Adrian Burris opens up about his journey from addiction to recovery, the impact of peer support, and the vital role of building recovery capital at 4D Recovery.
In this episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, Peter and Julie sit down with Adrian Burris from 4D Recovery, a Portland-based organization focused on empowering young people in recovery. Adrian’s story is a raw and inspiring account of battling addiction, overcoming the challenges of being "dope sick," and ultimately finding a new purpose through recovery capital and peer services. His journey from addiction to a thriving life in recovery offers hope to anyone struggling or supporting a loved one through sobriety.
Adrian’s Background:
Adrian grew up in Portland, Oregon, before briefly moving to Atlanta as a teenager. He recalls how the pressures of adolescence, combined with exposure to drugs like marijuana and pills, eventually led him down a dangerous path. By the time he was 21, Adrian had tried heroin for the first time—a moment that changed everything. Despite initially disliking the drug, he quickly found himself addicted and spiraling into a life of homelessness, stealing, and trying to maintain his habit.
His story is a stark reminder of how addiction can take hold, even when you don’t see it coming.
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The Battle with Addiction:
One of the most striking parts of Adrian’s story is his description of being "dope sick"—the intense withdrawal symptoms that kept him tethered to heroin. He speaks candidly about how terrifying it was to feel his body shutting down without the drug and the lengths he went to avoid that pain.
Like many, Adrian found himself making decisions he would never have imagined, including stealing from loved ones and enduring dangerous situations, like facing down a gun during a robbery attempt. His addiction had taken control, and he felt powerless.
Finding Recovery at 4D Recovery:
Adrian’s turning point came when he was arrested and forced to confront the reality of his situation. During a five-month stint in jail, Adrian had time to reflect and commit to change. Upon his release, he found his way to 4D Recovery, where he connected with peer mentor Cody.
4D Recovery became Adrian’s lifeline, providing him with the support he needed to stay sober. The organization introduced him to the concept of recovery capital—the personal, social, and community resources that help individuals in recovery succeed. Through 4D Recovery’s peer services, Adrian was able to build his recovery capital, gain confidence, and find a sense of belonging.
The Power of Peer Support and Recovery Capital:
Adrian’s story highlights the crucial role of peer services in recovery. At 4D Recovery, he found a community of people who understood his struggles and were committed to helping him succeed. The support he received allowed him to rebuild his life and give back by helping others on their recovery journeys.
By focusing on recovery capital, Adrian was able to create a solid foundation for his sobriety. He now works at 4D Recovery, helping other young people navigate the challenges of addiction and recovery.
Conclusion:
Adrian Burris’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, no matter how dark things may seem. His journey from addiction to building recovery capital at 4D Recovery shows that with the right support, people can turn their lives around and create a brighter future.
For anyone struggling with addiction, Adrian’s story offers hope, inspiration, and a clear message: there’s always a way forward.
Listen to the full episode of Adrian Burris’s inspiring journey on the Real Recovery Podcast, and learn more about the incredible work being done at 4D Recovery to support young people in recovery.
#RealRecoveryPodcast #RecoveryJourney #PeerServices #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryCapital #DopeSick #SoberLiving #4DRecovery #SobrietyJourney @4DRecovery
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A Celebration of Recovery, Community, and Resilience
In this special Real Recovery Podcast Extra episode, Peter and Julie take listeners inside the Recover Out Loud event, where they connected with recovery advocates, heard inspiring personal stories, and captured the heart of a vibrant recovery community. Set against the backdrop of live performances and interviews with recovery leaders, this episode celebrates the transformative power of recovery and highlights the incredible work being done to support individuals on their recovery journey.
Listeners also hear from the team at 4D Recovery, an organization renowned for its peer support programs and commitment to empowering young adults in recovery. Through mentorship and community outreach, 4D continues to play a pivotal role in the recovery movement.
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The Energy of Live Performances
The live performances throughout the night set the tone for an energetic, uplifting experience. From Skyler Ray’s set to other talented local artists like Madison Shanley, the music united the crowd in a shared purpose. Each performance underscored the idea that recovery is a community effort, full of passion and strength. Be sure to check out Madison’s episode on our podcast here.
Additionally, listeners can enjoy our interview with Futuristic, who also made an appearance at the event. His episode can be found here, where he discusses his journey and passion for helping others through his music.
The Recover Out Loud event was a powerful reminder of the strength found in community and the importance of celebrating recovery openly. Peter and Julie’s first live event recording captured the heart and soul of what Real Recovery Podcast stands for: providing a platform for real stories of recovery, resilience, and hope. Events like this remind us all of the power we hold when we come together.
If you missed the event, you can catch the full episode and relive the inspiring moments by listening now.
#RecoverOutLoud, #RealRecoveryPodcast, #TrueColorsRecovery, #4DRecovery, #SoberLife, #AddictionRecovery, #WeDoRecover
@TrueColorsRecovery, @4DRecovery, @SkylerRay, @MadisonShanley, @OnlyFuturistic Discover how Melissa reclaimed her identity and healing through recovery and cultural reconnection.
In this episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, Peter and Julie sit down with Melissa Hereford, who bravely shares her journey of overcoming addiction, domestic violence, and generational trauma. Melissa’s inspiring story as a two-spirited Native American offers a unique perspective on healing through cultural reconnection, personal resilience, and finding strength in community.
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Struggles:
Melissa shares the hardships she faced, from substance abuse to abusive relationships, and how these experiences shaped her view of herself and her life. As she explains, a turning point came when she realized she wanted to break the cycle of addiction and trauma for her children
Turning Points:
In her second attempt at recovery, Melissa reconnected with her Native American roots, including attending ceremonies and participating in cultural traditions, which played a crucial role in her healing. She speaks about her involvement with Painted Horse Recovery and the safe space it provided for her cultural and personal recovery.
Current Work:
Today, Melissa is an active member of the recovery community, working as a regional director at 4D Recovery in Hillsborough. She advocates for culturally specific recovery services and is passionate about helping young people and the Native American community reconnect with their cultural roots in their recovery journey. Previously, she was involved with Painted Horse Recovery, where she supported Native American women in their healing process.
#RecoveryJourney #RealRecoveryPodcast #TwoSpirited #GenerationalHealing #CulturalRecovery #AddictionRecovery #PaintedHorseRecovery #TrueColorsRecovery #HealingJourney #NativeAmericanResilience
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