From professional success to addiction struggles, Dr. David Bohrer’s inspiring story of recovery shows the resilience of the human spirit.
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In this episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, we’re honored to welcome Dr. David Bohrer, a chiropractor who once enjoyed tremendous professional success but faced the devastating impact of addiction. David candidly shares his journey from being on top of the world to nearly losing everything, and how the power of sobriety helped him reclaim his life and career. His story is filled with wisdom, lessons learned, and hope for anyone walking the difficult path of recovery.
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Turning Point and Struggles:
David’s wake-up call came when his health deteriorated significantly. He found himself in the ICU with heart failure, realizing his life was at serious risk. This terrifying experience pushed him toward the decision to seek recovery. Dr. Bohrer candidly shares how hard it was to come to terms with the idea that he needed help. Despite these struggles, his perseverance led him to treatment at Hazelden, a program that gave him the tools to begin his recovery journey. "The biggest thing I had to admit was that I was powerless, and that knowing where I'm powerless is actually my strength." —Dr. David Bohrer
The Role of Recovery Communities:
David also touches on the importance of the recovery communities that supported him throughout his journey. He speaks highly of the East County Alano Club (ECAC), which played a pivotal role in his sobriety. This was also where he connected with his sponsor, Don, who became a source of strength and guidance during the most challenging moments. Additionally, he talks about how the Gresham AA Lunch Bunch became his safe haven, a place where he could connect with others in recovery and reinforce his commitment to sobriety.
Life in Recovery Today:
Since becoming sober, Dr. Bohrer’s life has taken a dramatic turn for the better. He emphasizes the importance of living with gratitude, maintaining relationships, and giving back through service. His message is clear: sobriety isn’t just about getting clean, it’s about rebuilding a meaningful life. "I used to think I was bulletproof. But the truth is, sobriety gave me the strength to face my weaknesses—and that’s when my life truly started to change."
Key Takeaways and Impact:
Dr. Bohrer’s story is one of resilience, humility, and the profound impact that recovery can have on someone’s life. His message to the Real Recovery community is that no matter how far down the road of addiction you may be, there is always hope for healing and transformation. He encourages listeners to reach out, find support, and commit to doing the work of recovery.
Tune in to this powerful episode of the Real Recovery Podcast and hear Dr. David Bohrer’s incredible journey firsthand. You won’t want to miss his inspiring story of redemption and the powerful lessons he shares. Listen now at Real Recovery Podcast.
#AddictionRecovery #RecoveryJourney #RealRecoveryPodcast #OvercomingAddiction #Inspiration #Sobriety
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Our next episode of the Real Recovery Podcast features the powerful story of Melissa Hereford, a courageous woman who has overcome incredible challenges on her journey to recovery. In this heartfelt conversation, Melissa opens up about generational trauma, her identity as a two-spirited Native American, and her experiences overcoming addiction and abusive relationships. Her story serves as a reminder that transformation is always possible through healing and self-acceptance. Don't miss this inspiring episode!
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How Oregon Recovers is Leading the Charge for Change in Addiction Treatment and Recovery
In this episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, co-hosts Peter and Julie sit down with Mike Marshall, the Executive Director of Oregon Recovers, for an eye-opening discussion on the addiction crisis in Oregon. Mike shares his personal recovery journey, as well as the incredible work being done to improve access to treatment, advocate for policy change, and organize the recovery community. Mike’s story is both inspiring and a powerful call to action for everyone impacted by addiction.
Mike’s Journey and the Founding of Oregon Recovers:
Mike Marshall has dedicated his life to recovery advocacy after overcoming his own struggles with addiction. His journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of community support. Mike founded Oregon Recovers in 2017 with the goal of addressing Oregon’s addiction crisis by organizing the recovery community and pushing for necessary policy changes. As Mike says, "The recovery community isn't just about those of us in recovery—it's about our friends, families, and the people who take care of us." —Mike Marshall
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Addressing the Addiction Crisis in Oregon:
Oregon faces one of the highest addiction rates in the country, yet ranks last in access to treatment. Mike explains how Oregon Recovers is tackling this crisis head-on through advocacy and organizing efforts. By engaging with policymakers, hosting events like the Walk for Recovery, and raising awareness, Oregon Recovers is empowering the recovery community to create real change.
The Role of Recovery Housing:
One of the key elements in Oregon Recovers' mission is the expansion of recovery housing. Mike explains that while traditional treatment options are important, recovery housing offers individuals a safe and supportive environment as they transition back into everyday life. By connecting recovery housing with outpatient programs like those offered through the Recovery Network of Oregon, the organization is helping more people maintain long-term sobriety.
Preventing Addiction and Changing the Culture:
Mike emphasizes the importance of prevention and cultural change in combating addiction. He speaks passionately about the need to challenge the pervasive role of alcohol and drugs in our society, particularly in media and advertising. "We live in a society where alcohol is celebrated for every occasion, and it’s time to rethink that. We need to educate our communities about the real harms and start promoting healthier, substance-free lifestyles."
Portland Walk for Recovery 2024: Join Oregon Recovers at the upcoming Portland Walk for Recovery 2024 on Saturday, September 28th, 2024 from 10:00am - 2:00pm at Pioneer Courthouse Square - Portland, OR. This event brings together individuals in recovery, their families, friends, and advocates to walk in support of recovery. It’s a powerful demonstration of solidarity and an opportunity to celebrate the strength of the recovery community. Register for the walk at the official Walk for Recovery page. 
Conclusion:
This episode with Mike Marshall is a powerful reminder that recovery is not just an individual journey—it’s a collective responsibility. By organizing the recovery community, advocating for policy changes, and building stronger support systems, Oregon Recovers is making a real difference in the fight against addiction. As Mike says, "Recovery is about more than just staying sober—it's about creating a life worth living for everyone impacted by addiction." —Mike Marshall Coming up next...
On the next Real Recovery Podcast, we’re excited to bring you Dr. David Bohrer! Dr. Bohrer, a chiropractor with a remarkable journey through addiction and recovery, opens up about his struggles, the turning points in his life, and how he found the strength to rebuild from the ground up. His candid story offers hope, resilience, and inspiration for anyone on their own recovery journey. Don’t miss this powerful and uplifting episode!
#RealRecoveryPodcast, #OregonRecovers, #AddictionRecovery, #WalkForRecovery, #RecoveryHousing, #MikeMarshall, #CommunitySupport, #MentalHealth, #AddictionCrisis, #SoberLiving, #RecoveryJourney
Exploring Recovery, Music, and Self-Discovery with Madison Shanley
On September 6th, 2024, the Real Recovery Podcast had the pleasure of attending the 2024 Recover Outloud Concert and Speaker Recovery Event at the Avenue Event Center in Portland, OR. The event brought together musicians, performers, recovery speakers, and vendors, all celebrating the power of recovery through community and expression. Among the many talented performers was Madison Shanley, a rising star in the Portland music scene, who graced the stage with her soulful voice and deep connection to the recovery journey.
Madison Shanley, a singer-songwriter, shared her personal recovery story and how it has influenced her music career. Having started singing at the age of five, Madison’s journey took a profound turn when she got clean and sober nearly three years ago. During her interview with Peter B. and Julie L. at the event, she reflected on how her sobriety gave her the space to process her emotions and create music that reflects self-discovery, healing, and spiritual growth.
Madison also emphasized the importance of the Portland recovery community in supporting her journey, particularly in her first year of sobriety. She explained that attending meetings and connecting with other individuals in recovery has kept her grounded and inspired her music. Her performances, both at the Recover Outloud event and beyond, reflect this deep connection to her own recovery and the wider community.
This episode is the first in a series of Recover Outloud interviews. Look forward to our next episode, which will feature an interview with Futuristic, a talented rapper and advocate for the recovery community. You can follow Futuristic on Instagram and listen to his music on Spotify.
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Don’t miss out on the upcoming Recover Outloud episodes! Follow the Real Recovery Podcast on Spotify and join us as we share more inspiring stories from this empowering event.
#RRPXTRA, #RealRecoveryPodcast, #MadisonShanley, #RecoverOutloud, #RecoveryThroughMusic, #PortlandRecoveryCommunity, #SelfDiscovery
Julie and Peter from the Real Recovery Podcast will be live at the Walk for Recovery event with microphones for shout-outs!  We’re excited to announce that the Real Recovery Podcast will be participating in the Oregon Recovers Walk to Recovery event on Saturday, September 28th, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland, OR. Peter and Julie will be there with microphones ready for podcast shout-outs, offering a unique opportunity for you to share your message of hope, support, and recovery.  What is the Walk for Recovery? The Oregon Recovers Walk to Recovery is a powerful community event that brings together individuals and families impacted by addiction. The goal is to walk together towards a brighter future, raising awareness about the importance of recovery, and providing support to those still in the process. The event celebrates the recovery journey while encouraging broader conversations about the resources available for those struggling with addiction. Why You Should Join Us: This isn’t just another walk! It’s a chance for you to connect with others, share your story, and be a part of something bigger. Peter and Julie will be set up with microphones, and we want YOU to be featured on an upcoming episode of the Real Recovery Podcast! Whether you’re walking for yourself, a loved one, or simply to show support for the recovery community, we’d love to hear your thoughts and reflections on the day at the Oregon Recovers Walk to Recovery.
This event marks an incredible opportunity to support the recovery community and connect with those who have been impacted by addiction. Whether you’re new to the Real Recovery Podcast or a longtime listener, we’d love to see you at the Oregon Recovers Walk to Recovery event! Together, we’ll walk towards hope, healing, and a brighter future. Don’t forget to stop by the Real Recovery Podcast booth at the event, say hi to Peter and Julie, and share your story on the podcast. Let’s celebrate recovery and help spread a message of hope. We can’t wait to meet you at the Oregon Recovers Walk to Recovery!
Overcoming Addiction and Making a Difference at Oregon Recovers
In Episode 29 of the Real Recovery Podcast, we sit down with Bo Brinsen, the Development Director at Oregon Recovers. Bo's story is one of resilience, transformation, and dedication to helping others find their path to recovery. From his early days in Compton, California, to his pivotal role in Oregon’s recovery community, Bo’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of community support in overcoming addiction.
Bo Brinsen's Background
Bo grew up in the challenging environment of Compton, where the life expectancy for someone in his circumstances was alarmingly low. Surrounded by violence and crime, Bo found himself entangled in the gang lifestyle at a young age. His struggles with addiction began in his teenage years, with alcohol and marijuana leading him down a path of substance abuse that eventually escalated to harder drugs. Despite the odds stacked against him, Bo’s story didn’t end there. "You never know when something you say can help somebody stay clean for even just one more day. That’s why I’m really transparent when it comes to my story."
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Making an Impact at Oregon Recovers
Today, Bo is the Development Director at Oregon Recovers, where he is making a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals across the state. Oregon Recovers is the only organization in Oregon that focuses directly on policy and advocacy for recovery. Bo’s work involves not only spearheading initiatives that support those in recovery but also advocating for systemic changes that will benefit the entire recovery community.
One of the standout projects under Bo’s leadership is the Recovery Network of Oregon (RNO) app, a tool that provides real-time information on available recovery resources throughout the state. This innovative app is helping bridge the gap between those in need and the services that can support their recovery.
Conclusion
Bo Brinsen’s journey from the streets of Compton to leading Oregon Recovers is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible for everyone, regardless of their background. His story highlights the importance of community, the necessity of policy advocacy, and the impact that one person can have when they commit to helping others. In this episode, Bo’s candid discussion of his personal struggles and triumphs will inspire anyone facing similar challenges and remind us all that with support and determination, we can overcome even the most difficult obstacles.
Tune in to Episode 29 of the Real Recovery Podcast and hear Bo Brinsen’s incredible story of recovery and leadership. His journey will inspire you to believe in the power of change and the importance of community in the recovery process. Don’t miss it--listen to the episode now.
Coming up next...
Coming up on the next episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, we welcome Mike Marshall, the driving force behind Oregon Recovers. In this powerful discussion, Mike shares his personal journey through addiction, recovery, and the inspiring work he's doing to transform Oregon's approach to addiction treatment. From his experiences in community organizing to advocating for policy change, Mike provides deep insights into the challenges facing the recovery community and the steps being taken to create lasting change. This episode highlights the importance of advocacy, community, and leadership in addressing the addiction crisis. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation filled with hope, determination, and a call to action for all those affected by addiction. Tune in and be inspired by Mike's unwavering commitment to making Oregon a place where recovery is possible for everyone.
#RealRecoveryPodcast #OregonRecovers #AddictionRecovery #CommunitySupport #RecoveryJourney
How Tarra McCarthy Turned Her Life Around After Struggling with Addiction and the Pressures of a Strict Upbringing
In Episode 28 of the Real Recovery Podcast, we explore the powerful story of Tarra McCarthy, a woman who grew up in a Catholic family where alcoholism and strict values shaped her early life. Despite her success as a competitive soccer player, Tarra faced deep internal struggles that led her down a path of addiction. This episode highlights her journey from hiding behind her achievements to embracing authenticity and finding recovery.
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