The #RecoveryFirst Podcast with Mike Todd Bonus: 'WE ADMITTED': Two Powerful Words In My Recovery

The #RecoveryFirst Podcast with Mike Todd Bonus: 'WE ADMITTED': Two Powerful Words In My Recovery

What can we learn from those who have battled addiction? In this bonus episode of The Recovery First Addiction Recovery Podcast, Mike Todd reflects on two small but life-changing words from the first step: "we admitted." It’s a short, personal share packed with honesty, humour, and straight-talking recovery wisdom. Mike breaks down why "we" matters so much in his sobriety.

He talks about sponsors, grand sponsors, mates in recovery houses, his wife, and even clinical colleagues as part of his "we". As he puts it, "Today, I’m going to utilise my we. And today, I’m going to utilise the word admit. Because you know what? I just continue to grow." You’ll hear how community, accountability and being called out lovingly keep him grounded when his thinking turns negative. The second word, "admitted", hits just as hard.

Mike recalls years of denial – "I denied everything" – and the moment he told his sponsor, "I’ve just come to realise that I’m such a dishonest person that I’ll lie about things that I don’t even need to lie about." His sponsor’s response, "Now we’re getting somewhere," becomes a milestone in his shift towards honesty and teachability. The episode also touches on the bigger picture of recovery support in South Carolina.

Mike explains how informal shared housing in early recovery grew into structured recovery housing, and why the South Carolina Recovery Housing Association was started to support operators and residents. A key focus is getting naloxone into recovery houses across the state and training residents to use it, recognising how vulnerable this community can be.

This is a warm, candid share aimed at anyone in recovery – or supporting someone in it – who wants a reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Who’s in your "we", and what do you still need to admit?