King County Recovery Conversations

We're bringing back one of our most powerful and widely listened-to episodes—because the message is just as important today as it was then. In this episode, we highlight the voices of young people in recovery, sharing their personal stories of resilience, struggle, and transformation. By revisiting this conversation, we hope to continue breaking the stigma around youth and addiction while sharing support to youth who may be struggling. Join us as we amplify these inspiring voices and explore the life-changing impact of recovery schools and peer support.-------------Join Heather Venegas as she delves deep into the transformative power of recovery schools with students from Seattle's Interagency Recovery Academy. Student Aiden recounts his harrowing journey from daily fentanyl use to nearly two years of sobriety, thanks to the school’s supportive community. Karis shares her story of resilience, detailing how dropping out in the 8th grade led to addiction and ultimately, a strong commitment to sobriety and guiding others.Seth Welch, the Recovery School’s Addiction and Recovery Counselor, also shares about his own struggles along his personal recovery journey. He highlights the dire need for recovery high schools and after-school programs that save young lives. The episode uncovers how these institutions not only help prevent relapses but also foster future leaders within the recovery community.Tune in to witness the impact of friendship, mentorship, and alternative peer groups in the world of recovery. Discover how individuals find new meaning and purpose in supporting others after triumphing over their own addictions. This episode is a beacon of hope, proving that with the right support, resilient youth can lead fulfilling lives, sober and strong.Resources from the episode:- Interagency Recovery Academy: https://interagency.seattleschools.org/ - Connect with Seth, MSW, SUDP: [email protected] - Get information about the International Conference of Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous (ICYPAA) held July 4-7th in Austin: https://www.icypaa.org/#:~:text=Register%20today%20for%20the%2064th,July%204th%2D7th%2C%202024 - Washington Recovery Helpline: Visit for resources and a 24-hour support line.- Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do ⁠here⁠. To become a volunteer, a member, an advocate, or an event guest, ⁠visit their website⁠.-The King County Recovery Coalition is a regional coalition of the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA). Learn more about the WRA and the work they do ⁠here⁠. Want to find a way to get involved? ⁠Click here⁠ to become a member, volunteer, or donate to help change hearts and minds around mental health and substance use disorder in Washington state.-If you are experiencing substance, use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge, please visit the ⁠Washington Recovery Helpline⁠ for resources and a 24-hour helpline.King County Recovery Conversations is a podcast focused on celebrating recovery and breaking the stigma associated with addiction and mental health. Host Heather Venegas invites experts, professionals, and those with lived experiences to share their tales of hope and healing. The show explores various recovery paths and the services and support systems open to those affected by addiction and mental health issues. It's a podcast for everyone touched by these issues, from those seeking recovery to healthcare professionals.Connect with King County Recovery Coalition ⁠online⁠, on Facebook (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠), or on YouTube (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠).For feedback or show ideas, reach out to Heather Venegas at ⁠[email protected]⁠.