to someone struggling: “Don’t quit before the miracle happens.”

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙RecoveryMatters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

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