Episode 157 - Be the Solution, Not the Problem
Episode 157 - Be the Solution, Not the Problem

Recovery Is Possible

Michael Van Meter shares personal stories and practical tips for maintaining sobriety through life's challenges, emphasising the importance of a structured recovery program.

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24:50•19 May 2024

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About this podcast

Recovery Is Possible

Michael Van Meter

Michael has seen first-hand the devastating effects of addiction on the public, his profession, and himself. Michael began his career as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Navy. After eight years, he became a Corrections Officer, Washington DC Police Officer, and then FBI Agent. In 2010, Michael became an instructor at the FBI Academy. In 2013, he created a course titled “Leading At-Risk Employees” geared toward Police Executives to help them understand alcoholism, prescription drug abuse, PTSD, suicide, and domestic violence as it relates to policies and procedures for their agencies worldwide. In 2019, Michael retired from the FBI but his passion for helping others continued. In August 2022, he graduated with a Master’s in Addiction Counseling: Integrated Recovery for Co-Occurring Disorders from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. He currently works full-time as a Behavioral Health Therapist at a large nonprofit hospital. Pulling from his personal and professional experience, Michael shares his thoughts on this sensitive, complex, and controversial subject.

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Episodes: 186

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Staying Sober Through Life's Highs and Lows

Episode Overview

Stay committed to your recovery program.
Understand the impact of emotional dysregulation.
Resentment and anger can lead to relapse.
Sobriety should be your top priority.
Helping others can reinforce your own recovery.

“Addiction is isolation. Recovery is community.”

Michael Van Meter, a former FBI agent and now a dedicated advocate for recovery, takes you on a journey through the highs and lows of life while staying sober. In this episode, Michael opens up about his personal experiences, including the tragic loss of his younger brother and the joyous engagement of his daughter. He emphasises the importance of staying focused on recovery, even when life throws its toughest challenges at you.

Michael shares how emotional dysregulation can lead to relapse and stresses the significance of following a structured recovery program. He candidly discusses the common pitfalls people face, such as resentment and anger, and offers practical advice on maintaining sobriety. Through relatable anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, Michael encourages you to be part of the solution by staying committed to your recovery journey.

Tune in to hear how staying grounded in basic recovery principles can help you navigate life's ups and downs without falling back into old habits. Remember, staying sober is your top priority – everything else comes second. So, if you're looking for inspiration and practical tips to stay on track, this episode is a must-listen.

PreviousEpisode 156 - We Are Responsible for Our Recovery

NextEpisode 158 - Rob Carson - Mind, Body, and Spirit