When Recovery Unravels: DJ’s Story of Relapse, Hope & RedemptionWhen Recovery Unravels: DJ’s Story of Relapse, Hope & Redemption
This is Your Wake-Up Call
Jerry and her son DJ talk through his journey from early recovery success into relapse with marijuana, severe health issues and custody loss, and how returning to a faith-based programme helped him rebuild. Their candid exchange shares both the addict’s and the parent’s perspectives on shame, hope and starting again.
59:33•29 Oct 2026
When Recovery Unravels: DJ’s Relapse, Rock Bottom and a Fresh Start
Episode Overview
- Relapse can happen even after years of alcohol sobriety and doesn’t erase the progress already made.
- Using marijuana as a coping tool can quickly turn into chemical dependency, especially at high THC levels.
- Severe physical symptoms like cannabinoid hyperemesis may be directly linked to heavy cannabis use and require honest self-assessment.
- Returning to a long-term recovery programme, even as a previous graduate, can be a crucial step toward rebuilding life and relationships.
- Defining yourself by past mistakes keeps you stuck; choosing the next right thing and embracing grace offers a way forward.
“Mistakes are just that. They’re mistakes, miscalculations, misjudgments. The fact is we always have a choice… we can commit to doing the next right thing.”
How do individuals turn their lives around after addiction? This conversation between host Jerry Bis Bee and her son, DJ Bisbee, traces a ten‑year journey from suicidal despair to sustained alcohol sobriety, with a painful detour into relapse. You’ll hear DJ describe the early "season of harvest" after graduating from 180 Ministries, working in recovery, getting married and becoming a dad.
Then he walks through how marital strain, custody battles, financial collapse and crushing depression pushed him toward marijuana, convincing himself it was a calculated, therapeutic choice. As he admits, "those are all lies that I used to tell myself in the very thick of my addiction in the past." The episode doesn’t shy away from the brutal physical and mental cost of heavy THC use.
DJ explains cannabinoid hyperemesis, panic, hospital trips and being "jobless and penniless and childless", while Jerry shares the heartbreak and shock from the mum’s side of the street. For anyone in recovery who’s terrified of relapse, this story speaks directly to that fear. DJ talks about the shame of re‑entering 180 as a former graduate and staff member, the humility of starting over, and how consistent therapy, community and faith helped him rebuild.
His focus now is clear: staying substance‑free, showing up as a present dad, and leaning into his relationship with Jesus. The tone is honest, raw and faith‑centred, aimed at people dealing with addiction, relapse, or codependency, and their families. It’s full of hard truths, but also real hope. As DJ puts it, "mistakes are just that.
They’re mistakes," and there’s always the option to "commit to doing the next right thing." If you’ve ever wondered whether relapse means you’ve failed for good, this conversation might be the reminder you need that redemption can start again today.
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.