#7 Misty Pearson: From Prescription to Prison to Purpose—Finding Hope After Addiction

Misty Pearson’s story begins where many never expect addiction to start: a legitimate injury, a doctor’s prescription, and a life that looked “put together.” 

One torn ACL set off a chain reaction—opioids, shame, escalation, arrests, and ultimately nine and a half years of incarceration.

But Misty’s story doesn’t end there.

Through forced sobriety, deep personal reckoning, faith, and an unwavering commitment to growth, Misty chose a different path. 

Today, she works in addiction treatment, serves as a Hope Ambassador, and dedicates her life to helping others find recovery—even while carrying the lifelong consequences of her past.

This episode is a raw, honest conversation about pride, shame, systemic failure, redemption, and what it really takes to rebuild a life after addiction.

You’ll Hear:

• How a routine ACL injury and opioid prescription led to addiction
• Why pride and shame kept Misty from asking for help
• The moment incarceration became a turning point—not the end
• What nine and a half years in prison taught her about recovery and responsibility
• How support systems can determine success or relapse after release
• Why recovery doesn’t erase consequences—and why that truth matters
• How Misty turned her story into service through treatment work and advocacy

Why Listen:

• To understand how addiction can begin quietly—and escalate fast
• To hear a powerful example of accountability without self-destruction
• To learn what long-term recovery actually requires
• To be reminded that healing is possible, even after prison
• To find hope that transformation can come from the hardest places

If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode is proof that it’s never too late to ask for help—and that choosing to “leave better” can change everything.