From Prison to Purpose: Brian Hughes on Addiction, Redemption, and Working at Caron

In this powerful episode, B. Reeves and Justin McClendon sit down with Brian Hughes, Regional Resource Director at Caron Treatment Centers. Brian shares his jaw-dropping story—rising through the beer industry at Sam Adams, spiraling into addiction, landing in federal prison, and ultimately finding purpose through recovery.Today, Brian helps others find their way out of the darkness. He walks us through Caron’s legacy, his work across the Northeast and Southeast, and how addiction doesn’t discriminate—whether you’re homeless or a CEO. This is a raw, redemptive conversation about second chances, humility, and the power of recovery.Follow Caron & Contact Brian HughesWebsite: https://www.caron.orgEmail: [email protected] Finding New Waters & New Waters RecoveryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/newwatersrecoveryFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/newwatersrecoveryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recoveryTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_ncPodcast Website: https://www.findingnewwaters.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5GjwApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXwYouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mnTimestamps00:00 – Meet Brian Hughes from Caron Treatment Centers01:15 – Caron’s legacy and history in addiction treatment03:00 – Brian’s background: Sam Adams, alcohol industry, and addiction05:00 – His rock bottom: FBI arrest and federal prison07:00 – First nudge from a judge: 40 days in prison08:30 – Starting an AA group while incarcerated09:30 – Why humility was the key to getting free11:30 – Re-entering the world and recovery work post-prison13:00 – Landing his first recovery job—while pleading guilty14:00 – Why his record is now his greatest asset16:30 – Sitting with people in crisis and offering hope18:00 – Getting hired by Caron and learning from leaders19:30 – Why lived experience matters in this field21:00 – The importance of dignity and respect in recovery23:00 – What Brian’s job looks like today: family navigation & advocacy25:00 – How collaboration beats competition in addiction treatment26:30 – Overview of Caron’s programs and campuses28:30 – Signature programs: Grandview, Monarch, and Ocean Drive30:00 – Caron’s neurocognitive treatment approach31:00 – Admitting younger clients (as young as 17)32:00 – Final thoughts on humility, service, and second chances33:00 – How to connect with Brian and learn more about CaronHashtags#BrianHughes #CaronTreatmentCenters #AddictionRecovery#FindingNewWatersPodcast #RecoveryStory #SecondChances#FromPrisonToPurpose #NeurocognitiveTherapy #SubstanceUseHelp#ReentrySupport #SoberLeadership #MentalHealthAwareness#AlcoholRecovery #12StepRecovery #RedemptionThroughService