Stephen "Riggy Marz" Melnick: The Medicine of Music | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Stephen "Riggy Marz" Melnick: The Medicine of Music | The Hopeaholics PodcastFrom a privileged upbringing in a musical, artsy family in Pasadena to a decades-long battle with addiction, Stephen shares his harrowing journey through heroin, meth, and fentanyl, surviving over 50 overdoses, including a devastating one on his son’s birthday that left him confronting the profound impact of his actions on his family. Now, at 38, with three months sober as of April 2025, Stephen opens up about the cycles of relapse, the transformative power of the 12 steps, and the pivotal role music plays in his recovery. Signed to The Orchard/Sony ATV, he channels his pain and hope into his art, creating authentic tracks that resonate with those fighting their own demons. Tune in to hear how Stephen turned his darkest moments—marked by jail, loss, and near-death experiences—into a higher purpose, inspiring others to find light in the chaos of addiction.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover  #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #RecoveryIsPossible #Hope #wedorecover Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:04:22 - Relapsing After Three Years of Sobriety00:05:14 - In and Out of Recovery Since Age 1500:06:28 - Finding Hope Through 12-Step Work00:06:58 - Surviving Nine Fentanyl Overdoses00:08:08 - Transitioning from Heroin to Crack Use00:09:05 - Relapses Tied to Relationships and Kratom00:10:27 - Struggling with Compulsive Behaviors00:14:10 - Expulsion from Boarding School for Drug Use00:15:18 - First Exposure to AA at Age 1500:17:39 - Music Career Taking Off in Sobriety00:26:05 - Realizing Impact of Actions on Family00:30:06 - Surviving Over 50 Overdoses01:00:47 - Valuing Artistic Independence01:02:34 - Seeking Longevity Over Trends01:04:48 - Music as Healing Therapy01:06:33 - Staying Authentic in Art01:11:10 - Sponsoring Others in Recovery01:12:26 - Reflecting on Relapse and Redemption