Episode 55 - Getting to the Heart of Getting Sober
Episode 55 - Getting to the Heart of Getting Sober

Recovery Is Possible

The steps to sobriety differ for each person. In this episode, I answer several questions from a listener and walk through what worked for me: What was your turning point to get sober? What was your thought process prior to a relapse? What motivates ...

EmpoweringInformativeHopefulEncouragingAuthentic

16:54•6 Apr 2021

RSS Feed

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.

Recovery ReimaginedSobriety ToolkitFamily RecoveryBody & MindTreatments

Episodes: 186

View Podcast Visit External Site

Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!

Michael Van Meter's Road to Sobriety: A Personal Tale of Triumph

“And for me it was just a number of relapses. It just got to the point to where, if I had any doubts in my mind about addiction being a disease of the body and the mind- and that's important- it's a disease of the body and the mind, meaning that it gets worse and worse and worse, and it never gets better.”

Ever wondered what it takes to truly overcome addiction? In this heartfelt episode of 'Recovery Is Possible', Michael Van Meter opens up about his own journey to sobriety. From his days as a U.S. Navy helicopter pilot to his role as an FBI agent, Michael's diverse career has given him a unique lens through which he views addiction and recovery. But this episode isn't just about his impressive resume—it's about the raw, real steps he took to get sober.

Michael answers burning questions from listeners: What was his turning point? How did he navigate the thought process before a relapse? And what keeps him motivated to stay sober today? His candid reflections provide a roadmap for anyone grappling with addiction. He stresses that addiction is a disease that worsens over time and underscores the importance of building a robust support system.

One of the most striking tips he shares is about managing those intense, fleeting urges to drink—distractions can be your best friend during those critical two minutes. Michael's story is not just informative; it's a beacon of hope for anyone on the path to recovery. Tune in for an episode that promises to be both enlightening and encouraging.

PreviousEpisode 54 - The Spiritual Side of Wellness: Chaplain Dan Vickey, Ohio ASSIST

NextEpisode 56 - What Do You Do When A Friend Suggests Not Taking Medication?