Need immediate help? Call the Oregon Recovery Crisis Line: (503) 223-8569  •  24/7  •  Click Here to view Recovery Resources

Tags

  • Published on

    RRP Episode 35: Greg Haworth’s Inspiring Journey—From Addiction to Cycling and Community Support

    How cycling and community became the foundation for Greg Haworth’s sobriety.

    In Episode 35 of the Real Recovery Podcast, Greg Haworth takes us through his inspiring journey of recovery, demonstrating the power of resilience and the importance of embracing community. Greg shares how cycling became more than just a hobby; it became a lifeline during his battle with addiction, offering both physical and mental relief. His story emphasizes how personal passions and supportive relationships can make all the difference in long-term sobriety.
    Greg's Journey: From Struggles to Recovery
    Greg faced numerous challenges during his struggle with addiction. He opens up about how the daily routine of drinking took a toll on his health and personal life. But one of the pivotal turning points in his recovery was rediscovering his love for cycling, which not only helped him physically but also provided the mental clarity he desperately needed.
    ​In addition to cycling, Greg found a supportive community that played a significant role in his recovery. He highlights how attending the Lunch Bunch meetings helped him connect with others who understood his journey, giving him the strength to continue moving forward. As Greg puts it:
    "I came to realize that I wasn’t alone, that recovery is possible when you embrace support and show up for yourself and others." 

    ​—Greg Haworth
    Resources Mentioned:
    ​The Power of Community and Passion in Recovery
    Greg’s story demonstrates how recovery is about more than just abstaining from substances. It’s about finding the right balance of personal passions, community support, and inner strength. His experience with the Lunch Bunch meetings created a sense of belonging, helping him stay focused on his sobriety.
    Share with your Friends & Family
    Today, Greg continues to inspire others by sharing his journey and encouraging them to find their own path to recovery. His message is clear: with the right mindset and support, anyone can overcome addiction and rebuild their life.
    ​Tune in to listen to Greg’s powerful journey on Episode 35 of the Real Recovery Podcast. Let his story inspire you on your own path to healing and growth. Listen now.
    #RecoveryJourney #CyclingAndSobriety #RealRecoveryPodcast #GregHaworth #CommunitySupportRecovery
  • Published on

    RRP Extra 34.1: Live from the Recover Out Loud Event

    A Celebration of Recovery, Community, and Resilience

    Picture
    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.
    Picture
    Picture
    A Night to Remember at Recover Out Loud
    Peter and Julie kicked off the episode by welcoming listeners to their first-ever live event recording. Recover Out Loud was a gathering of individuals, organizations, and supporters of recovery, and the Real Recovery Podcast team was there to cover it all—from the vibrant vendor tables to the incredible performances.
    One of the highlights was the live performance by Skyler Ray, who energized the crowd with two of Peter and Julie’s favorite tracks, "Walk on Water" and "Back to the Old Me." Skyler’s passion and recovery journey shone through, providing attendees with a powerful reminder that recovery is not just possible—it’s something to be celebrated.
    Picture
    True Colors and 4D Recovery: Leading the Way
    The event allowed Peter and Julie to reconnect with Amanda from True Colors Recovery, who shared insights into their youth recovery initiatives. Amanda’s dedication to creating safe spaces for young people battling addiction was clear, and her passion for helping others was evident throughout their conversation.
    ​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.
    Share with your Friends & Family
    ​Real Stories, Real Recovery
    One of the most moving parts of the event was the opportunity to hear personal recovery stories from attendees. Individuals like Jared from Painted Horse Recovery and many others shared their sober dates and the profound impact that recovery has had on their lives. For many, this event was not only a celebration but also a chance to reflect on their journey and share it with others.
    Picture
    Image description
    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.
    People We've Interviewed
    We’ve had the privilege of interviewing incredible individuals whose stories of recovery continue to inspire our audience. Here are some of the people we’ve interviewed, along with links to their episodes:
    Recover Out Loud event podcast, Skyler Ray live recovery music, 4D Recovery peer support podcast, True Colors Recovery interview, addiction recovery stories podcast
    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
  • Published on

    RRP Episode 34: No Wrong Door—John Morgan’s Journey from Crime to Recovery

    Embracing Second Chances and the "No Wrong Door" Philosophy in Addiction Recovery

    In episode 34 of the Real Recovery Podcast, Peter and Julie interview John Morgan, founder of Another Chance Recovery. His story is one of transformation from a life of crime and addiction to becoming a leader in the recovery community. Through his "No Wrong Door" philosophy, John ensures that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has a safe place to begin their recovery journey.
    ​John's Background:
    John’s life in Portland, Oregon, began with exposure to criminal behavior and addiction at a young age. By six years old, he had already encountered the justice system, and his struggles continued through adolescence and adulthood. Despite numerous arrests and a challenging path, John found the strength to turn his life around, becoming the founder of Another Chance Recovery, where he now helps others find their way to sobriety.
    “I was responsible. I couldn’t blame anybody but myself, and that was the gift of accountability.” 
    ​— John Morgan
    Struggles and Turning Points:
    John’s life was marked by moments of despair and near defeat. He speaks of his many stints in prison, but it was during one such sentence that he experienced a profound realization: “I was responsible. I couldn’t blame anybody but myself, and that was the gift of accountability.” This marked the beginning of his transformation and commitment to recovery.
    Share with your Friends & Family
    Image description
    ​Building Another Chance Recovery:
    John’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: "No Wrong Door." Another Chance Recovery operates under this belief, ensuring that no one is turned away, no matter their history or struggles. John emphasizes, “As long as you’re breathing and have the ability to show up for yourself, you deserve another chance.” His center offers a compassionate, non-judgmental space where individuals can find the support they need to rebuild their lives.
    John Morgan’s journey from a life of crime to founding Another Chance Recovery is a testament to the power of second chances. His "No Wrong Door" philosophy reflects his unwavering belief that everyone, regardless of their past, can achieve recovery. This episode is a powerful reminder that transformation is always possible.
    ​Listen to John Morgan’s inspiring journey on episode 34 of the Real Recovery Podcast. Click here to listen.
    ​#NoWrongDoor #RecoveryJourney #AddictionRecovery #AnotherChance #SecondChances #RealRecoveryPodcast #Transformation
    @Another Chance Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center of Portland
  • Published on

    Honoring Indigenous Peoples' Day: Addiction Affects All, But Recovery Is Unique to Every Individual

    Addiction is an indiscriminate force. It doesn’t care about your background, your culture, or your personal struggles—it affects people from all walks of life. But in recovery, it's crucial to acknowledge and respect a person's disposition, culture, and beliefs. Recognizing these elements helps create an environment where healing is not only possible but deeply personal and meaningful.
    Today, as we celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day, it's especially important to highlight the significance of culturally specific recovery practices within Indigenous communities. We were honored to speak with Jerrod Murray, the founder and Executive Director of Painted Horse Recovery, who helps those from Native American backgrounds in their recovery journeys. Painted Horse Recovery provides a space where individuals can embrace their heritage while healing from addiction. You can listen to Jerrod’s inspiring story and read the blog post on our podcast episode here.
    ​Another incredible guest we've had the pleasure of interviewing is Melissa Hereford from 4D Recovery in Hillsboro. As a Native American herself, Melissa found that culturally informed recovery practices were essential to her healing process. She works to support others, helping them find the resources and strength they need, particularly those from Indigenous backgrounds. Her story is a powerful reminder of how deeply connected recovery and culture can be. You can listen to Melissa’s episode and read the blog post here.
    In addition to these amazing individuals, we’d also like to shine a light on Wellbriety meetings, which are specifically geared towards Indigenous culture. Wellbriety emphasizes sobriety and wellness while honoring Native American traditions and spiritual teachings. These meetings provide a safe, supportive space for individuals to reconnect with their heritage while embracing their recovery journey. You can find links to Wellbriety meetings and more information on our Resources Page.
    ​On this Indigenous Peoples' Day, we honor the stories and contributions of individuals like Jerrod and Melissa who are making a real difference in their communities. At the Real Recovery Podcast, we stand with them in recognizing that recovery is most effective when it’s inclusive and respectful of a person’s cultural identity.
    #IndigenousPeoplesDay, #AddictionRecovery, #CulturalHealing, #Wellbriety, #PaintedHorseRecovery, #4DRecovery, #NativeAmericanRecovery, #RealRecoveryPodcast, #RecoveryJourney, #CulturallySpecificRecovery
  • Published on

    RRP Episode 33: Dave E.’s Journey—From Childhood Trauma to Sobriety and Facing Temptation

    A Raw and Unfiltered Story of Family Struggles, Addiction, and Finding Strength in Recovery

    ​In Episode 33 of the Real Recovery Podcast, Dave E. shares a compelling and emotional story that dives deep into the trauma and challenges of growing up in a military family, struggling with addiction, and finding strength in recovery. From early childhood experiences with alcohol and family turmoil to the life-changing moment of clarity that brought him to sobriety, Dave's journey is one of resilience and personal growth.
    Background: Dave opens up about his formative years, moving frequently due to his father’s military service. He describes the emotional toll of growing up in a home marked by alcohol use and family tension, where both parents struggled with their own demons. He recalls the painful experience of losing his twin brother at just three months old and how that loss echoed throughout his relationship with his mother.
    “I always felt like every time she saw me, she thought about the son she lost,” Dave shares. This profound feeling of being a constant reminder of that loss played a role in his early emotional struggles and later addiction.
    ​Just stopping drug use and alcohol doesn’t fix the problems that created the monster in the first place.” —Dave E.
    Struggles: As a teenager, Dave discovered alcohol, which he describes as bringing a “warmth” that helped him escape feelings of isolation and confusion. This set the stage for what would become a lifelong battle with addiction, including experimentation with drugs, struggles with his sexual identity, and moving from one unstable job to another. His story also touches on his introduction to methamphetamine and its devastating effects on his life.
    Turning Points and Temptation: One of the most pivotal moments in Dave’s story occurs when he takes a job at a local bathhouse after completing treatment. In a raw reflection of his battle with temptation, Dave describes working at the bathhouse surrounded by drug use and sexual triggers. Despite maintaining sobriety for several months, temptation struck when he found a drug stash left behind by a customer while cleaning a room.
    “I didn't know what to do. I froze,” Dave explains, describing how he pocketed the drugs and then struggled with guilt, hiding them in his sober living house for weeks. This internal battle between honesty and addiction culminated in a relapse that lasted two months, as Dave tried to manage the guilt and shame.
    Despite this setback, Dave’s ultimate decision to reach out for help and take responsibility for his actions was a critical step toward long-term recovery. His story highlights the ongoing struggle with temptation, even after achieving sobriety, and the importance of honesty and accountability in the recovery process.
    Current Work: Today, Dave celebrates over two decades of sobriety. His journey serves as a beacon of hope for those still in the throes of addiction, proving that with support, self-awareness, and determination, recovery is possible. His message is simple yet powerful—sobriety is about more than just abstaining from substances; it’s about facing the deep-seated issues that lead to addiction in the first place.
    Share with your Friends & Family
    Conclusion: Dave’s story of overcoming childhood trauma, addiction, and the constant temptation of relapse is one of raw honesty and inspiration. His journey serves as a reminder that recovery is not a straight path, but one that requires continuous effort, self-reflection, and the courage to seek help when needed.
    #RealRecoveryPodcast #AddictionRecovery #TemptationAndRecovery #OvercomingRelapse #RecoveryIsPossible

    Comng Up Next...

    In this upcoming episode, John Morgan shares his remarkable journey from a life of addiction and crime to becoming a beacon of hope through recovery. Listeners will resonate with his heartfelt story of resilience, the power of second chances, and the transformative impact of accountability. He discusses the pivotal moments that sparked change in his life and how his mission at Another Chance Recovery is to provide a safe space for others to rebuild their lives. Tune in for a powerful story of redemption and the belief that everyone deserves another chance.
  • Published on

    RRP Special Feature: Peter and Julie Attend Fora Health's 50th Anniversary Gala

    Real Recovery Podcast, Fora Health 50th Anniversary, recovery housing grant Multnomah County, Dual Diagnosis Anonymous Oregon, GTD Go the Distance
    ​This past weekend, Julie and I had the honor of attending Fora Health's Hope and Freedom Gala, celebrating 50 years of transforming lives. The event's theme was "Disco Glam," and as you'll see from the photos, we went all out in full costume to support the cause. It was a night of fun, reconnections, and heartfelt stories from the recovery community, many of whom have been featured on our Real Recovery Podcast.

    A Night of Inspiration and Disco Glam: Celebrating 50 Years of Recovery with Fora Health

    Dr. Keith Dempsey

    Dr. Keith Dempsey

    Reverend Steve Newton

    Reverend Steve Newton

    The night’s emcee, Dr. Keith Dempsey, did an incredible job of keeping the event on track while motivating and inspiring the crowd with his energy. One of the most moving moments came when Reverend Steve Newton, who was DePaul’s first executive director, shared his experiences. DePaul, of course, being the original facility that has since transformed into what we know today as Fora Health.
    Image description
    Harry Wilson followed Reverend Newton with a powerful story of his journey to recovery. Listening to these stories of perseverance and transformation was both humbling and inspiring, reminding us why we do what we do through the Real Recovery Podcast.
    Image description
    The night continued with a thrilling auction, hosted by the ever-talented Kelly Russell, who blew us away with her ability to auction off items at lightning speed! The generosity in the room was palpable, and it was wonderful to witness people rallying around the recovery movement in such a tangible way.
    Image description
    After the auction, the prestigious Freedom Award for this year was presented to Doyle Smith, the Executive Director of Dual Diagnosis Anonymous (DDA) of Oregon. Doyle shared his remarkable story of recovery, rising from personal struggles to lead such an impactful organization. His words left everyone in the room deeply moved. You could feel the raw emotion as Doyle recounted his journey to becoming the leader of DDA, a program that has changed countless lives.
    Image description
    ​Throughout the evening, we were treated to several inspiring videos highlighting participants who have started their recovery journeys through Fora Health. One of the highlights was hearing from Addison Blackbond, a Fora Health graduate, who now works as a house manager. His story of overcoming adversity and helping others on their recovery journeys was truly inspiring. 
    Image description
    Another highlight of the evening was hearing from Jessica Varga Peterson, the Multnomah County Chair, who announced a generous $6.5 million grant to Fora Health to build much-needed recovery housing. It was a momentous announcement, underscoring Multnomah County’s strong commitment to supporting the recovery movement and the individuals whose lives are transformed through these programs.
    Image description
    ​As the event came to a close, Devarshi Bajpai, CEO of Fora Health, thanked everyone for their generous support and contributions. We felt incredibly grateful to be part of such a meaningful celebration. We also had the pleasure of running into Izzy Alvarado, Founder and Executive Director of GTD (Go the Distance), and last year’s Freedom Award recipient, which made the night even more special.
    If you haven't already, be sure to listen to past episodes of the Real Recovery Podcast, featuring some of the incredible individuals who continue to make a difference in the recovery movement. We look forward to including more of the inspiring people we met tonight in future episodes. Visit Real Recovery Podcast to hear their stories of resilience and hope.
    Peter & Julie - Real Recovery Podcast

    Peter & Julie - Real Recovery Podcast

    #RealRecoveryPodcast #HopeAndFreedomGala #ForaHealth #DiscoGlam #RecoveryMovement #TransformingLives