The Addict and the Counselor

On this episode, the pair invited Keith M to share his story of addiction, treatment and recovery. Maybe common for some, but his journey involves race and identity and undiagnosed mental health issues as factor for his substance use. Now giving back to college students discovering their relationship with substance, Keith remains a kind, warm and welcoming soul!

ON this episode the pair talk about Adams upcoming retreat, Jelly Roll and parents struggling to make sense of their loved ones addiction and getting helping for themselves.

In this episode, the duo’s guests are Jess and Jaclyn share their individual stories of substance use and recovery. In an interesting meeting, they cross paths to become sponsor and sponsee but their bond would be even stronger.

In this episode the duo address the issues/successes of addressing substance use in private therapy spaces. Its important that perspective clients feel safe in private therapy.

On this episode the duo resume their podcast but now in video - Thanks Adam! They discuss the impact of Christmas/NEw Years on the recovery community. Click the link for the video of this show: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/CZBh0ZbcnscgYvgMU6XK1A51J46xWMCaBSwKSVRuILY6beC0apH0rvrQTE6f4LPO.gfEW8WcSuA1d7BCV%20%0APasscode:%20JQw*5n@d

On this episode the duo complete their 1st episode in person. They fight through this initial experience and share their first face to face interaction in years. Nothings changed! They share their weekend together, spending time together in NYC.

On this episode the duo’s guest was Jill. She shared her journey into substance use, addiction and attempts at treatment. With the repetitive cycle of relapses, using and treatment she finally found a deeper connection to her purpose. Working a program which then led to working in a program - her life has come full circle and she has found a deeper, meaningful connection.

On this episode, Adam journals his experience this past weekend at a retreat, embracing silence-spirituality to find a deeper connection and strengthen his recovery. BTW - Adam was recognized as a co-author of a recent research article!

On this episode, the pair’s guest Lisa shares her story of her 1st love Phil. As he experimented with prescription opiates due to physical injury and within 6 years transitioning to heroin. Lisa shared being his protector until she chose to protect herself from Phil’s addiction.

In this episode, Adam shared his trip to Burlington, VT for a NA conference. He shares the importance for him to be busy from Thanksgiving until New Years to distract him from his current situation. This allows him to remain sober and be around positive people.

In this episode, the duo’s guest Rosario takes the listener on his journey and experience of substance use, treatment, recovery, relapse and now back in recovery. All through this, looking for a permanent solution to this void, finding it in God and practicing these principles he’s received goodness back into his life.

On this episode the duo tackles the potential pitfalls of Halloween, drinking and partying like others. For people struggling with alcohol or drugs this can be an intense event.

In this episode, Adam attempts to discuss a recent Taylor Swift event but is redirected. Focusing on recent experiences in AA/NA meetings and being distracted by another member of similar attended meetings.

In this episode, the pair discuss Adam’s recent trip to an urgent care clinic for a common cold. His experience with a new medical provider left him questioning the interaction and minimization of his needs due to the doctor having information about his addiction history.

The pair’s guest Matt takes the listener on his journey of addiction, becoming a world travelled chef and fatherhood. Being faced with choices and chaos he finds recovery and himself and writes a book about this experience “The Duke of Doucheville.”

On this episode Adam tries to hijack it by wanting to talk about Taylor Swift at the recent Jets vs Chiefs game. They discuss how unsafe or unhealthy these spaces can be for people who struggle to manage, monitor or abstain from alcohol or other substances.

On this episode the duo invite Sal to share his story of addiction, resilience, hope and recovery. Sal journeys most of the states in the Northeast in search of the unknown - recovery. He settles in Maine and is now providing a living space for others in search of recovery.

On this episode the duo tackle the dirty side of what can happen in treatment programs. Its easy to point to the client as the only unhealthy person in the equation but there is more to the story.

On this episode the pair dive into the intersection of addiction and politics. They make suggestions about dealing with addiction through the public health lens using the knowledge of the professionals trusted in the field.

On this episode the duo’s guest is Ayse S. She shares her story of experimentation to denial to addiction to recovery all in a family who’s denial and shame was as powerful as her drugs. Relocating to Florida for treatment and gained purpose while achieving 5 years of continuous recovery.

In this episode duo discuss ways people struggling with substance use to manage through a holiday weekend. The pair provide suggestions and tips to navigate this potential high relapse moment. Adam shares his return to the work force and internal/external battle to navigate life and recovery.

The duo tackles some of the background and dirty side of for profit agencies. Adam especially becomes passionate noticing first hand other clients being taken advantage of due to their disease and families desire to get them appropriate care.

On this episode the duo discuss the importance of a relapse prevention plan especially in early recovery. Adam shares his departure from Florida back to Mass in a few days and what a successful/sober 1st day back would be.

On this episode the pair invite Lindsay as their 1st repeat guest to share her story. Lindsay details how innocent experimentation with coworkers led to years of addiction. The support and push from her parents to commit to the recovery process led her to be sitting on the other side of the table as a treatment provider in NH.

On this episode Adam shares the recovery capital he’s gained in Florida but informs the audience of his plan to return to Mass. The duo processes this journey back to Mass and the pro’s/con’s of this move.

This episode the pair invites Chris R as a guest to share his story of addiction, recovery, resilience and hope. He empowers the audience to have an underdog mentality and find the proper addiction and mental health help to come out on top.

On this episode Adam shares intimate writings as he works through the 12 Steps of recovery. Step 1 is a doozy!!!

In this episode the co-hosts over indulge in their experience of hearing Chris Herren speak. Chris Herren in their eyes is the epitome of a great human being and amazing story teller. Listen to them share the parallel of a signed Chris Herren basketball over the last 20 years.

On this episode, Adam shares his experience in self help meetings and what works for him and his suggestion to others who are struggling with addiction. A brief conversation about Boston sports seeps into this episode but back to regular programming with managing July 4th celebration and maintaining one’s recovery.

Adam and Barbaros take the audience on a journey to discuss the familial, cultural and social pressures to keep certain secrets from others. This conversation is to promote help seeking behavior for all persons directly and indirectly impacted by mental health or addiction.

Adam makes his return to co-hosting duties after a relapse. Adam shares this experience openly. The team is reunited and Barbaros and Adam are back in the saddle again.

Barbaros invites Mandy as the 1st co-host of this podcast while Adam is focused on his recovery in a treatment program. Mandy shares her experience of both Adam and Barbaros and what made that dynamic impactful to her. This podcast identifies traits of a good worker in the addiction field and what potential clients should consider when seeking an addiction program.

Adam relapsed and couldn’t be present for this podcast but gave his consent. Barbaros(the counselor) takes the listener through what happened from his perspective and shares how we as society are responsible for helping break the silence and stigma from addiction and recovery. We all know someone who is struggling.

In this episode Barbaros and Adam discuss the recent trend of ayahuasca. Can this substance increase a recovering persons recovery and deepen spirituality? They discuss the use of LSD, Ketamine as a newer form of medication assisted treatments.

This episode is about Adam’s engagement and use of aftercare resources from a treatment provider. Their first guest Lindsay shares her personal and work experience emphasizing aftercare. She shares her interactions with Adam in and out of treatment.

This episode Adam shares how making connections friends with others in recovery allowed him to have a foundation of support which allows him to live a sober life.

This episode takes a look at how Adam’s previous experience with medication impacted his decision to try medication to help his mental health issues which in turns allows him to strengthen his sobriety.

Adam and Barbaros discuss the myth that cannabis use will lead to using other substances. Both share their perspective on this topic and provide personal insight into this topic.

Adam shares his recent experience admitting himself to an inpatient psychiatric hospital. He provides insight into his decision and awareness of unhealthy thoughts leading to seek professional help. By doing so Adam choses life and sobriety over his demons.

Adam takes the audience on a journey into his mind when sanity and insanity converge. His honest take on his experience in early recovery and identification of early warning signs of a relapse. Barbaros provides clinical interventions to have Adam make therapeutic connections to gain further insight into his relapsing behaviors.

Episode #3 was dedicated to Barbaros (the counselor) sharing his story about falling in love with Psychology. As an 18 year old he knew he wanted to be a therapist and help people. He didn't know this would land him with a job in the addiction field which would turn into a life long career and commitment to improving the lives of the people seeking help.

Adam (addict) shares his gripping experience with early childhood exposure with wine and Sprite at his grandmother's house.  His first intoxication came at age 15 at a keg party when alcohol felt like a missing piece of the puzzle.  This experience would open Pandora's box of addiction, legal issues and admission into treatment facilities.  At 21, he would accept recovery as a lifestyle and would benefit from all the gains from living a sober lifestyle like marriage, career and children to only lose it all to active addiction. Hear him speak as he tries to regain his life only through recovery.

The first episode shared how Adam(addict) and Barbaros(counselor) met working at a drug treatment program.  This episode gives insight into how their relationship blossomed and connected in and out of that treatment program.   The episode ends with the segment called "The 5 controversies" which shows both of them sharing personal opinions on everyday items.