Episode 64 | The #RecoveryFirst Podcast with Mike Todd | “Let’s Support Those That Support Recovery"Episode 64 | The #RecoveryFirst Podcast with Mike Todd | “Let’s Support Those That Support Recovery"
The Recovery First Addiction Recovery Podcast by Freedom Recovery Services of Greenville
Mike Todd reflects on Greenville’s changing recovery landscape and stresses the need to support grassroots recovery services, from housing and peer support to naloxone distribution. The conversation highlights funding gaps, community efforts, and upcoming discussions with advocates about strengthening recovery across South Carolina.
5:42•9 Feb 2022
Backing the People Who Keep Recovery Going in Greenville
Episode Overview
- Change is unavoidable in recovery communities, and attitude towards change can shape outcomes.
- Local recovery programmes, peer supporters, and housing providers are crucial yet often underfunded.
- Recovery services include housing, job support, transport, and access to medication and detox, not just treatment.
- There is a strong push for federal funding to reach grassroots recovery services rather than leaving them reliant on small fundraisers.
- Supplying naloxone to recovery houses is a key priority, with support from organisations such as Challenges, Inc., the Recovery Advocacy Project, and the Clinton Foundation.
“"Change is inevitable. It is. It's our attitude and it's the way that we face change that makes the difference."”
What can we learn from those who have battled addiction? This episode centres on one clear message: if recovery is going to thrive, the people doing the day‑to‑day graft need backing. Host Mike Todd speaks from beautiful downtown Greenville, South Carolina, reflecting on early recovery days at a much‑loved clubhouse that was eventually swallowed up by development.
Losing that familiar space forced meetings into churches and other community spots, and Mike points out how that uncomfortable shift actually pushed people out of their comfort zone. As he puts it, "Change is inevitable. It is. It's our attitude and it's the way that we face change that makes the difference." From there, the focus shifts to what’s happening across Greenville and the wider state.
Mike talks about local programmes responding to the opioid and mental health crises, stressing that these organisations, recovery community groups, peer support workers and recovery housing providers "are not getting rich" and "are not getting famous" – but they are saving lives. He stresses that future funding must reach recovery services, not just clinical treatment, and he’s unapologetic about being loud on this point.
You’ll hear about practical supports such as housing, help with jobs and transport, access to medication and detox, and the push to get naloxone into recovery houses across South Carolina. There’s also a nod to upcoming live conversations, including a session with David Carson, aimed at asking one key question: how can the wider community and state stand behind those who support recovery every day?
Anyone interested in community‑based recovery, peer support, or how local initiatives keep people safe and hopeful will find this a down‑to‑earth, heartfelt listen. It might even nudge you to ask: how can you support those who support recovery?
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