RRP 024: Overcoming Addiction and Embracing Family Legacy: An Inspiring Journey with Robert Sanders

A Story of Resilience, Community Support, and the Enduring Impact of Family Legacy

In the latest episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, we are honored to feature Robert Sanders, the grandson of Barbara Roberts, former governor of Oregon. Robert's journey through addiction and recovery is not just a story of personal resilience but also a testament to the enduring impact of family legacy and community support.

​Robert Sanders' Early Memories and Family Legacy
Robert Sanders grew up with the unique experience of being the grandson of a prominent political figure. His earliest memories include walking through the Lloyd Center with his grandmother, Barbara Roberts, and witnessing her dedication to public service. "We have to make time for the people that we serve," his grandmother would often say, a lesson that Robert has carried with him throughout his life.

​Challenges and Triumphs in Addiction and Recovery
Despite the supportive environment provided by his grandmother, Robert's early life was marked by the struggle of having a mother who dealt with alcohol abuse. This duality of a structured upbringing contrasted with personal challenges set the stage for his own battle with addiction. By the time he was in high school, Robert had already begun experimenting with substances, leading to a tumultuous journey that would eventually see him serving in the Navy and facing severe addiction issues.

Share with your Friends & Family

Robert’s turning point came when he realized he could no longer continue on the destructive path he was on. His decision to seek help and enter recovery was a pivotal moment in his life. As he reflects,

"I didn't really see any way out of it. The political climate at that time wasn't what it is now, where we're giving people second and third chances. It was, okay, this is what you are, and this is what you're going to be."
--Robert Sanders
​

​Links:

• 4D Recovery
• Robert Sanders' Page
• Central City Concern
• Fora Health
• Real Recovery Podcast
• Listen to Podcast
• Donate to RRP

The Role of Community and Peer Support
Today, Robert Sanders is an active participant in 4D Recovery, where he supervises adolescent services, providing guidance and support to young people facing similar struggles. His work involves creating safe spaces for recovery and emphasizing the importance of community involvement. ​

​Join Our Community: Follow, Review, and ​Support Us on Social Media
Your engagement is what fuels our passion and keeps this podcast thriving. Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Subscribe & Follow us in your favorite Podcatcher or Podcast Player and please rate us and leave a review! Let’s continue this journey together, one episode at a time!​​

"Our brain is almost a highway system... As we're entering into recovery, we're developing these different off-ramps," 
​--Robert Sanders

Robert explains, highlighting the necessity of new coping mechanisms and support systems in the recovery process.

Robert’s story is not only about overcoming personal demons but also about leveraging his experiences to help others. He believes in the power of community and peer support, a belief that is evident in his commitment to his work at 4D Recovery.

Heartwarming Moments and Impactful Conversations
Throughout the episode, listeners are treated to heartwarming anecdotes and powerful insights into the recovery journey. Robert's candid reflections on his struggles and triumphs are both inspiring and engaging, offering hope to those who may be facing similar challenges. His dedication to his family, particularly his determination to be present for his daughter and his loyalty to his wife, underscores the profound impact that recovery can have on personal relationships.

Join us in celebrating Robert Sanders' incredible journey and the positive changes he is making in the recovery community. His story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and determination, anyone can overcome their struggles and find a path to a better future.

Listen to the episode

​Don’t miss this episode filled with hope, inspiration, and invaluable insights. Tune in now to the Real Recovery Podcast to hear Robert Sanders' story firsthand and discover the power of recovery and community support.

#RealRecoveryPodcast #AddictionRecovery #RobertSanders #BarbaraRoberts #RecoveryJourney #4DRecovery #CommunitySupport #Resilience #FamilyLegacy #SoberLife #ForaHealth #CentralCityConcern

Coming up next...

​Join us for an inspiring new episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, where we sit down with Jesse D., a grateful recovering alcoholic. In Episode 25, Jesse opens up about his tumultuous journey through addiction, the struggles he faced with relapse, and the pivotal moments that led him to a life of sobriety. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of recovery. Tune in to hear how Jesse navigated his path to healing, the lessons he's learned along the way, and the importance of community support in maintaining sobriety. Don't miss this heartfelt and motivating episode that promises to resonate with anyone touched by addiction. Listen now at Real Recovery Podcast.

Show Notes:

Title: Real Recovery Podcast Show 024: Robert Sanders - Overcoming Addiction and Embracing Family Legacy
Presenters: Peter Brian Dowell, Julie L., Robert Sanders
Length: 1:05:44
Links:

• Robert Sanders' Page
• 4D Recovery
• Central City Concern
• Fora Health
• Real Recovery Podcast
• Listen to Podcast
• Donate to RRP

Key Points:

• Introduction of Robert Sanders and his family's legacy
• Robert's early memories and the impact of his grandmother, Barbara Roberts
• The duality of a supportive environment and a mother struggling with alcohol abuse
• Robert's journey through addiction, starting from a young age
• Experiences in the Navy and subsequent struggles with addiction
• The turning point and path to recovery
• Robert's involvement with 4D Recovery and his current role
• Importance of community and peer support in recovery

Summary: In this episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, we welcome Robert Sanders, the grandson of Barbara Roberts, former governor of Oregon. Robert shares his deeply personal journey through addiction and recovery, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faced. He reflects on the impact of his family's legacy and the duality of a supportive environment contrasted with his mother's struggles with alcohol abuse. From his early encounters with substances to his experiences in the Navy and eventual path to recovery, Robert provides an inspiring account of resilience and the power of community support. Now actively involved with 4D Recovery, Robert highlights the importance of peer support and creating safe spaces for young people in recovery.

Conclusion: Robert Sanders' story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of recovery. His journey underscores the importance of community support and the impact of a family's legacy in shaping one's path. This episode is filled with hope, inspiration, and valuable insights for anyone on their recovery journey.

Hashtags: #RealRecoveryPodcast #AddictionRecovery #RobertSanders #BarbaraRoberts #RecoveryJourney #4DRecovery #CommunitySupport #Resilience #FamilyLegacy #SoberLife #ForaHealth #CentralCityConcern