John-Michael's Journey: A Tale of Resilience and Recovery
Episode Overview
John-Michael shares over 40 years of recovery experience. Discusses the impact of ADHD on his educational journey. Highlights the role of Al-Anon in improving family relationships. Emphasises the importance of connection as a counter to addiction. Shares humorous anecdotes from his recovery journey.
"If you're not having a blast in your recovery, you're not doing it right."
In this episode of the Spiritual Underground Podcast, host Dan Reeves sits down with John-Michael, a long-time member of the recovery community, to share his incredible journey through addiction and sobriety. With over 40 years in recovery, John-Michael brings a wealth of experience and wisdom that promises to resonate with anyone on a similar path. From the moment Dan met John-Michael at his home group meeting, he was struck by his laid-back confidence and infectious smile.
John-Michael's story is one of resilience and transformation. Born to immigrant parents from England and Austria, he navigated his early life across various states, attending multiple high schools due to his struggles with substance use. He candidly shares how ADHD impacted his education and how he eventually found his footing in sobriety.
His tale isn't just about overcoming addiction but also about embracing the tools of recovery, like Al-Anon, to mend relationships with his children and find peace in his personal life. The episode is filled with moments of humour and reflection, such as John-Michael's anecdotes about learning to nap like a champion or escaping through a trailer window after an awkward encounter.
These lighter moments provide a balance to the deeper discussions about the importance of connection in recovery, echoing the sentiment that "connection is the opposite of addiction". For those seeking inspiration or insight into the recovery journey, John-Michael's story offers both. It's a testament to the power of community, the 12-step programme, and the ongoing work required to maintain sobriety.
Tune in to hear how John-Michael has not only maintained his sobriety but also thrived, offering hope and encouragement to anyone on a similar path.