Brian Ward, a gambling recovery advocate, certified gambling recovery mentor, musician, and national leader, joins me in a heartfelt conversation about recovery, identity, and the many roles we carry throughout our lives.

Brian shares his personal journey from experiencing gambling-related harm to becoming a respected voice in the recovery community through peer support, advocacy, leadership, and education. Along the way, he reflects on the importance of support systems, balancing multiple passions, and finding ways to integrate rather than separate the different parts of ourselves.

Together, we explore questions that reach beyond gambling recovery:

• How do we balance ambition and opportunity in early recovery?
• Is there a "right" timeline for pursuing goals?
• What role do mentors, sponsors, peers, and loved ones play in our success?
• How much of our recovery story should define us?
• Can we truly know someone beyond what they choose to disclose?

Drawing comparisons between musical ensembles and recovery communities, Brian highlights how no meaningful achievement happens alone and encourages listeners to build their own "band" of support.

This conversation challenges simplistic narratives about addiction and recovery while reminding us that every person is far more than the worst thing they have experienced.

About the Guest:

Brian Ward is a Certified Gambling Recovery Mentor in Oregon. He is a person who has experienced gambling harm and works and volunteers to support people on similar journeys of growth and discovery. He is also a father, husband, musician, and martial artist.

Links:

• Website: VPGR.Net (Voices of Problem Gambling Recovery)
• Email for contacting: Brian.w.cgrm@gmail.com

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Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.