Richie Wilson's Journey: From Champion to Recovery Advocate
Episode Overview
Richie's journey from childhood to addiction to recovery The impact of opioids and a mission on Richie's life Struggles with relapse and finding the path to recovery Importance of family support during addiction recovery Community involvement and recovery programs at Fit to Recover
Resistance promotes growth.
Imagine being on top of the world as a state champion, only to find yourself grappling with opioid addiction shortly after. That's the compelling story of Richie Wilson, who joins Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley on this episode of Project Recovery. Richie had a picture-perfect childhood but silently battled anxiety throughout high school. An injury at 16 introduced him to opioids, which he says instantly alleviated his anxiety, setting off a chain reaction of substance abuse.
Richie's tale takes a dramatic turn as he shares his experiences as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A car accident during his mission led to further reliance on pain pills, spiraling into a struggle with harder drugs upon his return. Despite multiple stints in recovery centers, Richie found it difficult to stay clean until he discovered Fit To Recover (FTR), an organization that became his lifeline.
In this episode, Richie opens up about the challenges he faced and the moments that defined his path to sobriety. He also discusses the upcoming FTR 5K for Recovery, an event aimed at supporting others on their journey to wellness. Richie's story is one of resilience, community, and the relentless pursuit of a better life. Whether you're dealing with addiction yourself or supporting someone who is, Richie's candid account offers hope and practical insights.
Tune in to hear how he turned his life around and became an advocate for recovery.