167: Sharina - From Self Destruction to Service

From Military Brat to Building Arcana Recovery: PTSD, Substance Use, and a Tech Solution for Treatment Engagement | Rock Bottom with Ryan Sharina joins Rock Bottom with Ryan and co-host Rachel to share her background as a military brat who moved frequently, navigated learning disabilities, and later joined the military at 17, including deployment to Iraq. She describes early substance use beginning in childhood, heavy partying as a club promoter, and how PTSD, anxiety, and depression contributed to dependence and losing her house, car, and stability. After a DUI and dual-diagnosis inpatient treatment, she experienced a shift through journaling and reframing, but struggled with discharge planning and relapse risk without housing or job security. Sharina explains how these gaps inspired Arcana Recovery, a platform that tracks recovery engagement and alerts support teams, and discusses expanding into licensed outpatient services for professionals, veterans, and returning citizens while emphasizing safe spaces and avoiding isolation.00:00 School Gaps and Catching Up01:16 Podcast Intro and Sponsor02:45 Meet Sharina and Recovery Views05:06 Military Brat Childhood07:14 Joining the Military at 1708:13 Moving Around and Relationships10:43 Learning Disability and Sports14:37 Early Substance Use Begins17:31 Post Iraq and Therapy Clash19:06 Club Promoter Party Life19:50 Purpose Crisis and Depression23:23 Community Center Full Circle26:43 DUI and Dual Diagnosis Program28:05 CBT Breakthrough29:20 Treatment Feels Safe29:44 Discharged Without Stability30:43 Relapse After Rehab31:57 Bargaining for a Job33:29 Building Business Ideas34:41 AI Therapy Pivot36:02 Arcana Recovery Explained37:20 Serving High Achievers39:44 Referrals and Screening42:02 Success Still Feels Empty44:49 Hosts Reflect on Sobriety50:11 Anxiety and Exposure53:10 Advice Find Safe Space55:04 Quote and Closing