2 free sessions a month
Getting sober after years of addiction
Stephen M.
Available today
Relapse
Sobriety
+3
I had my first drink at 10 years old and was binge drinking regularly as a teenager. By 18, I was drinking daily and using drugs. I stayed stuck in that cycle until I was 36. It took me over two years of serious effort to finally quit. I didn’t do it alone—I leaned into a 12-step program, therapy, and a lot of support from friends who had been there. Now, I’ve been sober for over 17 years. Helping others get sober has become a part of my life too. I’ve supported friends through relapses, connected people with local resources, and even watched someone go from crying in despair to four years clean and thriving. I know the shame, the cravings, the lies we tell ourselves, and I also know it’s possible to live differently. I’m a dad, a surfer, and someone who still works on my mental health daily. Recovery has given me a life I never thought I could have. I’m here to listen, share what worked for me, and walk alongside anyone who’s just starting out or struggling to hold on.
Navigating recovery beyond the 12 steps
Natasha K.
Self-care routines
Recovery for me has always been a delicate balancing act. When one CPTSD coping mechanism comes into balance another one seems to get sent out of balance. Traditional 12 step programs, while helpful in some areas, segment maladaptive coping by issue e.g. food, relationships, alcohol. It took me nearly two decades to piece together a recovery framework that blended the wisdom of 12 steps with the more holistic approaches I found through Refuge Recovery, Charlotte Kasl's 16 steps, shamanic teachings, and Jungian-based therapies. These integrative approaches not only help me address the roots of these issues, but also give me a more compassionate language around and understanding of the fundamentally human challenge I'm experiencing. I believe everyone's recovery path is unique. But for me it was essential to find a way beyond conventional approaches.
Striving for a healthier life after recovering from drug and alcohol use
Kevin B.
Anxiety & addiction
I started drinking when I was 15, and by the time I was 21, my alcoholism had taken full control of my life. I experimented with many other substances, including marijuana, cocaine, and opioids, which seemed to numb my anxiety and depression. I didn’t realize at the time that the substances were just a temporary escape from the pain. By the time I was 24, I had lost everything—my family’s trust, my friends, and any sense of stability. That was when I knew something had to change. Getting clean wasn’t easy, but I did it all at once, eliminating every substance from my life, including the opioids that had such a hold on me. The road to recovery was tough, but with the support of my family, a 12-step program, and a lot of hard work, I found my way. Now, over 15 years later, I’m proud to say that I’m clean and sober. I’m even working on kicking my final addiction—tobacco—and I’m using patches and lozenges to help me through it. Recovery isn’t just about quitting substances; it’s about rebuilding a life. It’s about finding new ways to deal with anxiety, depression, and the challenges that led me to seek relief in the first place. I know it can be done, and I want to be there for anyone who needs support on their journey.
Navigating recovery from eating disorders and addiction
Lexi O.
Available tomorrow
Other
Addressing eating disorders
+1
I’m someone who has walked the tough path of recovery, dealing with challenges related to eating disorders (OSFED with anorexic and AFRID tendencies), addiction (including cocaine, Xanax, and marijuana), and mental health struggles like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. I’ve spent the last two years in recovery, learning how to build a healthier relationship with myself and others. Along the way, I also navigated emotional and verbal abuse, which made my journey even more complex. My goal now is to help others who are facing similar battles, whether it's with eating disorders, addiction, or difficult relationships. I’m here to offer support, share my story, and remind you that recovery is possible—even when it feels impossible.
Being sober in the restaurant industry
Josh P.
Available this week
Coping mechanisms
I spent fifteen years drinking while working in the restaurant industry—where partying after shifts and normalizing substance use felt like part of the job. After my second DUI, I knew I had hit a breaking point. I went into rehab, started attending AA meetings, and joined Ben’s Friends, a support group specifically for hospitality workers in recovery. Those early days were tough. The anxiety, the guilt, the question of “what now?” was constantly overwhelming. But I kept showing up. I leaned on the people who understood what it was like to juggle long hours, high stress, and the temptation to drink. Slowly, I began building a sober life that felt not only manageable, but meaningful. I don’t tell people what to do, I just share what worked for me, hoping they can see a path through too. If you’re in food service and struggling, I’ve been there. And I’d love to walk with you while you find your way forward.
Finding real recovery after long-term heroin and fentanyl use
Clayton J.
Peer groups
Finding your purpose
For 15 years, I lived in active addiction, using heroin and fentanyl from the time I was 14. Despite multiple attempts to get clean, I never truly committed to recovery. I’d use up resources and burn bridges, but nothing ever stuck. I didn’t know how to make recovery real, and I was just going through the motions of life. It wasn’t until I made the decision to actually want to live, to find meaning in my life, that everything started to change. Recovery became possible for me when I realized it wasn’t just about stopping my drug use, it was about finding a deeper purpose. In February 2022, I celebrated three years in recovery. I now live with intention and purpose, and every day I make the choice to stay sober because I believe in the life I’m building. I’ve found fulfillment in helping others as a Certified Peer Specialist, guiding them to see that recovery is not just about quitting, it’s about choosing to live with meaning. I truly believe that when you decide to embrace life fully, recovery becomes not only possible but worth everything.
Opioid dependence
+4
Loving someone who struggles with addiction to cocaine and alcohol
Dyra P.
Shame
+2
I grew up in the Dominican Republic and moved to the U.S. when I was five. My childhood was shaped by the reality of addiction, my cousin was using cocaine and I’d watch him sleep all day and stay up all night. He was kind, but deeply ashamed, and I remember how hard it was to see someone I loved struggle so much. My grandfather also struggled with alcoholism and eventually died from liver failure. Watching two people I cared about suffer like that taught me that addiction isn’t about being bad, it’s about being stuck in something painful. It hurts the person using, and it hurts the people who love them too. I barely drink now because of what I lived through, but I’ve never stopped believing there’s hope for people who use. I’ve shared my story with friends who were drinking heavily, and sometimes it helped them pause and think differently. I’ve been that listener for others who are hurting: someone who doesn’t judge, who gets it, and who knows what it’s like to love someone who can’t seem to stop. If you’re going through that now, I’d be honored to sit with you in it.
Supporting someone through addiction
Angela V.
Overcoming setbacks
I’ve witnessed addiction from both the outside and the edges—close enough to feel the heartbreak, the fear, the waiting, and the deep desire for someone you love to come back to themselves. I’ve supported family members who struggled with drug use and eventually found recovery. I’ve walked beside a partner through alcoholism, holding space for both the chaos and the courage it took to get sober. Addiction doesn’t just affect the person using—it ripples out into every relationship, often in painful and complicated ways. Whether you're the one trying to quit or someone who’s watching someone you love disappear into a version of themselves that feels unrecognizable, the journey is full of hard questions. When do you step in? How do you hold boundaries with love? What does it look like to forgive—yourself or someone else? I’ve seen the beauty of recovery, and I’ve seen the setbacks. I know how isolating it can feel, and I also know you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re in the thick of it or healing from what’s already happened, this space is for you.
Gaining strength after addiction, trauma, and starting over
Ashley R.
Prescription misuse
My journey through addiction and recovery has been full of challenges, growth, and transformation. I served in the military, where an injury led to being placed on prescription fentanyl for pain management. Over time, that dependence turned into a full-blown addiction. After leaving the military, I struggled to access prescriptions and eventually turned to street drugs. A DUI arrest became my wake-up call. I entered inpatient treatment for 90 days, followed by intensive outpatient therapy, and have been clean ever since. At one point, I also battled severe alcohol dependence that landed me in the ICU for detox. Now, after over 5 years of sobriety, I'm a proud mom of two, married for over 15 years, and passionate about supporting others in recovery. I attend 12-step meetings regularly, sponsor young women, and believe deeply in the power of therapy and connection. I'm here to share my story and help you find hope and strength in your own journey.
Navigating family dynamics during addiction recovery.
Calvin N.
Childcare
Boundary setting
When I first started my recovery journey, my relationships with family were strained, especially with my kids and co-parents. The emotional toll of addiction had left scars, and trying to rebuild trust felt like an uphill battle. My decision to leave my job and focus on therapy, even after changing therapists multiple times, was one of the hardest choices I made, but it was necessary for my healing. Sobriety became my foundation on December 18, 2020, but learning to reconnect with my family and rebuild trust took time. I realized that recovery isn’t just about overcoming addiction; it’s about repairing relationships and being there emotionally for those who’ve been affected by my past. I now support others in similar situations, offering guidance to parents and family members who feel like the damage is too great to overcome. The key is patience—both with yourself and with those you love.
Finding hope through mental health challenges and sobriety
Celso Y.
Schizophrenia
In my early 20s, I was working long, stressful hours in retail and started drinking heavily on the weekends just to cope. It wasn’t long before I began experiencing hallucinations and was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. Accepting that diagnosis was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. On top of that, alcohol had already been a big presence in my life—my mom is a recovering alcoholic, and many family relationships were strained because of drinking. After years of struggling, I made the decision to get sober in 2020 and committed to therapy and peer support groups. Every day, I work at maintaining my mental health and sobriety. I still deal with the effects of cerebral palsy and mental health challenges, but I've found that helping others, especially my family and peers in support groups, gives me purpose. I believe deeply that no matter how heavy life feels, there is always a way forward.
Leaving an abusive relationship and getting sober
Courtney K.
Drug dependency
Emotional abuse
I’ve been through a lot, and my journey has shaped me into someone who is passionate about helping others. After leaving my first marriage, I found myself battling addiction to opiates. I knew I needed to make a change, so I got sober in 2017, but life wasn’t easy after that. I remarried and ended up in another toxic relationship that was emotionally abusive. I struggled deeply with depression and anxiety, which I only realized through therapy. I decided I couldn’t continue living that way, so I made the hard choice to leave and get sober for good. It wasn’t an easy path, but through the process, I’ve reclaimed my life and learned so much about myself. I now co-run a sober women’s group with over 30,000 members across the world, and I’m here to offer a nonjudgmental, compassionate ear to anyone struggling with similar challenges.
Navigating sobriety in lgbtqia+ spaces
Gabe V.
Coming out
I used to drink for all the reasons that felt justifiable at the time—social anxiety, not feeling comfortable in my body, not being out, and trying to fit into spaces where alcohol felt like the ticket in. At first, it was weekend binge drinking. Then blacking out became so normal, it stopped scaring me. But deep down, I knew something needed to change. After a hard conversation with my husband, I decided to quit. I joined an online sobriety community and, like a true overachiever with ADHD, dove headfirst into podcasts and self-help books. I did relapse three months in, thinking maybe I could “moderate”—spoiler alert: I couldn’t. But that stumble gave me clarity. I’ve now been sober for over a year, with nine strong months of continuous sobriety, and I host support groups including a weekly LGBTQIA+ meeting I started from scratch. I know firsthand how deeply alcohol is woven into our community spaces, and I want to be a real, judgment-free voice for anyone trying to rewrite that narrative. If you’re sober-curious, starting fresh, or just need someone who gets it, I’m here for you.
Finding your first steps in recovery
Jenna C.
Managing chronic illness
I never imagined myself getting sober. Honestly, I had already planned out my death—I didn’t think there was any hope left. After twelve years of nonstop partying, I found myself at 29, sick and tired of being sick and tired. I wasn’t trying to get sober, not really—but something shifted. I picked up the phone and asked for help. That one small moment cracked the door open, and it saved my life. Since then, recovery has become the foundation of everything I do. It hasn’t always been easy—my journey has been shaped by trauma, mental health struggles, chronic illness, and growing up in a family deeply impacted by addiction. I understand that recovery isn’t a straight line or a one-size-fits-all process. Now, I help others find their own way through it. Whether it's meeting someone where they are, supporting someone in a violent relationship to take their first steps toward safety, or walking alongside someone questioning whether they’re ready—I've been there. I offer honest, compassionate support to anyone wondering if it’s time for a change. Sometimes, all it takes is one small sliver of hope. I’d love to help you find yours.
Healing from domestic violence while protecting your children's well being
JoAnne C.
Coping with PTSD
Domestic violence
As a recently remarried mother of three teens, two of whom are neurodivergent, I’ve experienced my share of challenges, especially after the loss of my children’s father to cancer. Navigating grief alongside parenting has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it’s also been an opportunity for immense growth. Before this chapter, I spent years as a single parent, raising my children on my own. During that time, I faced significant challenges, including managing anger issues with one of my children. Seeking support through doctors and groups was crucial in helping me address these issues. I’m also a survivor of domestic violence, and though I carry mild PTSD, I’ve worked hard to heal and grow. Over the years, I’ve become a life coach, guiding others through their own life transitions, especially those who are navigating grief, single parenting, or coming out of toxic relationships. I want to offer my experience to others, particularly mothers of toddlers and pre-teens, those experiencing the challenges of homebirthing, and survivors of domestic violence who need support in moving forward.
Rebuilding your life after addiction, homelessness, and loss
Michael P.
Counseling
Complicated grief
I’m a Veteran and a father who spent years living with active addiction, lost everything, and found my way back through recovery. For two decades, I struggled with alcohol and substance use—trying to hold my family together while my own life felt increasingly out of control. Eventually, I lost my marriage, my children, and my home. I ended up a homeless Veteran, unsure how to move forward. The turning point came when a man from the VA connected me with Mental Health Services and helped me understand that I had a Substance Use Disorder. That diagnosis—and the acceptance that came with it—gave me the foundation to heal. Through the VA, therapy, 12-step programs, and peer support, I’ve spent the last 15+ years rebuilding my life. Today, I work to help others find the same hope, clarity, and strength to move forward. Whether you’re just starting your recovery journey or feeling stuck somewhere along the way, I'm here to walk alongside you.
Staying sober from marijuana while living with chronic pain
Rame I.
I used marijuana almost daily for over a decade, mostly to cope with chronic pain from my disability. It started when I was 20, and for a while, it felt like the only thing that helped me function—but it slowly became something I couldn’t imagine living without. The turning point came when my lungs started bleeding, and I needed surgery to address the source of the pain. That experience forced me to face the bigger picture: the weed wasn’t helping anymore—it was hurting me. Getting sober wasn’t just about quitting; it was about learning how to live without the thing I thought was saving me. The first few months were brutal. My body hurt, my mind was foggy, and emotionally, I was raw. But I leaned on my support system, therapy, and my sheer stubbornness. Now, over a year into sobriety, I’ve learned how to manage pain and emotions without turning to weed. Recovery has helped me reconnect with joy, presence, and self-respect. I know how overwhelming it can feel to even imagine a sober life, especially with physical limitations, but I’ve been there—and I’d love to be here for you as you take your next steps.
Being a single parent while your partner gets sober
Stefani W.
Loneliness
When my daughters were young, my husband went to rehab to get sober. Overnight, I became a single parent. Not because I wanted to, but because it was what our family needed to survive. I had to hold it all together while he worked to save his own life. That season of life was lonely, overwhelming, and filled with hard truths. There were moments I felt resentful, moments I was proud, and many where I simply had to keep going without knowing what came next. I juggled preschool drop-offs, tears in the shower, and answering my daughters’ questions without breaking down. But I also found strength I didn’t know I had. I kept showing up. And through all of it, I gained perspective not just as a partner, but as a woman and mother. Today, my husband is in long-term recovery, and I’m here to support anyone who’s walking that same tightrope. You’re not weak for struggling, you're strong for staying.
Live advice when you need it,from someone who’s been through it.