Recovery Corner

In episode 24, Mike Largent shares his story of finding recovery by accident. While on a path towards self-improvement and bringing more optimism into his life, Mike discovered a TedTalk titled, "The Happy Secret to Better Work" which encouraged making subtle shifts in one's life based on positive psychology. These small shifts resulted in a lifestyle change for Mike which now includes an alcohol-free life, running up "fourteeners," rock-climbing, and a life of authenticity, vulnerability, and the development of ego-strength. Candice Rose (host) and Mike discuss the effect of dopamine on the brain and how addiction can shift Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. They speak to how being sober doesn't always mean being present and that learning to experience the fullness of life is a daily practice.

The LatinX community is at high risk for substance use disorder (SUD) due to the lack of mental health resources available. In the United States, LatinX folks will use substances to numb some of the trauma associated with the process of immigration, family separation, their legal status, and the process of assimilating to a new country and language. Accessing mental health services and SUD treatment is stigmatized in the LatinX culture and treatment services are limited due to language barriers. Jessica Lazo, YPR Chapter Lead, joins us in this episode of Recovery Corner as a recovery ally serving the Los Angeles community. She's been creating recovery events that are closely connected to the LatinX culture. Jessica has a B.A. in Chicana(o) and Latina(o) Studies with a minor in Psychology and is currently in her last semester of her master's program to receive an M.A. in Chicana(o) and Latina(o) Studies. She was a Civic Action Fellow which supported her research in the Latinx community, focusing on women and migration. Some of her research interests are centered around women in Latin America, education equity, mother scholars, and testimonies as a form of healing. YPR aims to be inclusive of all populations and through this mission we work towards understanding the unique barriers that may present themselves within diverse cultures in recovery.

Episode 25 brings us to the season finale of Recovery Corner and the transition of our host, Candice Rose, towards another growth opportunity. We wish Candice the best on her new journey and go on summer break to reinvent the Recovery Corner experience moving forward. We close out Season 2, with Amanda Lambert and Kathryn Sherman, co-facilitators of Rainbow Recovery, our monthly LGBTQ+ recovery meeting which takes place on the last Monday of each month. Both members of the LGBTQ+ community, they find purpose in creating this inclusive space for people in recovery who can freely express their gender and sexual identity in this meeting. In this podcast, we discuss the barriers and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community in recovery and how substances can create a false sense of intimacy and connection in all communities, but especially in one that has been historically marginalized. Tune in to understand why creating more safe spaces for the LGTQ+ community in recovery is so important.

Guest: Alex Vick, Creative Director; The Hive Collective Show Notes: Navigating adolescence and early adulthood is a difficult time. We are trying to learn who we are and how we want to show up in the world while being influenced by our peers as well as the adults in our life. We are learning about individual identity and exploring our own creativity. But where do young people go to be themselves while they learn who they are becoming? Aex and his business partners have experienced and recognize how a lack of healthy youth/adult partnerships can drive a young person to engage in activities and behaviors that don't lead to the best outcomes. Alex has made it his mission to create a community for young people where they have the freedom to explore the outermost edges of their personalities in a substance free, judgment free environment. When our community validates us for being 100% our unique selves, we learn how to be our authentic selves and do not find the need to alter the way we show up in the world. https://www.thehivedgo.org/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/TheHiveDGO IG: @thehivedgo

Guest: Chris Marshall, Founder; Sans Bar Show Notes: We live in a social culture that has historically been dominated by and saturated in alcohol. Recently, more people are challenging the status quo and evaluating their relationships with alcohol. Whether curiosity is spiked as a result of alcohol use disorder, or folks starting to recognize the benefits associated with reducing or removing alcohol from the equation, there is a movement on the rise. Chris Marshall joins us to talk about how he is creating space for more people to find genuine, authentic connections, sans alcohol. Chris is a person living in recovery and through his journey and experience as a counselor, he recognized there was a missing piece for people choosing to explore life without alcohol, who were not interested in more traditional programs: Community. In 2017, Chris opened Sans Bar in Austin, TX. A place where people can come for the connection and zero-proof cocktails, but stay for the community. Here, his patrons can enjoy a wide selection of zero-proof beverages and engage in a nightlife experience with live music, dancing, karaoke and more. https://www.thesansbar.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/thesansbar IG: @sans_bar

Guest: Maggie Seldeen. High Rockies Harm Reduction; Executive Director People can not recover if they can not survive. So why is there such a debate about life saving harm reduction services? It is critical for our communities to recognize abstinence is not realistic for everyone and nobody should suffer or die as a result of their addictions. Harm reduction refers to policies, programs and practices that aim to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts associated with drug use, drug policies and drug laws. Consequently, harm reduction helps empower people who are suffering to improve their quality of life. These services help people move in the right direction – towards a better life. https://highrockiesharmreduction.com/ IG:@highrockiesharmreduction @chemical.world.kdnk FB:https://www.facebook.com/highrockiesharmreduction

Guest: Tonya Wheeler, Executive Director; Advocates For Recovery Colorado The words we use matter. How we speak about substance use disorder has the power to shape the perceptions our communities have about people experiencing addiction. Tonya has been working as an advocate of recovery in Colorado for over 20 years and has seen the difference it makes when we empower people to take ownership of their recovery rather than living under the label of addiction. https://advocatesforrecovery.org/ IG: @advocatesforrecoverycolorado FB: https://www.facebook.com/Advocates.For.Recovery.Colorado

Guests Dnechelle Pascol & Christopher Raeford It's an unfortunate truth that BIPOC communities are at a disadvantage when it comes to substance use disorder and the recovery from it. People of color are disproportionately affected by drug policies and drug laws. Not only have strict drug laws from the War on Drugs targeted Black offenders, but it aided in creating harmful stereotypes surrounding Black populations. Those most impacted by prison sentences and racial stereotypes were Black people who engaged in drug use and distribution. As a result of harmful stereotyping, more Black people have been incarcerated for drug possession and distribution compared to their White counterparts. Dnechelle and Christopher joined us to elaborate on this discussion and share what they have experienced and witnessed in their communities. YPR Baltimore, MD: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yprbaltimoremd YPR Defiance, OH: https://www.facebook.com/groups/880032219365596

Guest: Julia Pratt Finding recovery is challenging at any age. It can be especially difficult for young people. At a time in life where many of our peers are experimenting with substances, how does one recognize that it's time to make a change? Julia Pratt is a young singer/songwriter who made the decision at 19 years old to find the courage and strength to say “enough is enough!” In her adolescent years, a number of difficult events took place in Julia's life that led her toward substance use to help numb the pain After years of repressing her pain and hiding it from her loved ones, Julia found herself unable to recognize herself. Shedecided to reclaim her life and take the necessary steps toward improving her health and wellness. Since then, Julia has been empowered to use her voice to share her experiences. Some of the most beautiful things can be created out of pain, and Julia's music is proof of this! https://open.spotify.com/artist/0F9yMp30FUREoa635VLsY8?si=NbYKgYNSRW2mZahczc-TGQ InstaGram: @juliaprattmusic

Everything changes the moment we decide to embrace a life of recovery. We finally have the ability to explore our authentic selves and decide how we want to shape our futures. For Thomas Guerra, his recovery helped him tap into a passion to help others get acquainted with themselves and build support within the community to encourage them to do so. Thomas opened The Miami Recovery Project (MRP) in April of 2020 and is bringing a fresh approach to the recovery scene in South Florida. MRP is inspiring artists in recovery to elevate the conversation such as David Enrique. David is delivering all that Miami heat through his music and even created a theme song to celebrate recovery and share his experience with style and flow. https://miamirecoveryproject.org/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BusOXtdQxQ&t=4s

Featuring - Tara Moseley Hyde, Reneisha Rudder, Danielle Durkin Show Notes How do we make our communities recovery ready? We advocate for the necessary resources individuals need in order to enter into sustainable paths of recovery. American University Graduates Tara, Renisha and Danielle joined us to highlight the importance of building up the 8 pillars of YPR's Recovery Ready Blueprint in our communities so everyone has access to the resources they need to improve their health and wellness and live self-directed lives. https://youngpeopleinrecovery.org/advocacy/ https://youngpeopleinrecovery.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/RRC-Blueprint_AU-Capstone.pdf

Featuring - Jesse Haner Show Notes Jesse opens up about having many attempts at recovery which always seemed to inevitably circle back to substance use and downfall. Always trying to fit in and searching for a place to belong, while living fast with drugs and criminal behavior it always seemed to be the route toward acceptance for Jesse. For many, that path often leads down a road of addiction, emptiness, and homelessness. In time, Jesse found his path to recovery through his faith in God. Today, “Coach Jesse” is a prominent member of his community and beacon of hope. He has found a place to fit in as a youth mentor, a drug and alcohol counselor, and leader for the Sacramento Young People in Recovery Chapter who uses his experiences and voice to influence legislation in his state of California. Though Jesse has had many ups and downs he continues to believe that if you don't quit you win. He says that's true on the football field, that's true in recovery, and that's true in life. Don't quit! https://www.dreamcenter.org/

Guest: Garett Dickinson Show Notes Recovery: A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. Recovery is not defined by any particular pathway. It is not up to anyone but the individual themself to determine how they get there.Garett has been free of substances for 7 years by taking a self-directed path. After exploring some alternative routes, he was not drawn to the traditional avenues offered in his community. Learning more about his personal interest and exploring what the world has to offer beyond his previous lifestyle has helped him to sustain a life in recovery. Today he is not confined to a world where he is identified by his relationship to alcohol and other drugs. Today he is a climber, a writer, and a creative. IG: @thehuman_genome FB: Garett Dickinson Links: https://www.durangosaso.org/

Guest: Nathan Smiddy AKA Narcan Nate Show Notes Meet them where they are, not where you want them to be. Former opioid user turned full throttle harm reduction activist Nathan Smiddy shares how he has become Narcan Nate and is now a household name in the recovery community of North County San Diego. Through recovery, he has found purpose in his passion and takes to the streets daily to ensure that everyone he encounters is equipped with knowledge and tools such as Narcan and fentanyl testing strips to survive another day until they are ready for recovery themselves. Links: https://www.anewpath.org/ Instagram: @narcan_nate @newpathnarcanproject

Guest: Donald Davis Show Notes “I got into harm reduction to enable people who use drugs. I enable them to protect themselves and their communities, to feel like they have someone to talk to. I enable them to ask for help and help others in turn. I enable them to find treatment options, reconnect with their families and rebuild their lives. If that makes me an enabler, I am proud to claim that term.” Harm reduction is not about celebrating drug use, it is about humanizing drug users and keeping them alive while they navigate toward recovery. It is about protecting communities from the negative impacts associated with unsafe drug use practices. Donald Davis is a former IV drug user and current person in sustained long term recovery. He is the Executive Director of the Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition and has a wealth of knowledge on the subject after working in the field for over 25 years. He shares how harm reduction services helped him find his path to recovery and how this path can be the beginning to positive changes for many individuals struggling with substance use and their communities. Links: https://kyhrc.org/ Instagram: @kentuckyharmreductioncoalition FaceBook: Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition

Guest: Julie Salter Show Notes: At the age of 23, Julie had racked up a string of felony charges and was facing 7 years in prison. After being presented with a restorative justice opportunity, she found strength in her hope to choose a different life for herself. Sometimes hope is all we have to hold onto and often that is more than enough. When hope is powered by action, we find the ability to change our stars and Julie began taking the necessary steps towards becoming the woman she knew she was capable of becoming. Today, her focus is on health and empowerment for herself and for others as well. Links: IG: @julie_salter

Our mindsets are so important to directing us on our paths of recovery. As long as we can keep a positive mindset, we are destined for a comeback. Richard Mireles shares some details of his 21 year setback and how by developing a healthy mindset during his incarceration led him to become an integral member of a successful non-profit, advancing the mission of CROP to reimagine reentry through a holistic, human-centered approach. https://www.croporganization.org/ @croporganization @theprisonpostpodcast @richard.theprisonposthost

Often, the paths we walk along are not meant for us yet they eventually lead us to where we belong. In Julie's case, her journey of recovery led her to finding her passion and purpose in an unexpected place. A message was presented that inspired her and she has made a successful career as an artist and businesswoman. She took a leap of faith and followed her heART. https://awayout.org/

Show Notes “Clean Cause was built on a mission first. It didn't even have a name or a product yet. It was that I was going to give 50% of the profits away to support people in recovery, and that was it.” -Wes Hurt Clean Cause Founder A man in recovery on a mission to do what he could to pursue his entrepreneurial passions while aligning those goals with his values to sustain his own recovery and to help other people find stability in order to do the same. Learn about his personal journey into recovery and how his mission came to fruition. Links: https://cleancause.com/ https://www.facebook.com/cleancause Instagram: @cleancause

Many of us have feared that a life of recovery is boring. Learning to navigate social scenes can be a challenge especially when the environments do not support recovery. Rob Holmes is doing his part to build a safe environment for people in recovery to PARTY SOBER at his recovery oriented multi-day music festival Soberfest that takes place during National Recovery Month. Links: https://ticotimeresort.com/tico-time-soberfest/ https://www.facebook.com/TicoTimeSoberfest

Guest: Shane Nelson Show Notes Nature has the power to heal and reveal. Join us this week with Wilderness Therapist Shane “Shooter” Nelson who tells us how the wilderness helped him discover his identity outside of his addiction and find success in recovery. You will also hear about the incredible programs he has developed that give people in recovery not only a new outlook, but the momentum and spirit to become the people they were meant to be. Episode Resource Links https://www.allforwardadventures.org/ http://www.rafting4recovery.com/ FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/alwaysforward123

Brendon Hamacher; Dnechelle Pascol, Mikenzie Roberts, Marc Condojani How do our friends and families show up to support the recovery movement? Allies are instrumental assets in creating supportive environments for individuals experiencing addiction as well make impactful changes in our communities. Episode Resource Links https://cdhs.colorado.gov/behavioral-health Facebook: YPR-South Bend / YPR- Houstontx / facebook.com/CoCDHS/ Instagram: @yprsouthbend / @diamondintherough_danceacademy

Guests: National Chapter Director; Tara Moseley Hyde & Louisville, KY Chapter Lead; Jenni Kelly Show Notes Altruism is a natural side effect of recovery. Many of us have discovered that once we enter into recovery, there is no greater gift than to share what we have found with those that are still seeking their way. Candice invites YPR National Chapter Director Tara Moseley Hyde and Louisville, KY Chapter Lead. Jenni Kelly to the show to discuss how their experience starting out as volunteers with Young People in Recovery has brought meaning and purpose into their lives and how their volunteer experiences have shifted the trajectory of their careers as they were able to find spaces where they could apply their passions into the work they do. Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YPRLouisvilleKY Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/yprlouisville/ Instagram: @YPR_LouisvilleKY Direct Contact Info: Louisville, KY Chapter Lead: jennifer.kelley@youngpeopleinrecovery.org National Chapter Director: tara.moseley@youngpeopleinrecovery.org

Remember you are never alone. Connecting the dots to recovery is made possible through community. Join Candice and Jessica as they talk about the important connection between community and recovery. The official Young People In Recovery (YPR) podcast, Recovery Corner. The biweekly podcast will be used to inform, collaborate, and inspire the community through personal stories, provide organizational insight, and host an open dialogue pertaining to recovery spaces. Make sure to tune in every other Wednesday!

Tune into our first episode and join Jesse Haner where he helps us to get to know our host, Candice Rose! She will share her journey into recovery! The official biweekly YPR podcast Recovery Corner will be used to inform, collaborate, and inspire the community through personal stories, provide organizational insight, and host an open dialogue pertaining to recovery spaces. Make sure to tune in every other Wednesday!