Don Smith, Phillip Valentine, Sandy Valentine, Melvin Cabrera
rebecca@ccar.us (Connecticut Community For Addiction Recovery (CCAR))
From $70K Gambling Highs to Substance Use Struggles
From $70K Gambling Highs to Substance Use Struggles
From $70K Gambling Highs to Substance Use Struggles
Tuesday 9th September 2025
Tj shares his gripping story from $70K gambling highs to substance use struggles and eventual recovery. Discover hope and resilience in this heartfelt episode.
38 minutes
Inspiring
Hopeful
Authentic
Encouraging
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
Don Smith, Phillip Valentine, Sandy Valentine, Melvin Cabrera
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery Reimagined
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Family Recovery from Addiction
Creative Recovery Journeys
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
194 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!From Gambling Highs to Sobriety: Tj's Inspiring Recovery Journey
Episode Overview
- Believe that life can improve, even if you can't see it yet.
- Community support is crucial in the recovery process.
- Engaging in activities like sports can aid recovery.
- Addressing underlying trauma is essential for healing.
- Being honest about your struggles can lead to transformation.
"You may not believe that life can get better, but I do."
Curious about how individuals navigate their sobriety journey? This episode of the Recovery Matters Podcast features Tj and Brian Dolan, two individuals in long-term recovery, who candidly share their stories of addiction and redemption. Tj recounts his tumultuous past, including a $70K gambling high and substance use struggles, painting a vivid picture of how addiction intertwined with his identity and life choices.
From childhood trauma and family divorce to the allure of sports and gambling, Tj's narrative is both compelling and relatable. He shares how his college years were marked by reckless partying and drug dealing, fuelled by a false sense of invincibility due to his privileged background. The turning point came when he realised the destructive path he was on, leading him to seek help and embrace recovery.
Tj's journey through detox facilities and sober living houses illustrates the ups and downs of recovery, highlighting the importance of community support and personal commitment. He speaks passionately about the transformative power of basketball in his recovery process, using it as a tool to build connections and find solace. This episode is not just a story of struggle but also one of hope and resilience, as Tj ultimately finds purpose in helping others in their recovery journeys.
His advice for those in their first 24 hours of sobriety is simple yet profound: believe that life can get better, even if you don't see it now. This episode is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the healing power of shared experiences. If you're looking for an inspiring tale of recovery or simply want to understand the complexities of addiction, this episode offers valuable insights into the journey of sobriety.