Addiction, Recovery, & The Struggle to Find Purpose in Today’s World

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Jamie Thomas opens up about his lifelong battle with addiction, the chaos that fueled it, and the powerful journey toward sobriety, empathy, and purpose. In this raw, honest conversation, he shares lessons on recovery, identity, and the deeper societal issues that shape addiction.

Timestamps:
00:08 – Jamie’s early life & how addiction began in fifth grade
01:32 – Balancing high-functioning success with hidden heroin addiction
04:27 – Rock bottom: consequences, family intervention & the breaking point
06:58 – Craving chaos: why addicts thrive in dangerous lifestyles
09:10 – How opiates numb empathy & create emotional detachment
11:04 – Regaining empathy & connection in early sobriety
11:51 – 8½ years sober: building a peaceful, stable, connected life
14:37 – His candid take on 12-step programs: benefits & limitations
18:42 – Harm reduction, methadone, and why recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all
23:11 – Coping with relapse, overdoses & client suicides as a clinician
27:57 – Digital identity, men’s mental health & shifting societal roles
49:17 – The turning point: focusing inward for peace & happiness
56:36 – Final wisdom: seeing people beyond their pain & struggles