195: Adam's Second Chances

From Polysubstance Addiction to Counselor: Adam’s Recovery Story | Rock Bottom with RyanIn this episode of Rock Bottom with Ryan, guest Adam shares how early feelings of isolation, learning issues, and clashing with his parents led to a long search for escape that escalated from alcohol to marijuana, benzos, opiates, and other substances. He describes struggles in high school and college, depression and suicidal thoughts, and a spiritual rock bottom that culminated in fleeing a pharmacy job when police arrived and entering treatment in 2007, followed by sober living and daily meetings. Adam reflects on amends with his mom, the importance of vigilance in sobriety, and how recovery reshaped his values, relationships, and career. Now married and sober since June 1, 2007, he works in detox and runs Linwood Counseling Services, including support for artists navigating substance-heavy music scenes, and discusses future goals like specializing in OCD and clinician burnout.00:00 Amends and Vigilance01:11 DJs Seeking Sobriety01:35 Show Intro and Sponsor02:41 Meet Adam and Sober Date04:20 Childhood Feeling Alone06:05 Family Clashes and Amends10:33 First Drinks and Fitting In13:22 Anything to Escape15:11 School Life and Bullying17:11 College Spiral and Isolation20:11 Florida Pharmacy Bottom21:28 Withdrawal and Detox Reality23:12 Treatment and Early Recovery25:21 Staying Sober Mindset26:41 Post Treatment Years Ahead27:07 Anger to Connection27:52 Choosing a Fellowship29:40 Finding a Career Path32:30 Detox Work and Goals34:53 Artists and Recovery37:32 Staying Sober in Nightlife39:28 Daily Recovery Habits40:05 Marriage and Addictive Thinking41:52 Future Goals and Success43:21 Relapse Prevention Mindset45:58 Closing Advice and Resources