Connecticut Community For Addiction Recovery (CCAR)

Recovery Matters! Podcast

A podcast from one of the nation's original Recovery Community Organizations - CCAR. CCAR envisions a world where the power, hope, and healing of Recovery from addiction is thoroughly understood and embraced. We invite guests from all areas of the Recovery Movement to explore the concept of recovery with us, share their stories, and have real discussions that move us toward that world which we envision.

Author

Connecticut Community For Addiction Recovery (CCAR)

Category

Education

Podcast website

ccar.us

Latest episode

Jun 24, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

Meth: My Daily Bread For The Last 19 Years | Recovery Story 23.07.2024

Michael celebrated one year of sobriety on June 24th, 2024. He delves into his deep-rooted battle with addiction. Michael details his life as an everyday meth user, starting at the age of 21, despite coming from a family with a history of substance use. He recounts his initial meth experience at an after-hours party in Fort Lauderdale and how he got entangled in a drug-fueled lifestyle that includ...

Injured At Work: James' Battle with Prescription Meds & Alcohol (Recovery Journey) 16.07.2024

James, an author, entrepreneur, podcaster, and life coach, shares his tumultuous journey dealing with substance use, injuries, and life's setbacks. He details how his fiancée and a spiritual awakening led him to sobriety, eventually becoming a motivational writer and recovery coach. With an emphasis on the importance of a supportive community, therapy, and spirituality, James highlights the transf...

From Gang President to Addiction Recovery Mentor | The Power of Recovery Coaching 09.07.2024

Jose shares his compelling journey from a troubled childhood in Puerto Rico and chaotic life in Bridgeport, CT, to a life led by addiction, criminal activity, and multiple incarcerations. He candidly discusses the trials of his youth, becoming a drug dealer, battling with heroin and crack addiction, and the impact it had on his family and personal life. The turning point came when he encountered r...

Honesty in Healing: Jake’s Path to True Recovery 02.07.2024

Jake shares his initial struggles with addiction, multiple attempts at recovery, and the significant turning points that led him to a sustainable, fulfilling life in sobriety. They discuss the challenges of early recovery, the importance of honesty and authentic support, and how Jake eventually found contentment and purpose, including his work in the recovery space and achieving personal milestone...

My Wake-Up Call Came in Prison | A Conversation on Addiction 25.06.2024

In this compelling episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, host TJ engages in an inspiring conversation with Craig M., a person in recovery who has been clean since April 19th, 2018. Craig shares raw and heartfelt details about his tumultuous past, including his discovery of being adopted, struggles with addiction, and multiple incarcerations. This story highlights the transformative power of rec...

"God Did For Me What I Couldn't Do For Myself": A Powerful Story of Addiction and Hope 18.06.2024

In this episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, Celine recounts her struggles and ultimate surrender to addiction, a process that began with a tumultuous life marked by desperation and withdrawal symptoms. Her compelling story highlights the physical and mental challenges of finding a detox facility and the pivotal moment of divine intervention that led her to recovery. Celine also discusses her...

From Darkness to Light: A Journey Through Addiction and Recovery 11.06.2024

In this emotional episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, host TJ chats with Jason, who shares the intense and harrowing story of his struggles with addiction and his path to recovery. Jason reveals his early start with substance use at the age of 12, driven by an abusive household, and his subsequent descent into the world of drugs and criminal activity. The narrative covers his multiple incarce...

I Didn't Think I Belonged: How Recovery Helped Me Embrace My Identity 04.06.2024

In this episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, host TJ, a young person in long-term recovery, converses with Mike, who has been in recovery since March 5, 1984. Mike shares his journey, beginning with his struggles with alcohol from the age of 12, escalating during his time in the Air Force, and eventually leading to his turning point at 21. They discuss the role of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), th...

Cancer Warriors: Finding Strength in Community & Self-Care 16.04.2024

Phil discusses his diagnosis of diffuse aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and his reflections on dealing with cancer for the second time, emphasizing his attempts to put affairs in order and contemplate the significance of life and the possibility of an afterlife. Jackie shares her story of being diagnosed with leukemia at 17, undergoing a bone marrow transplant, and facing various long-ter...

Facing Cancer Again: A Real and Raw Conversation 05.03.2024

In this raw and deeply personal conversation, previously recorded on 2/6/24, Sandy and Phil Valentine openly discuss Phil's cancer diagnosis and the impact it is having on their lives. As Phil is preparing to start chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkin's B Cell Lymphoma, they reflect on their experiences of Phil's previous bout with cancer in 2010. Sandy expresses her struggle with seeing her partner in pa...

Journey through Recovery: A Conversation with Dr. Rick Davila 19.12.2023

Journey through Recovery: A Conversation with Dr. Rick Davila In this podcast episode, Dr. Rick Davila shares his personal journey with recovery from alcohol addiction which started in October 1966, when he was only seven years old. He shares about his transformative years, the importance of 12-step recovery programs and his strong emphasis on AA meetings for his recovery. Davila explains his expe...

Conversations on Recovery: An Open Discussion with Kevin Connelli 21.11.2023

Connolly shares his personal experiences with drug and alcohol addiction, the impact it had on his relationships and the constant cycle of recovery and relapse. He discusses his experiences with treatment centers and the struggle of finding inner peace. Despite battling his addiction, Connelli also opens up about his desire to help others, hinting at potentially becoming a recovery coach himself....

Self-Detoxification and the Road to Sobriety 14.11.2023

A conversation with Nico Morales about his journey through addiction, recovery, and personal development.   00:00 Starting the Recovery Journey 01:18 Embracing Recovery 02:50 Overcoming Addiction 05:05 A Typical Day in Addiction 02:46 Finding Purpose in Recovery 41:22 Recovering from Collapse Hips 45:18 Conclusion ----Across the Web---- 🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us ✉️ Donate: https://ccar.u...

From Prison to Transformation: Jesse's Journey of Recovery and Redemption 26.09.2023

In this riveting episode, Jesse shares his tumultuous journey from incarceration to recovery. With multiple stints in prison and unsuccessful treatments, he found himself at the crossroads of life when his brother faced a life-threatening accident. Forced to confront the reality of his choices, Jesse took the difficult path towards self-improvement, personal growth, and healing. Now a recovery coa...

Turning Advocacy into Action: Randy Anderson's Journey from Recovery to Reform 12.09.2023

In this episode of the Recovery Matters Podcast, host Phil interviews Randy Anderson, a person living in long-term recovery since January 9, 2005. Randy is also a recovery coach and the founder of Bold North Recovery. The episode delves into Randy's journey from addiction to recovery, highlighting the significant role that law enforcement intervention played in his life. Randy shares a pivotal mom...

The Power of Mentorship in Recovery 22.08.2023

Nicole, a dedicated recovery coach, and advocate, shares her transformative journey through addiction, recovery, and becoming a guiding force in the lives of others. Nicole's story begins with her struggles with substance use, which led to an eventual realization of her need for change. With determination and support, she embarked on a path of recovery, facing challenges and rebuilding trust with...

Renegade Recovery: Embracing Diverse Paths to Healing 15.08.2023

In this podcast episode, Sandy and Phil interview Kathie, who shares her journey of recovery and how she helps others on their recovery paths. Kathy's story is a unique blend of personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Kathie's life took a significant turn when she became involved with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in 2010, which she credits with saving her life and changing her lifestyle. She...

The Importance of Harm Reduction: A Conversation with Corri Mercy 08.08.2023

Corri, a harm reduction advocate, shares her journey of personal recovery from substance use and self-destructive behaviors. They discuss their role as the manager of drug user health at Nastad, a nonprofit organization focusing on harm reduction. Corri explains that Nastad operates a Technical Assistance Center for Harm Reduction, providing resources and training to support harm reduction practic...

Recovery Movie Meetups | Ted Perkins 01.08.2023

Ted Perkins is a former Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Studio executive, university lecturer, public speaker, Hollywood producer, virtual reality entrepreneur, and successful working film and TV series screenwriter. He volunteers his time as an addiction and recovery YouTube personality, sobriety mentor, and has helped thousands of people on their recovery journey through his essays, videos a...

Recovery from Addiction: The Importance of Community and Evidence-Based Practices 25.07.2023

In this podcast episode, Dr. Cassandra Dorius and hosts Phil & Sandy discuss the importance of community and evidence-based practices in recovery from addiction. Dr. Dorius, who lost her brother to alcoholism, shares her personal experiences with addiction and recovery, and her work in establishing Recovery Community Centers (RCCs) in Iowa. She emphasizes the importance of creating welcoming space...

Powerlessness Over Alcohol: Taylor's Story of Acceptance and Recovery 18.07.2023

Taylor's story begins with her early exposure to alcohol and its social allure, leading her into a tumultuous world of partying and experimentation with drugs. As she delves into her twenties, she finds herself spiraling into codependent and abusive relationships. Despite attempts to pursue education, her life seems fragmented and lacking stability. However, amidst the chaos, Taylor's determinatio...

Finding Your True Self in Sobriety, Even When Your Partner Doesn't Support your Recovery 11.07.2023

As a recovery coach with over six years of sobriety, Sonia Kahlon shares her personal struggles with addiction and how she found her path to healing.   Originally from Toronto, Canada, Sonia has been living in the States for 25 years. She reflects on her early experiences attending non-12-step meetings, where she initially felt disconnected from the recovery community.   Growing up as the only Ind...

Navigating Addiction, Trauma, and the Quest for Visibility 20.06.2023

In this episode of the Recovery Matters Podcast, our guest Katrina opens up about her journey, starting from a young age. Growing up in a chaotic and dysfunctional household, Katrina felt invisible, yearning to be seen and heard. She found solace in substances, which initially numbed her inner demons and provided a sense of belonging. As she delves into her story, Katrina reflects on her early exp...

Tiffany's Harrowing Journey through Addiction and Resilience | Recovery Matters Podcast Ep. 121 23.05.2023

In this gripping podcast episode, we meet Tiffany, a 33-year-old hospital patient with a harrowing journey of addiction and resilience. Tiffany shares her story, beginning with her troubled childhood, marked by strict parenting and sexual abuse. Seeking solace outside her home, she turned to drugs and joined a gang at the age of 16. As Tiffany's drug use escalated, she experimented with various su...

Shaun Weiss, The Mighty Ducks Star, Shares His Inspiring Story of Recovery | Recovery Matters Podcast Ep. 120 16.05.2023

Prepare to be inspired as Shaun Weiss, renowned for his role as Greg Goldberg in The Mighty Ducks, joins Phil and Sandy on an episode of the captivating Recovery Matters podcast. Shaun's story is one of resilience, as he not only triumphed over addiction but also overcame homelessness and the challenges of life on the streets. Throughout this engaging conversation, he shares his path to recovery a...

Listen to the Recovery Matters! Podcast podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.