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

Show Notes:

Title: RRP Episode 54 – Finding Strength in Recovery: Steve & Terri Harris on Love, Sobriety & Community
Presenters: Julie and Peter
Length: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Key Points:
  • Steve and Terri share their personal journey through addiction and recovery, highlighting the challenges and triumphs they've experienced as a couple.
  • The couple discusses the importance of support systems, including family, community, and trusted recovery programs.
  • Insights into seeking professional treatment, including their experiences with Serenity Lane and Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
  • Steve reflects on relapse, lessons learned, and rebuilding his life, while Terry speaks to the power of structured recovery and long-term sobriety.
  • The importance of daily practices in recovery, including morning routines, meetings, and mentorship, and how these have strengthened their relationship.
  • The couple discusses the struggles of raising children and dealing with generational addiction, and how they found ways to break the cycle for their family.
  • AA, Al-Anon, and the role of peer support groups in their long-term sobriety.
  • Steve’s involvement in community outreach and professional recovery work, including his role at Serenity Lane.
  • Terry shares the joy of giving back, including her work in women’s recovery programs and how she helps guide others on their journey.
Links: Quotes:"Recovery is not just about overcoming addiction; it's about rebuilding and strengthening the bonds that matter most." – Steve Harris
"Recovery is about showing up for yourself, your loved ones, and the life you never thought was possible." – Terry Webber-Harris
Hashtags and Mentions:#RecoveryJourney #SupportSystems #AddictionRecovery #RealRecoveryPodcast
@SerenityLaneHealth @HazeldenBettyFord