Recoverycast: Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Stories
Explore powerful, real-life mental health and addiction recovery stories in authentic, engaging conversations. Each episode spotlights relatable journeys shared by influential voices—from struggles and setbacks to moments of resilience, hope, and healing. This podcast is a safe, supportive space where vulnerability is celebrated, connections flourish, and listeners find reassurance that lasting recovery and mental wellness are truly possible. Tune in for inspiring narratives, practical guidance, and a compassionate sober community to accompany you on your personal path to healing.
Recoverycast: Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Stories
Zac Clark | From Heroin, Alcohol, & Crack Addiction to Residential Rehab, AA, & Rehab CEO
This is Zac Clark’s raw addiction recovery story—his journey from heroin, alcohol, and crack use to over a decade of sobriety. Zac opens up about childhood experiences, battling a brain tumor, opioid addiction, relapse, and the turning points that led to founding Release Recovery. A powerful mental health and addiction recovery story about hope, resilience, and lasting change.
Explore addiction and mental health treatment options: https://recovery.com
Connect with Zac: https://www.instagram.com/zwclark/, https://www.instagram.com/thezacclarkshow/, https://www.tiktok.com/@zacwclark
Release Recovery: https://www.releaserecovery.com/
00:00 – Stolen check & the bank moment that changed everything
01:00 – Introducing Zac Clark: Addiction recovery advocate & entrepreneur
02:45 – Childhood, hidden trauma & early influences
06:00 – Permission to ask for help & be curious about your life
06:30 – Early behavioral addictions before substances
07:30 – First drink in 8th grade & learning to lie
09:00 – Falling asleep at the wheel after drinking
11:00 – Brain tumor diagnosis, surgery & painkillers
14:00 – From prescribed opioids to street drugs
17:00 – Why families often don’t see addiction right away
20:00 – First rehab in 2010 & intro to AA
24:00 – Relapse & first time using heroin
27:00 – How heroin became cheaper than OxyContin
29:00 – $500/day habit & life in active addiction
36:00 – Arrest, living on the street & “God moment” at the bank
41:00 – Entering 5-month treatment at Caron
42:00 – Detox symptoms & early recovery struggles
46:00 – Tools from treatment: spiritual, clinical & physical
48:00 – Life after rehab & 8 years of building recovery
50:00 – Staying sober on The Bachelorette in 2020
57:00 – Founding Release Recovery & helping others heal
1:05:00 – Advice for those struggling & ready for help