Episode 186 - From Addiction to Recovery: Better Off for Having Had It
Episode 186 - From Addiction to Recovery: Better Off for Having Had It

Recovery Is Possible

Mike and Lillie discuss how overcoming addiction can lead to profound personal growth, exploring the psychological and spiritual benefits of recovery.

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41:51•18 Mar 2026

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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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Addiction: A Surprising Path to a Better You?

Episode Overview

Recovery can lead to significant personal growth.
Sobriety requires tools like extreme ownership and emotional intelligence.
The five-year cycle highlights different phases of recovery.
Community support is crucial for maintaining sobriety.
Shifting focus from self to others is key in recovery.

“"Addiction is the only disease where you come out the other side better."”

What drives someone to see addiction as a transformative experience? In Episode 186 of 'Recovery Is Possible,' Mike and Lillie tackle the intriguing notion that overcoming addiction might actually leave you better off than if you'd never faced it. This episode goes beyond typical sobriety discussions, diving into the profound changes in character and perspective that recovery can bring.

Mike, with his rich background as a Navy helicopter pilot, police officer, and FBI agent, shares how these experiences have shaped his understanding of recovery. Listeners are treated to an engaging conversation about the psychological and spiritual growth that often accompanies the recovery journey. Mike and Lillie explore how recovery demands tools like extreme ownership and emotional intelligence, leading to personal development that many 'normal' lives might never trigger.

The episode is peppered with humour and honesty as they discuss the challenges of maintaining sobriety and the importance of community. The conversation also touches on the five-year cycle of recovery, emphasising the gradual shift from self-centred thinking to a life focused on serving others. Whether you're new to recovery or have been on this path for years, Mike's insights offer a refreshing perspective on how to embrace the journey and find strength in community support.

So, what do you think? Can addiction truly be a catalyst for a better life?

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