From Heroin, Cocaine & Alcohol Addiction to 36 Years of Sobriety | An Addiction Recovery Story

This is Roger’s powerful addiction recovery story—beginning with trauma, heroin use at 12, and 13 years of severe substance abuse. Despite never attending rehab, he found his way to 36 years clean from drugs and 14 years sober from alcohol. This episode explores mental health, suicide ideation, and the role of hope in long-term recovery.

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Key talking points: 
1. Roger began using drugs at age 12, escalating quickly to heroin, meth, and cocaine.
2. His childhood was marked by severe trauma, including a violent mother and early abandonment.
3. Drugs initially provided comfort, identity, and escape from emotional pain.
4. His addiction became life-threatening, involving overdoses, guns, and dangerous drug deals.
5. A vivid dream of his funeral sparked his decision to begin quitting drugs.
6. He gradually withdrew over five years, aided by friends and a move to Colorado.
7. Roger maintained drug sobriety for 15 years but later relapsed into heavy alcohol use.
8. A family crisis and his wife’s hospitalization prompted him to stop drinking for good.
9. He’s now 36 years clean from drugs and 14 years sober from alcohol.
10. Roger mentors others and lives a life of structure, connection, and service in recovery.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:47 Roger's Message of Hope

04:06 Roger's Early Life and Addiction

08:21 The Turning Point

10:24 Life in Recovery

16:15 Advice for Families and Loved Ones

22:54 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

25:42 Conclusion and Resources

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