Homeless Drug Addict to PhD: Professor Ace on Addiction, Recovery, and the Power of Connection

In Episode 21 of the Revolutionary Social Work Podcast, Alicia takes the host seat and interviews Professor Ace in a deeply personal conversation about addiction, recovery, and the power of lived experience. Together, they explore the terrain of methamphetamine use, the role of peer pressure, and the long road to healing. Professor Ace's story does not reflect perfection. It’s a story of truth, reflection, and connection.The conversation moves through early encounters with substances, the moment of realization, and the ongoing process of recovery. Professor Ace reflects on what helped them move forward—community, connection, and an internal value system built over time. They speak to the limitations of conventional substance abuse education and call for a more relational, story-centered, and human approach to healing work.This episode offers real insight for social workers, educators, people in recovery, and anyone seeking deeper understanding of how connection and narrative shape the recovery process.🌐 For more information, visit: https://www.revolutionarysocialwork.com/📬 To contact the hosts, email: [email protected]📣 For more information or to connect with Revolutionary Social Work, email: [email protected]✨Subscribe for more powerful stories that challenge mainstream social work:https://www.youtube.com/@RevolutionarySocialWork/sub_confirmation=1💎 Learn more about Revolutionary Social Work Values: https://youtu.be/L6vnVENCvU0Listen if you're interested in:Lived experience with addiction and recoveryThe power of storytelling in healingSubstance use education through a relational lensBuilding a value system in social workIsolation, community, and finding purpose after rehabRevolutionary approaches to substance abusePersonal growth grounded in connection and self-loveChapters00:00 Introducing the Episode15:12 Theme Song16:02 Grounding the Conversation21:03 The First Encounter: Discovering Methamphetamines26:45 The Turning Point: Realization and Decision to Change33:51 Understanding Addiction: The Role of Connection and Disconnection41:37 The Impact of Support Systems on Recovery48:48 The Importance of Listening and Understanding Pain56:12 Life After Rehab: Challenges and Commitment to Recovery01:06:40 Isolation in Recovery and Finding Community01:16:48 Creating a Value System in Social Work01:22:00 Maintaining Wellbeing: Hills and Valleys of Life01:27:36 The Importance of Self-Love and Healing#AddictionRecovery #RevolutionarySocialWork #LivedExperience #SubstanceUse #HealingThroughStory #ProfessorAce #MethRecovery #TraumaHealing #CommunitySupport #SelfLove #NarrativeTherapy #SocialWorkPodcast #AliciaStettler #RecoveryJourney #HealingNarratives #ConnectionIsRecovery #KinshipInPractice© Revolutionary Social Work