Roads to Recovery | Vermilion County ROSC

This gripping story follows Audey, a man raised on a hardscrabble farm in Vermilion County—slaughtering livestock, no running water or electricity at first—and where his parents and grandparents constantly partied.  He saw alcohol as a normal part of life from an early age, drinking the remnants of the beer left over from their parties. A straight-A, honor-roll kid, he moved to Danville, toughened...

A raw, no-holds-barred account from a woman who grew up in a outwardly “good” family—mayor dad, vacations, Disney World—but never heard the words “I love you.” Hyperactive with undiagnosed ADHD, she felt like the family misfit while her sisters became a doctor and psychologist. She started drinking at 15, moved to weed, then crack at 26, saying “I wish I’d never tried it”. She lost three houses, t...

Kimberly shares a powerful story of addiction that began at age 50 after her 27-year marriage ended. Childhood wounds from her mom's divorce - feeling unloved, family alcoholism, and poverty - resurfaced and manifested as deep pain and emptiness. Never having touched drugs before, she started experimenting with marijuana and cocaine, then crack cocaine introduced by a partner, chasing escape...

In this deeply personal episode 9 of "Roads to Recovery," host Jim Russell introduces the courageous journey of Kat, a woman who has struggled with substance use disorder, but ultimately found hope and renewal on her path to sobriety. Kat recounts her early years, growing up in a loving home yet struggling with ADHD, learning disabilities, and persistent bullying that eroded her self-est...

In this 8th episode of the "Roads to Recovery" podcast, host Jim Russell shares the compelling story of Chris, whose life was profoundly affected by substance use disorder and brushes with the law. Chris opens up about his difficult upbringing, early exposure to drugs and alcohol, and the absence of a father figure, all factors that contributed to his struggles. He describes his descent...

In this eye-opening episode 7 of "Roads to Recovery," host Jim Russell sits down with Vaya, a clinical director from New Directions, to share her story of substance use disorder, loss, and hard-won transformation. For the first time publicly, Vaya recounts a lifelong battle with substance use, beginning in childhood amidst a family history of substance use disorder and instability. Liste...

In this 6th episode of "Roads to Recovery," host Jim Russell sits down with Rueben, who shares a raw and deeply personal account of his journey through substance use disorder. The episode delves beneath the surface of substance use, exploring how trying to fit in, portray a certain image, and cope with underlying emotional struggles which led Rueben down a path of self-destruction. Ruebe...

In this intense episode of "Roads to Recovery," host Jim Russell sits down with Deborah to explore her deeply moving and transformative journey through substance use disorder, adversity, and ultimately, hope. The episode opens with Jim's reflection on how family situations can both contribute to substance use and provide the turning point for change, a theme that resonates throughou...

In this powerful Episode 4 of "Roads to Recovery," host Jim Russell introduces the deeply personal and transformative journey of Michael, a man whose life was shaped by early family values, athletic promise, and ultimately, the struggle with substance use disorder. The episode opens with a reflection on the universal search for belonging and fulfillment that often underlies substance use...

In this compelling Episode 3 of "Roads to Recovery," host Jim Russell introduces listeners to Wendy, a woman who has spent over three decades in recovery after a long battle with substance use disorder. Through candid interviews with both Wendy and her mother, the episode explores the deeply personal and often painful realities of substance use disorder, including the impact of parental...

Jim Russell and other community members explain the difference between substance use, abuse, and substance use disorder, which is a progressive dependence that can develop from alcohol, marijuana, prescription pills, or street drugs. The episode breaks down the six-phase cycle: •  Initial use (often tied to trauma, pain, peer pressure, or curiosity) •  Misuse & experimentation •  Tolerance (ne...

Roads to Recovery Introduction Jim Russell welcomes viewers to the “Roads to Recovery” video series, a community effort to encourage people struggling with substance use disorder to seek help and to reduce overdoses and ER visits in Vermilion County. The series features real individuals sharing their personal stories of addiction, often triggered by childhood trauma, pain, peer pressure, or untrea...

Welcome to Roads to Recovery! We will be sharing a series of episodes, including ten personal stories of recovery, from Vermilion County, Illinois. If you would like to watch the videos, you can find them on https://www.youtube.com/@RoadsToRecoveryVC. If you would like to reach out to the Vermilion County Mental Health Department, please call 217-443-3500 or visit our ROSC Facebook page at https:/...