Life After Planning My Own Death, Sleeping in a Stolen Car, and Withdrawing in Jail

Scott’s last relapse ended with him withdrawing in jail, where for the first time since age 13 he made it past five days sober. Facing probation, restitution, treatment and childhood trauma, he found purpose through service work, community support, and helping others just starting their recovery. Ironically, a broken leg led him to a role supporting newcomers—work he excelled at and that launched a career dedicated to helping others heal.Today, Scott’s life is proof of what’s possible. He went from living in shame and survival mode to finding happiness, forgiveness, and growth in sobriety.Scott’s story is a reminder of the realities of drug addiction, the hope that recovery can bring even from the darkest places, and the reminder that community, compassion, and persistence can completely change the course of a life.GUESTScott KindelScott Kindel has dedicated his life to advocating for the path of recovery and erasing the stigma associated with substance use disorder. He believes this journey begins by humanizing what is often relegated to the shadows and recognizing how common addiction is in its many forms. Having worked with clients from every socioeconomic background, from CEOs of Fortune 500 companies to members of the homeless population, Scott has observed a common thread uniting them all: an almost compulsive desire to disconnect from powerful emotions and, in most cases, emotional pain.Learn more about Scott’s addiction recovery work todayMatt Handy is the founder of Harmony Grove Behavioral Health in Houston, Texas, where their mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for anyone facing addiction, mental health challenges, and co-occurring disorders.Find out more at harmonygrovebh.com  My Last Relapse explores what everyone is thinking but no one is saying about addiction and recovery through conversations with those whose lives have changed.For anyone disillusioned with traditional recovery and feeling left out, misunderstood, or weighed down by unrealistic expectations, this podcast looks ahead—rejecting the lies and dogma that keep people from imagining life without using.Got a question for us? Leave us a message or voicemail at mylastrelapse.comFind us on YouTube @MyLastRelapse and follow Matt on Instagram @matthew.handy.17About Harmony Grove Behavioral Health Harmony Grove delivers outpatient addiction and mental health treatment focused on wellness, creativity, and authentic human connection—providing a supportive space for healing that extends beyond traditional clinical care.Harmony Grove’s IOP in Houston, Texas, is more than a program; it’s a lifeline for those ready to take the next step in their recovery. We are ready to meet you where you are and find your unique path to change. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and help is always available. If you or anyone you know needs help, give us a call 24 hours a day at 844-430-3060.Host: Matthew HandyProducer: Eva SheieAssistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah BurkhartEngineering: Voltage FM, Spencer ClarksonTheme music: Survive The Tide, Machina AeonCover Art:  DMARKMy Last Relapse is a production of Kind Creative: kindcreative.comQuestions this episode answers:How does losing a job collapse the double life an addict has spent years building?What does it actually look like to hit rock bottom in your dad's basement at 30?How do you maintain a graphic design career and a daily drug and alcohol habit simultaneously?What finally breaks through the denial when family already knows what's happening?Why does sobriety come easier after external options fully disappear?