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    RRP Episode 56 – Doyal Smith: The Voice That Changed Everything, from a Park Bench to DDA

    Finding faith, healing, and purpose through Dual Diagnosis Anonymous

    In episode 56 of the Real Recovery Podcast, we sit down with Doyal Smith, Executive Director of Dual Diagnosis Anonymous of Oregon, for one of the most raw and powerful conversations we've had to date. Doyal shares the pivotal moment that turned his life around—sitting alone on a park bench, ready to give up, when a voice offered him a lifeline: “If you help people, I’ll help you.”
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    RRP Episode 55: Breaking the Chains of Criminal Addiction – How Crimanon Co-Founders Bear & Zane Built a Path to Recovery

    ​Overcoming Crime, Addiction, and Loss to Build a Movement for Change

    ​In this powerful episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, we sit down with Bear and Zane, the co-founders of Crimanon, a fellowship that addresses an often-overlooked addiction--criminal addiction. While most recovery spaces focus on substance abuse, Crimanon takes a different approach, recognizing that for many, the high of crime itself is just as addictive as drugs or alcohol.
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    RRP Episode 54.1 – Uniting for Recovery: Reflections from Advocacy Day

    Advocacy in Action: Taking the Fight for Recovery to the Capitol

    This special check-in episode of the Real Recovery Podcast takes you inside Advocacy Day 2024 at the Oregon State Capitol. Peter, Julie, and Colette share their firsthand experiences, powerful conversations, and reflections on what it means to stand together in the fight for addiction recovery services.
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    RRP Episode 54 – Finding Strength in Recovery: Steve & Terri Harris on Love, Sobriety & Community

    A powerful story of resilience, love, and the journey to long-term sobriety.

    In RRP Episode 54 of the Real Recovery Podcast, we sit down with Steve & Terri Harris, a couple who have navigated the challenges of addiction and recovery together for over 25 years. Their story is one of love, perseverance, and the power of community in long-term sobriety.
    Steve and Terri share intimate details of their struggles, personal growth, and the invaluable lessons they’ve learned through their experiences in AA, Al-Anon, and professional recovery programs like Serenity Lane and Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
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    From Struggle to Sobriety: A Shared Journey

    Both Steve and Terri entered recovery separately, each having battled addiction for years before meeting at an AA convention. Their relationship grew out of a shared commitment to sobriety, and today, they credit their strong foundation to sticking to their program, community support, and ongoing service work.
    Steve, a longtime professional in the recovery field, opens up about his early struggles with addiction, relapses, and the pivotal moment that led him to long-term recovery. He recalls how professional guidance at Serenity Lane helped him shift his mindset and embrace structured recovery practices.
    "Recovery is not just about overcoming addiction; it's about rebuilding and strengthening the bonds that matter most." – Steve Harris
    For Terri, recovery was about learning to trust, setting boundaries, and discovering her own identity beyond addiction. She shares how her time at Hazelden Betty Ford shaped her approach to long-term sobriety and empowered her to give back to women in recovery.
    "Recovery is about showing up for yourself, your loved ones, and the life you never thought was possible." – Terry Webber-Harris

    The Role of Community & Support Systems

    One of the most powerful messages from this episode is the importance of community in sustaining recovery. Steve and Terri discuss how AA, Al-Anon, and recovery retreats have been essential to their personal growth and relationship success.
    They also stress the importance of mentorship, daily practices, and peer accountability, emphasizing that no one should walk the path of recovery alone.

    Breaking the Cycle: Raising a Family in Recovery

    Steve and Terri open up about the challenges of parenting while maintaining sobriety, acknowledging how addiction has impacted their family over generations.
    They share how they’ve navigated their children’s struggles with addiction, mental health challenges, and the cycle of generational trauma—and what’s helped them break free.
    Meanwhile, Terri is deeply involved in women’s recovery programs, helping others rebuild their lives and find empowerment in sobriety.
    "Helping others in recovery is a gift," Terri says. "It reminds me every day why I stay sober."
    Links to Websites Discussed:
    • Serenity Lane – A private, non-profit rehab center offering inpatient and outpatient services.
    • Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation – A leading provider of addiction treatment, mental health services, and advocacy.
    • AA – Alcoholics Anonymous official website.
    • Al-Anon – Support for families and friends of alcoholics.
    Steve and Terri’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, relationships, and structured recovery. Their journey serves as a beacon of hope for individuals and couples navigating addiction, proving that sobriety can be a foundation for love, strength, and lifelong transformation.
    Listen to their full story here:
    #RecoveryJourney #SupportSystems #AddictionRecovery #RealRecoveryPodcast
    @SerenityLaneHealth @HazeldenBettyFord
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    RRP Episode 53 - Darrell DuBois: Pioneering LGBTQ+ AA Recovery, The Live and Let Live Club & Surviving AIDS

    How one man’s courage helped shape LGBTQ+ recovery spaces while surviving the AIDS epidemic.

    In this powerful episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, we sit down with Darrell DuBois, a true pioneer in the LGBTQ+ recovery community. As one of the founding members of the Live and Let Live Club, Darrell helped create a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals in Alcoholics Anonymous when few such places existed. His journey is one of resilience, survival, and advocacy, as he also stands among the longest-surviving individuals diagnosed with AIDS in the United States.
    Darrell’s story highlights the importance of community in recovery, the challenges of being openly gay in a time of widespread discrimination, and the transformative power of living an authentic life. Join us as he shares his nearly 30 years of sobriety, the struggles and triumphs of founding one of Portland’s first LGBTQ+ AA meetings, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
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    Live and Let Live: Creating Safe Spaces for LGBTQ+ Recovery

    For those in the LGBTQ+ community, finding acceptance in recovery spaces was not always easy. Recognizing this need, Darrell became one of the founding members of the Live and Let Live Club, one of the first AA meeting spaces specifically designed to support LGBTQ+ individuals seeking sobriety.
    The Live and Let Live Club became a lifeline for many, providing a safe environment where members could speak openly about their experiences without fear of judgment. The club grew into a thriving community, welcoming countless individuals and offering them the support they needed to embrace recovery fully.

    Surviving the AIDS Epidemic and Finding Strength in Sobriety

    Darrell was diagnosed with AIDS in 1984, a time when the disease was poorly understood, and stigma was rampant. Doctors gave him little hope, but Darrell’s will to live, his recovery community, and medical advancements helped him defy the odds.
    Throughout his battle with AIDS, Darrell found support in organizations like Our House Portland, which provides compassionate care for those living with HIV/AIDS. He also found solace in the Portland Gay Men's Chorus, where music became a source of healing and connection.
    ​Despite the challenges, Darrell never returned to drinking or using. Instead, he turned to service, helping others in recovery and advocating for LGBTQ+ individuals facing addiction. His story is a testament to strength, resilience, and the power of community.
    "Had it not been for recovery, I know I would not be alive today."
    ​—Darrell DuBois

    Lessons from Nearly Three Decades of Sobriety

    Darrell’s story offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating recovery:
    • Community is everything. Finding the right people can make all the difference in maintaining long-term sobriety.
    • Honesty and authenticity lead to healing. Being able to tell your full story in recovery is essential.
    • Advocacy saves lives. Creating safe spaces for marginalized communities in recovery helps break the cycle of addiction.
    • Sobriety is a daily commitment. Darrell has remained committed to recovery despite facing unimaginable hardships.
    Darrell DuBois' journey is one of overcoming adversity, breaking down barriers, and leaving a lasting impact on the recovery community. From pioneering LGBTQ+ AA meetings to becoming one of the longest-living AIDS survivors, his story is a beacon of hope for anyone searching for recovery and belonging.
    Links to Websites Discussed:
    Listen to Darrell’s Full Story Here:
    #RealRecoveryPodcast #LiveAndLetLive #LGBTQRecovery #AddictionRecovery #ResilienceAndHope #AIDSSurvivor #SobrietyStories #CommunitySupport
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    RRP Episode 52: Celebrating 1 Year of Sobriety Stories, with Al H. and Larry W. who Share 90 Years of Recovery Wisdom

    ​A Heartfelt Celebration of Sobriety, Friendship, and the Journey of Recovery

    In this monumental 52nd episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, we celebrate an incredible milestone—one year of weekly episodes! Every week, we’ve brought you stories of resilience, strength, and hope, and today, we are so grateful to celebrate this anniversary with two amazing guests, Al H. and Larry W. Together, they have just over 90 years of sobriety, and their insights on recovery, friendship, and staying connected in sobriety are truly inspiring.
    sobriety stories, recovery wisdom, 90 years of sobriety, community support in recovery, Real Recovery Podcast, AA milestones, friendship in recovery, one year of podcasts

    Larry W., Al H., Julie L., Colette M., and Peter D.

    Al and Larry's 90 Years of Sobriety
    Both Al H. and Larry W. have walked the long road of recovery, and together, they represent just over 90 years of sobriety. Al and Larry’s friendship has been a cornerstone of their recovery. For over 40 years, they’ve supported each other, shared countless conversations, and helped each other stay sober through the ups and downs of life. Their bond is a testament to the power of recovery communities and the profound impact of having someone to lean on. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of how recovery is not just about abstinence from substances, but about embracing a new life filled with support, humor, and a sense of belonging.

    ​"Sobriety is a journey of self-discovery. The more I stay sober, the more I learn about myself and the person I want to become."
    —Al H.​


    ​"One day at a time. That’s the motto I’ve lived by, and it’s worked for over 50 years. There’s no magic—just commitment."
    —Larry W.
    ​
    ​The Importance of Friendship in Recovery
    In this episode, Al and Larry discuss the role that friendship plays in sustaining long-term sobriety. They talk about how their shared experiences have strengthened their commitment to sobriety and how their friendship has been vital in overcoming personal challenges. “Recovery is not a destination, it’s a lifestyle,” they both agree. Their wisdom is invaluable to anyone navigating the challenges of sobriety, and their friendship stands as a beacon of hope for those looking for connection and support.
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    ​Insights and Wisdom
    As they reflect on their just over 90 years of sobriety, Al and Larry share valuable insights for those in recovery or considering recovery. Their advice is grounded in years of lived experience and offers practical, heartfelt guidance for anyone on a similar path. They remind us that recovery is an ongoing process—a commitment to showing up each day, no matter what. Their message is clear: stay connected, embrace the journey, and lean into community.
    Gratitude for the Community 
    Peter and Julie take a moment to express their deep gratitude for the recovery community that has shaped the Real Recovery Podcast into what it is today. The podcast not only shares stories of recovery but also serves as a space where listeners can find support, understanding, and connection. This episode celebrates the individuals who make recovery possible—those who show up, support each other, and foster a sense of belonging in the world of sobriety.
    "We’d love to hear from you! Your feedback helps us grow and bring you the best stories of recovery. Drop us a message, share your thoughts, or let us know what topics you'd love to hear next!"
    — Julie & Peter
    As we celebrate one year of the Real Recovery Podcast, we are reminded of the incredible power of stories, friendship, and community in recovery. Al H. and Larry W.’s inspiring journey is a testament to the strength that comes from long-term sobriety and the unwavering bond of friendship. We’re so grateful to have had them on this special episode to celebrate not only a year of podcast episodes but also the ongoing journey of recovery that continues to unfold every day.
    #RealRecoveryPodcast, #SobrietyStories, #90YearsOfSobriety, #RecoveryJourney, #CommunitySupport, #AnniversaryCelebration, #HopeAndHealing, #RecoveryMilestones