RRP 72-Real Recovery Podcast: Founding Voices EP 06-Tony Z

How creativity, connection, and service helped Tony Z transform his life and inspire others.

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Episode seventy-two of the Real Recovery Podcast closes out our Founding Voices series with the candid and heartfelt story of Tony Z. Raised on the banks of the Willamette River in Salem, Tony’s early life was marked by both idyllic moments and family struggles with addiction. As he navigated adolescence, Tony found himself drawn to creative circles, but also battled isolation and the pull of substance use. His journey took him through the depths of heroin addiction, the pain of losing friends, and the challenge of rebuilding after hitting bottom. Along the way, Tony discovered the healing power of music, community, and service. Today, Tony is a vibrant presence in the recovery community, a steadfast friend to the podcast, and a living example of hope and perseverance.

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Tony’s story begins in a loving but complicated family, with a father who struggled with alcoholism and a mother who became his anchor after their divorce. Tony’s sense of style and individuality set him apart in school, leading to both bullying and connection with other creatives. As he grew older, Tony’s experimentation with alcohol and drugs escalated, eventually leading to heroin use and a cycle of isolation and loss.

A turning point came when Tony, unable to break free on his own, reached out for help—first to his friend Mike, who introduced him to AA, and then to his mother, who supported him through detox and early recovery. Tony’s honesty about the pain and difficulty of withdrawal, the importance of 12-step meetings, and the challenge of relapses offers a raw and relatable perspective for anyone struggling with addiction.

​Links

• Listen to this episode
• Read the blog post
• Real Recovery Podcast website

​“You are not a piece of shit. You don’t have to be alone. That’s the best I can do on any given day. Sometimes, today I’m much better than a piece of shit. Luckily. And you are loved.”
— Tony Z

​Throughout his recovery, Tony found solace in music, playing in bands, and reconnecting with community. He also discovered the power of service—doing outreach to unhoused individuals, hosting meetings, and offering support to newcomers.

​The episode is filled with moments of humor, vulnerability, and gratitude, from Tony’s reflections on chosen family to his celebration of three years substance-free—including cigarettes. His story is a testament to the fact that recovery is possible, community is essential, and everyone deserves to feel welcome, wanted, and loved.

Tony Z’s journey reminds us that recovery is not just about abstaining from substances, but about building a life filled with meaning, connection, and self-acceptance. His willingness to share openly, serve others, and embrace his passions continues to inspire the Real Recovery Podcast community and beyond.

​Listen to Tony Z’s full story on RRP Episode 72 and explore more inspiring journeys at the Real Recovery Podcast. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates and join our supportive community.

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