The Addict’s Advocate Podcast

In this conversation, Dusty Dean interviews @recoveryjon (Insta and Tiktok) who shares his journey of addiction and recovery.
Jonn discusses his early life, the trauma that led to his addiction, and the struggles he faced during his sobriety. He emphasizes the importance of community support, finding purpose in helping others, and the impact of grief on his recovery. Jonn also talks about his book, Life On Life's Terms, and the need for education around addiction, while exploring the idea of addiction as a disease.
In this conversation, @recoveryjon and Dusty Dean delve into the complexities of mental health challenges, the journey of recovery from addiction, and the importance of community and spirituality in maintaining sobriety. They discuss personal experiences with ADHD, anxiety, and the impact of life changes on mental health. The conversation emphasizes the significance of seeking help, understanding relapse triggers, and the necessity of self-awareness and self-love in the recovery process.
 
LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE!
Takeaways
1. John's early life was marked by trauma and a loss of faith.
2. Addiction often stems from unresolved trauma and emotional pain.
3. Sobriety can bring small moments of gratitude that are profound.
4. Community support is crucial for recovery and personal growth.
5. Grief can significantly impact one's sobriety journey.
6. Education about addiction is essential for youth and society.
7. Jon's book aims to help others understand recovery and personal development.
8. Addiction can be viewed as an allergy, leading to uncontrollable urges.
9. The normalization of addiction in society is concerning.
10. Finding purpose in helping others is a key aspect of recovery.
11. Recovery Jon shares his struggles with ADHD and anxiety.
12. He discusses the importance of seeking help during tough times.
13. The conversation highlights the role of community in recovery.
14. Dusty Dean emphasizes the need for self-awareness in sobriety.
15. They explore the stigma surrounding the 12-step program.
16. Recovery Jon mentions the significance of prayer and positive influences.
17. The discussion touches on the emotional aspects of addiction.
18. They reflect on the challenges of complacency in recovery.
19. Dusty Dean shares his relationship with God and its impact on his recovery.
20. The importance of finding the right support system is emphasized.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Recovery and Sobriety Journey
03:06 Early Life and the Onset of Addiction
06:04 Trauma and Its Impact on Addiction
09:09 The Struggles of Early Sobriety
12:07 Finding Purpose in Recovery
14:51 The Role of Community in Recovery
18:12 Navigating Loss and Grief in Sobriety
21:06 Writing and Sharing Recovery Stories
23:45 Education and Normalizing Addiction
27:00 Understanding Addiction as a Disease
30:34 Navigating Mental Health Challenges
34:16 The Path to Recovery: Seeking Help
40:43 Understanding Relapse and Complacency
46:05 The Role of Community and Spirituality in Sobriety

In this episode of The Addict's Advocate, host Dusty Dean speaks with Jeff, known as @SoberAFJeff on TikTok, about his journey to sobriety. Jeff shares his experiences with addiction, the impact of grief on his mental health, and the turning point that led him to seek help. They discuss the challenges of the first 90 days of sobriety, the importance of understanding triggers and cravings, and the myths surrounding a sober lifestyle. Jeff emphasizes the significance of building a supportive community and offers parting words of wisdom for those on their recovery journey.
 
Takeaways
1. Jeff started drinking in high school and continued through college.
2. The loss of two close friends led to increased drinking and anxiety.
3. Alcohol was initially a way to cope with anxiety but became a problem.
4. Jeff's rock bottom was marked by a breakup and moving back in with his parents.
5. He sought help initially to prove he could get sober for someone else.
6. The first 90 days of sobriety were incredibly challenging, especially physically.
7. Jeff emphasizes the importance of community and accountability in recovery.
8. He believes addiction is a disease that rewires the brain.
9. Sobriety is not boring; it can be just as fun without alcohol.
10. Relapse can happen, but staying grounded and connected is crucial.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jeff's Journey
08:04 The Impact of Grief and Anxiety
10:51 Family Support and Early Recovery
12:23 Navigating the First 90 Days
15:41 Triggers and Cravings in Sobriety
18:26 Understanding Addiction as a Disease
19:37 Debunking Myths About Sobriety
23:31 Mistakes That Lead to Relapse
28:05 Building a Sober Community
35:38 Parting Words of Wisdom

In this conversation, Dusty Dean and Robert discuss the complexities of addiction, recovery, and the personal journey of sobriety. Robert shares his experiences with relapse, the challenges of maintaining sobriety, and the importance of support systems. They explore the nature of addiction as a disease, the tools that aid in recovery, and the significance of understanding and compassion when dealing with loved ones struggling with addiction.
 
Takeaways
Addiction is recognized as a disease by the medical community.
Relapse can be a part of the recovery process and not necessarily a mistake.
Support from trusted individuals is crucial in maintaining sobriety.
Self-honesty is essential in recognizing triggers and avoiding relapse.
The stigma surrounding addiction complicates recovery efforts.
Quality of treatment centers varies significantly, impacting recovery outcomes.
Understanding the kindling effect can help prevent relapse.
Tough love can be necessary, but compassion is also important.
It's vital to separate the person from their addiction when offering support.
Researching addiction can help loved ones understand and provide better support.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Life Updates
02:52 Understanding Addiction as a Disease
05:48 Tools for Maintaining Sobriety
11:10 The Challenges of Recovery
16:55 Breaking the Cycle of Addiction
21:07 Relapse: Mistakes and Misconceptions
23:54 Supporting Loved Ones in Addiction
28:33 Conclusion and Reflections on Recovery

Katie shares her journey of addiction and recovery, starting with her early experiences with drinking and how it escalated after the birth of her son. She opens up about her traumatic birth experience and the postpartum mental health issues she faced. Katie discusses how she used alcohol as a coping mechanism for her anxiety and stress, and how it affected her relationships and overall well-being. She talks about hitting rock bottom and making the decision to seek help through AA meetings. Katie emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health alongside addiction recovery and the challenges she faced during her detox and withdrawal process. In this conversation, Katie and Dusty discuss the challenges and experiences of being sober. They talk about the frustration of constantly seeking a sweet spot in recovery and the fear of relapse. Katie shares her journey of attending therapy and trying to quit drinking, including her experiences with AA meetings and relapses. They discuss the importance of finding a supportive community and the need to let go of toxic relationships. They also touch on the realization of how alcohol consumption was ingrained in their lives and the process of learning to be present and take care of themselves.
 
Takeaways
Addiction can escalate quickly, especially when used as a coping mechanism for trauma and stress.
Addressing mental health is crucial in addiction recovery.
Support from loved ones and seeking professional help are important steps in the recovery process.
Recognizing the need for change and making the decision to seek help is a powerful and courageous step towards a better life. Finding a sweet spot in recovery is a constant challenge, and the fear of relapse is always present.
Attending therapy and joining a supportive community like AA can be helpful in the journey to sobriety.
Letting go of toxic relationships and surrounding oneself with understanding and empathetic people is important.
Recognizing the signs of alcohol addiction and seeking help is crucial.
Being present and taking care of oneself is a key aspect of sobriety.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
04:15 Escalation of Drinking and Coping with Trauma
08:17 Hitting a Breaking Point and Seeking Recovery
11:46 The Impact of Recovery on Personal Growth
15:36 Recognizing the Need for Help and Seeking Treatment
23:14 Challenges of Hiding Addiction and Accountability
28:27 Therapy and Support Groups in Recovery
31:22 Prioritizing Self-Care and Mental Health
31:43 The Power of Addiction and the Importance of Community
41:11 Finding Support in Sobriety
42:34 The Role of Self-Care in Recovery
47:04 Recognizing the Signs of Addiction
49:32 The Journey of Recovery: Positive Changes in Sobriety

Kevin, a veteran, shares his journey of addiction and recovery. He joined the military in 2001 and started drinking heavily after a divorce. His alcoholism escalated during his time in the military, leading to jail time and a loss of his security clearance. In 2010, he recognized his addiction and sought help but struggled to find a program that worked for him. He ultimately quit drinking two and a half years ago and has been sober since. Kevin emphasizes the importance of finding a program that suits individual needs and the need for stronger support for alcoholism in the military. The conversation explores the challenges of addiction and the importance of addressing mental health. The stigma surrounding addiction and the need for support and understanding are highlighted. The impact of trauma on addictive thought patterns is discussed, as well as the difficulty of managing addiction in social situations. The role of self-love and self-acceptance in recovery is emphasized. The conversation also touches on the importance of accountability and the need to let go of the pursuit of perfection. The benefits of being present in the moment and finding a sense of purpose are highlighted.
 
 
Takeaways
Addiction can be a life-changing experience, especially for veterans.
Finding the right program and support system is crucial for recovery.
Alcoholism in the military is often overlooked and not properly addressed.
Quitting alcohol requires self-awareness and a strong belief in the need for change.
Sobriety can be challenging, but it allows for personal growth and a healthier lifestyle. Addiction is a complex issue that requires support and understanding, rather than judgment and stigma.
Trauma can contribute to addictive thought patterns and make recovery more challenging.
Managing addiction in social situations can be difficult, but it is important to prioritize one's own well-being.
Self-love and self-acceptance are crucial in the recovery process.
Accountability and the pursuit of perfection can be detrimental to mental health and well-being.
Being present in the moment and finding a sense of purpose can enhance the recovery journey.
 
Sound Bites
"I was pretty ashamed of myself and drinking progressed from drinking on the weekends to... a 30 pack a day."
"I finally said, look man, you've been thrown out of the military, you've been in and out of jail, you've fucked up every $200,000 job you can imagine. It's time to give it up."
"Dealing with addiction, if you don't understand it, you're never gonna understand unless you're in the shoes."
"There are great people that just recognize that they have a problem and they're trying to find a way out of it because they don't want to lose everything they've worked"
"There's a lot of people in my position, you know, when, when you have something to lose, it's easier to cover it up."
"It's not that fricking simple, right?"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
05:12 Recognizing the Need for Change
09:51 The Role of Support in Recovery
17:48 Challenges of Living Sober
21:49 Addressing Alcoholism in the Military
29:13 Exposing the Struggle of High-Functioning Individuals with Addiction
32:25 Addressing Addiction: The Impact on Thought Patterns and Mental Health
36:09 Navigating Sobriety in Social Situations: Challenges and Strategies
49:18 Self-Love and Accountability: Essential Elements of Recovery
55:06 Finding a Reason to Give Up Addiction: Embracing a Brighter Future

Sam shares his personal journey of addiction and recovery, highlighting the role of family dynamics and his struggle with self-acceptance as a queer individual. He emphasizes the importance of love and support from family and the recovery community in maintaining sobriety. Sam also discusses the challenges of managing triggers and the need for ongoing mental health care. He dispels the myth that once an addict, always an addict, and emphasizes the power of choice and personal growth in recovery.
Sam - Client Advocate
Silicon Valley Recovery
Dual Diagnosis - inpatient addiction recovery treatment 
San Jose, CA
 
Takeaways
Addiction can be influenced by family dynamics and personal struggles with self-acceptance.
Love and support from family and the recovery community are crucial in maintaining sobriety.
Managing triggers and seeking ongoing mental health care are important aspects of recovery.
The myth that once an addict, always an addict is not true; recovery is a personal choice and journey of growth.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
07:45 Journey to Recovery and Family Support
14:11 Supporting Loved Ones in Active Addiction
17:28 The Complexities of Mental Health and Addiction
21:38 The Importance of Community and Fellowship
27:29 Dispelling Myths About Addiction and Recovery
31:35 Mistakes and Triggers in Maintaining Sobriety
32:43 The Power of Love and Support in Recovery

In this episode, Dusty Dean shares the secrets to his sobriety success after battling addiction for over 20 years. He emphasizes the importance of asking oneself if they are truly done with managing their addiction and being open to getting the necessary help. Dusty also highlights the need to understand addiction as a chemical imbalance and genetic issue, and to detach oneself from the disease. He recommends joining a community of like-minded individuals for support and empathy. Additionally, Dusty emphasizes the significance of addressing mental health and seeking psychiatric help without shame. He concludes by encouraging listeners to continue the fight for sobriety one day at a time.
Nicole Labor Addiction video on YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYvZTH746yg&t
00:00 Introduction and Sobriety Success
01:50 Understanding Addiction as a Disease
03:13 The Power of Community in Sobriety
05:58 Addressing Mental Health in Recovery
07:04 Finding the Right Medications for Healing
07:34 Educating Yourself on Addiction and Relapse

Caleb shares his journey with addiction, starting with his first drink at 16 and progressing to daily drinking and alcoholism. He experienced alcohol poisoning at 18 but didn't fully admit he was an alcoholic until two years ago. Caleb has made multiple attempts at sobriety, with his longest period of 123 days. Boredom and the lack of extracurricular activities have been challenging for him, as many of his previous activities were centered around drinking. He has learned the importance of changing routines and environments to avoid triggers. Caleb also discusses the difficulty of enduring the withdrawal period and the loss of pleasure during sobriety. He emphasizes the need to embrace the bad days and process emotions. The relapse after 123 days felt devastating, and Caleb is determined to stay sober and rebuild his life. In this conversation, Dusty and Caleb discuss their experiences with addiction and sobriety. They talk about the challenges of staying sober, the importance of finding joy in life without alcohol, and the need for self-love and community support. They also touch on the difficulty of educating others about addiction and offer advice for parents who suspect their child may have an addiction. Caleb emphasizes the importance of patience, understanding, and taking sobriety one day at a time.
With Special Guest Caleb from happy.sober.life (Instagram)
 
Takeaways
Addiction can start at a young age and progress to daily drinking and alcoholism.
Boredom and lack of extracurricular activities can be challenging during sobriety.
Changing routines and environments can help avoid triggers and maintain sobriety.
Enduring the withdrawal period and loss of pleasure are part of the recovery process.
Relapses can be devastating, but determination and support are key to staying sober and rebuilding one's life. Staying sober requires finding joy in life without alcohol and being patient and understanding with oneself.
Addiction is a disease and cannot be cured or controlled by willpower alone.
Community support, such as attending AA meetings, can be crucial for maintaining sobriety.
Educating others about addiction can be challenging, but resources like Dr. Nicole Labor's keynote speech on Addiction 101 can help.
Parents who suspect their child may have an addiction should practice patience, understanding, and offer support without enabling.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
06:00 Admitting to Alcoholism
09:17 The Impact of Boredom on Sobriety
13:33 The Consequences of Relapse
16:59 Determination and Commitment to Sobriety
23:43 The Cunning Nature of Addiction
24:25 The Freedom of Sobriety
29:06 The Fragility of the Mind and the Power of Triggers
33:28 Finding Joy in Sobriety
37:57 The Deceptive Nature of Addiction
39:33 Advice for Parents of Addicted Children
42:55 Taking Sobriety One Day at a Time
45:29 The Importance of Education on Addiction