Rich Jones, a remarkable speaker I met at a SAMHSA event, joins me to share his transformative journey from the world of HR to becoming a therapist and certified interventionist in the recovery space. Rich opens up about his long-term recovery from opioid and alcohol use disorders, highlighting the personal and professional hurdles he faced during this pivotal shift. Our conversation sheds light on the stigma surrounding addiction and the courage it takes to embrace openness, even when societal norms might suggest otherwise.

Labels like "alcoholic" and "addict" can often feel like barriers rather than bridges on the path to recovery. Together, Rich and I unpack these terms, discussing the evolving nature of recovery and the importance of personal comfort levels. By sharing our stories, we aim to reassure those hesitant about starting their recovery journey, emphasizing that there are multiple pathways to success. We challenge common stereotypes about addiction, advocating for a more inclusive and understanding approach that celebrates diverse recovery experiences.

The episode also touches on the critical role families play in addiction recovery, exploring models like the Arise intervention that prioritize transparency and family involvement. Rich shares his insights into the psychological aspects of addiction and the spectrum of substance use disorders, underscoring the need for self-awareness and professional support. We also tackle the often-overlooked issue of workplace stress and substance use, highlighting the necessity of supportive environments that engage individuals proactively. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of recovery, offering insights and support for anyone touched by addiction.

Links from this episode with Rich Jones:
YouTurn Health
BuildWell Health
Sage's Army
ARISE Intervention info
Faces & Voices of Recovery

Other useful links from Brett:

• Sober Curious Consulting - Brett's Recovery Friendly Workplace consulting business.
• Brett's YouTube channel
• Washington Recovery Alliance - building the capacity of the recovery community to advance substance use recovery and mental health wellness by catalyzing public understanding and shaping public policy in Washington State.
• Recovery-Ready Workplace Toolkit - providing information, tools, and resources to help employers from all sectors—government, for-profit, non-profit, and not-for-profit—effectively prevent and respond to substance misuse in the workforce from the Department of Labor.
• Data on SUD in the US (2022) - from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Link to my favorite PDF for statistics.
• Addiction 101 - it’s not a moral failing—it’s a treatable illness. Get the facts about this misunderstood medical condition from my friends at Shatterproof.