Real Recovery Talk

225 - How can you help, getting your loved one sober

In this episode I discuss a topic that could be a massive pain point for some people.  Often times it is difficult for people to let their loved ones fight their own battles.  We need to allow people to experience struggle when getting sober!  If we do everything for them, make all the phone calls, do all the advocating, what are they actually learning?

224 - What are you willing to neglect?

In this episode I discuss the importance of neglecthing things in our lives in order to build a much more solid foundation of sobriety.  Often times we are to consumed with outside noise, car, job, career, relationships etc.  If we spend to much time on these things when getting sober, it takes away from the most important part of the journey, which is staying sober!  If you have any questions about your specific situation you can reach us at [email protected] and Ben@realrecoverytalk...

223 - Listener's E-mail: I'm newly sober, can I take Kratom?

In this episode we read to you an email that we recieved from one of our listeners!  We dont not use names of course to keep them anonomous.  In this particular email we have someone ask if it is ok for them to use Kratom when getting sober?  We go into detail with our thoughts on this and we think that you will find great value in this episode!  If you have specific questions about your specific situation you can email us at [email protected] and [email protected]!

222 - Eric B: His mental health struggles and how he is sober 4 years!

In this episode we have a guest Eric who wanted to come on the show and tlak about his mental health struggle growing up and how it influenced his addiction for many years!  Eric has done a great job at taking his sobriety and really allowing it to take him to the next level.  This yound man had a seemingly hopeless life ahead of him.  It wasnt until he decided that he was going to make a change for himself is when he really started to notice deep change within himself.  We hope that you enj...

221 - Do you need to believe in God to get sober?

In this episode Ben discusses his thoughts and opinions on Spirituality in within the confins of getting sober!  It is no secret that any 12 step program has a strong emphasis on spirituality.  Now, some people have a hard time with spirituality and dont want to buy in to the whole "God" concept.  Well, that is ok!  Enjoy the Show!

220 - Service Work: Is it necessary to stay sober?

In this episode I discuss the importance of doing service work when getting clean and sober!  We often times hear about how important it is to do service work, but is it really that important?  Well, in my opinion it is one of the most vital peices what we can hold on to that will take us into long last sobriety!  Take a listen and as always, you can reach out to us at [email protected] and [email protected]

219 - Are 12 Step meetings right for me? Here is what to expect when going to a support program

In this episode I discuss with you what meetings look like in reality compared to what we wish that they looked like!  If we just go to meetings, it will not keep us sober.  We need to build a network of people that will help us navigate our sobriety and also hold us accountable to our actions!  If you find that you dont like the first few meetings that you attend, dont give up! Try new ones! If you have any questions about your specific situation you can contact us at Tom@realrecoverytalk...

218 - Taking Suboxone for 8 years! Brennan gives us his experience

In this episode we take a deep dive into a real life experience with someone that was on suboxone for a really long time! Brennan shares with all of us why he was on it and why it took him so long to come off of it!  Goes without saying, we are not medical doctors so dont take any of this as medical advice! Enjoy the show! If you have any questions about your specific situation you can always reach us at [email protected] and [email protected]

217 - You can't please everybody! Be selfish when getting sober!

In this episode I discuss why it is so important to think selfishly when first getting clean and sober.  We need to think about what is best for us and not what is best for other people.  It is easy to allow outside influence dictate our next move in sobriety.  To many times, people dont reach their fullest potential because they allow other people, places or things have inluence over them.    

216 - Three Tips to ANTI-UP your sobriety!

In this episode I give you three tips that you can implement today to anti-up your sobriety! It does not take a lot of work to implement what I am about to tell you. Just because we put down the drink in the drug doesn't mean that everything is going to be OK, it is going to take some work on our end. So strap on your running shoes because you're gonna need them! Enjoy the show 

215 - Time to make new friends!

In this I discuss the importance of making new friends when getting sober. Often times when we get sober our old friends look at us like we're an alien or something. Reality is, that you will not be able to keep the same friends that you had while you were using. Items we need to change everything about ourselves including our friends and those that we think we're friends with. It's time that we look for people that are going to add value to our lives rather than take away from our lives. If...

214 - Zach shares how sobriety has changed his life in just 2 months!

In this episode I have a young man names Zach who was couragous enough to come on and share his experience in his first 2 months of sobriety!  Zach is very wise and has a lot of good information to share.  Zach has come such a long way in a short 2 months! Thanks Zach! If you have any questions about your specific situation you can reach out at [email protected] and [email protected]

213 - Take some INITIATIVE for your yourself and your recovery!

In this that I discuss why it is so important to take some initiative not only for yourself but for your recovery. Nothing sobriety process is going to get handed to you. We have to take the initiative to put 1 foot in front of the other to attain the things that we want. Sobriety has so much to offer us but we're going to have to work to get it. If we're not willing to take the initiative needed and put forth the work that we need to then we will end up with stale sobriety and nobody wants ...

212 - Building rapport: Why its so important for us and our clients, with Destiny

In this episode we discuss why it is so important to build rapport right off the bat with out clients.  Often times our clients come into treatment and they dont trust anyone, let alone want to be in treatment!  That is wny we focus so much on building a good relationship with them right out of the gate.  We want our clients to know that they can trust us no matter what they are going through.   If you have any questions about your specific situations you can reach us at Tom@realrecoveryta...

211 - Nicole Bifano LCSW: Are you making progress while in treatment for your addiction

In this episode we have Nicole Bufano who is a licensed clinical social worker and works here at Rock Recovery Center. Nicole is our assistant Clinical Director and also a primary therapist here. In this episode we discuss measurable goals that we look for for each client, which helps us gauge if in fact they are making progress in the treatment process. Nicole gets into detail about things that she looks for from the client and how she can tailor the treatment plans to work best for them. W...

210 - Why we need to learn to trust people when getting sober

In this episode we discuss the importance of being able to trust people when getting clean and sober. Often times in our addictions we felt betrayed and felt like we didn't have any support from anybody. It is not uncommon for us to not be able to trust anybody when getting newly clean and sober. We discussed the importance of why we need to be able to trust people in our sober network and how we can rely on them moving forward.  If you have any questions about your specific situations you...

209 - Do you have a VISION for your sobriety?

 In this episode I discuss the importance of having a vision not only for your sobriety but also for your life in general. Often times we think getting sober is just about putting down a drink in the drugs, but there is so much more to it. If we do not have goals set for ourselves that are attainable it can be very difficult for us to see progress in our sobriety.  It's about that we start taking responsibility for our lives and build something with the remaining years we have left on this...

208 - Handling different personalities PART 2

In this episode we continue our discussion about different personalities that we come in contact with throughout the treatment process. We discuss how the different personalities that we interact with can ultimately affect our recovery in a negative or a positive way. We discussed ways in which you can identify these different personalities in the best ways to handle them. If you question about your specific situation you can always reach out to us at [email protected] and ben@realr...

207 - How to navigate different personalities when getting clean and sober

In this episode we discuss a few different ways in which somone can present differently when getting clean and sober.  It can be a lot to handle and knowing how to naviagate each person differerently can be a huge advantage.  If you would like to talk about your specific situation you can reach out to us at [email protected] and [email protected]

206 - Be careful who you take advice from when getting sober!

In this episode we discuss taking advice from people when first getting sober. We discus the importance of being able to seek wisdom from those who have lived recovery. We discus situations in which you could get bad advice from people and how ultimately this whole recovery thing is based on opinion. Just because something doesn't work for one person doesn't mean I can't work for you and vice versa.  If you have questions about your specific situation you can email us at Tom@realrecoveryta...

205 - Lets talk vulnerability: Why being vulnerable is a good thing in recovery

In this episode we discussed Wyatt is so important to be vulnerable in the recovery process. Often times people have a hard time opening up to others, which causes them to not have the level of growth in their recovery as they should. When we are able to be open and honest with other people about what is truly going on in our lives, it tends to catapult our recovery. It is OK to share your true feelings with other people about what is going on in your life. This is the only way that we can a...

204 - My Dad had a STROKE! This is the event turns out I was not prepared for

In this episode I discussed a life-changing event that took place on June 14, 2022. My dad had a massive stroke and lost his vision. Along with that a lot of his memory has been severely affected. These are the things that we often talk about when getting sober that we need to be prepared for. Life throws things at us and if we're not ready for them it can very easily be a reason to drink or use drugs. Fortunately for myself I had a lot of support from friends and family that I could rely on...

203 - Don't make these 5 excuses for going to treatment for your drug addiction

In this episode we discuss the Top 5 reasons/excuses as to why people dont go into drug treatment.  We are very good at talking ourselves out of doing the things that we know are best for us.   Realtiy is, there are no good excuse to not go to treatment when it is needed.  Dont let anyone or anybody talk you out of making the best decision of your life.   If you would like to reach out to us and discuss your specific situation you can email us at  [email protected] Ben@realrec...

202 - Don't let your sobriety get STALE

In this episode we discuss five tips to keep your sobriety intact and not let it get stale. No matter where you are in the sobriety journey it is important to stay active and to continue to build on your sobriety. We can do this in many different ways, but most importantly we need to continue to work on ourselves. These tips are very applicable and can be done at any moment. If you want to amplify your sobriety, take a listen and emplement these stratagies today! If you would like to rea...

201- Top 5 Reasons you KEEP going back to treatment

In this episode we discuss the top five reasons why you keep going back to treatment. Unfortunately people have unrealistic expectations around what treatment is supposed to be for. We tell people all the time, if you're not doing it while you're in treatment, you won't do it when you are out of treatment. If you take these five things and really focusing on them during your treatment process it is going to be very hard for you not to be successful. Thank you everyone for your support. Rem...

200 - WE'RE BACK! Thanks for the undertanding

199 - How to stay sober during the holidays

The holiday season is here upon us. This can be tough for those who are in early recovery, especially being with family. Along with family comes a lot of emotions. You may have indulged in drugs and alcohol to get through previous holidays to get yourself through this time. Now, however; you are sober and you’ll need to put new tools in your toolbox to move through the holidays sober. The big question I’m going to discuss today: How can we go into the holiday season and be sure we will be ...

198 - Addicted to Meth - Devin shares his story

“Addiction is so big in our society right now that it’s best that you let loved ones know that they can have help. They can receive help, and they can do this. It doesn’t have to kill them.” -Devin Today, Ben and I chatted with Devin, who’s an example of getting back on track. He began drug usage during childhood, and found himself in prison later. Devin gathered the strength to face himself and the beast within. He doesn’t do it alone, but with the help of the people around him. Listen in...

197 - Getting Hooked On (and Off) Drugs and Drink

“I have a purpose today, and I feel God steps in my life a lot and he was telling me to have courage and be fearless.” -Ira Today, Ben and I chatted with Ira, who’s a real deal addict. He’s had a ton of health issues like cancer, diabetes, and even facing death as a result of his drug and alcohol addiction. But he managed to turn his life around and now he’s going on two years sober! Listen in as he talks about getting addicted, how he overcame it, and all the people who helped save his li...

196 - Starting an Addiction During College

“I have a place that I was comfortable with that I was already a part of for my recovery.” -Reed Today, Ben and I chatted with Reed, who tells his story about how his addiction started in college. Raised locally in Palm Beach Gardens, Reed had a good life growing up with loving parents who gave him many opportunities in life. However, with his parents being conservative regarding drinking, Reed didn’t get drugs and alcohol from his parents.  Experimenting with Drugs While in high schoo...

195 - Healing Trauma to Break Free From Addiction

“Life continues to show up, whether you want to be a part of it or not.” -Natalie Today, Ben and I chatted with Natalie, who endured horrible abuse as a small girl that gave her immense amounts of childhood trauma that ended up turning into a drug and alcohol addiction as a teen. Listen in to discover how Natalie overcame her addiction by healing her emotional wounds as an adult. Her Early Years Traumatized as a Child At the age of eight, Natalie was sexually molested and started drink...

194 - Sher Canada Gets Her Life Back at Age 58

“You’ve got to surrender - I came here and gave it all up to you.” -Sher Today, Ben and I chatted with Sher Canada, a former client at Rock Recovery Center. We could tell that she was someone special shortly after she arrived at Rock Recovery. In our interview with Sher, you’ll find out how addicts can recover into an exciting life with a purpose and not have to live their sober days bored and complacent.  Early Life with an Alcoholic Mother When she was young, Sher discovered the slew...

193 - Vince has been to 10+ treatment centers - What will be different this time?

In today's episode, Ben and I talk with Vince, a 25-year-old recovering addict from Philadelphia. He stole a bottle of vodka and drank the entire bottle in sixth grade. In the summer of his freshman year of high school, Vince started smoking pot. Cocaine became a weekend sports celebration during his junior year of high school. Vince became an addict after his team coach gave him a prescription narcotic drug in his second college year. Vince was involved in sports as early as he could reme...

192 - Growing up in Manhattan- Selling drugs and living a lifestyle of destruction- Tom Fabricitore shares his story

“What alcohol was doing for me outlaid what it was doing to me.” --Tom Today, Ben and I are talking to Tom, who works in the recovery field. Born and raised in downtown Manhattan, he became a drug dealer and eventually became sober from drugs and alcohol. He has been on the road to recovery for the past seven years. Starting the Drinking Habit at Age 10 Born and raised in New York City, Tom grew up in abusive family life, reflected in his poor behavior at school. Feeling like something...

191 - Al Dutzik- The Real Deal Alcoholic- The importance of community and benefits of Sober Living

“’Alcohol was the substance I just could not go without - I felt safe with alcohol.” -Al Today, Ben and I are talking to Al, a native of Pittsburgh, who is sharing with us today his journey and what he did to become sober. He talks with us about Foundations - a program that provides housing for men moving through their journey of sobriety. His First Experiences with Alcohol At the age of 16, Al found a bottle of homemade wine in the basement of his home and decided to try it. When he d...

190 - The First 30 Days of Treatment

Here we are with Real Recovery Talk! Do you know someone who is considering going to a treatment facility for up to 30 days? Today, I’m going to talk about how you most likely won’t be cured by going to treatment for 30 days. There are a few people who have been successful after just 30 days; however, they are few and far between. The first day of treatment consists of detox, which generally ranges from day one to day seven. Detox can vary from one to fourteen days, depending on the indivi...

180 - The First 30 Days of Treatment

Here we are with Real Recovery Talk! Do you know someone who is considering going to a treatment facility for up to 30 days? Today, I’m going to talk about how you most likely won’t be cured by going to treatment for 30 days. There are a few people who have been successful after just 30 days; however, they are few and far between. The first day of treatment consists of detox, which generally ranges from day one to day seven. Detox can vary from one to fourteen days, depending on the indivi...

189 - Perry - Struggles with KRATOM and the anxieties that surrounds it

“Kratom feels like an opiate, you get strong feelings similar to opiates.’” -Perry Today, Ben and I are talking to Perry, a 24-year-old from Maryland and started smoking marijuana at age 16. He lost everything that he owned and had to drug and alcohol abuse in a short period of time. We talk with Perry about his experience with Kratom and how it negatively affected his life. Kratom and Kava Kratom is sourced from an Asian variety of pine trees and works the same as an opiate drug in yo...

188 - Ken B - 35 retired from the Army, discusses his alcoholism and addiction throughout his life and ultimately where it led him

“You couple substance abuse with PTSD and I’m wondering, ‘How do I fit in?’” -Ken Today, Ben and I are talking to Ken, a 35-year active military combat-in-arms, now veteran, discussing his alcoholism and addiction and what his post-military recovery journey has been for Ken. He is now paying it forward, helping others recover from their addiction. Ken’s Background Born in 1964 to an Irish-Catholic family and the youngest of seven, the first memory of drinking alcohol is at age eight. W...

187 - 5 advantages to sobriety that we didn't see coming

“I can’t even put into words how tight-knit a community that we’re a part of.” -Ben Today, Ben and I will cover the top five unexpected benefits that have come about because of our sobriety. These positive side effects are items that naturally and organically happen through the process of sobriety. But, of course, these come with time and work on ourselves, along with setting goals. Original Thoughts On Sobriety Initially, I thought that I would spend 45 days in a sober rehab facility,...

186 - Cody W - His successes, finance and all things money and how it can impact our sobriety

“You have choices in what you do with your time, and that’s up to the individual.” -Cody Today, Ben and I are chatting with Cody, who was very successful in life, and then addiction took it all away. Listen in to find out how he is rebuilding his life as a sober member of society and how drugs and alcohol can create alternative negative behaviors that aren’t a part of who you really are. Growing Up with Learning Disabilities Cody had multiple learning disabilities in grade school growi...

185 - Kevin W- Shares about anxiety, cutting treatment short and having a psychic change

“One day I broke into tears and told my dad I can’t stop drinking and I needed help.” -Kevin Today, Ben and I are chatting with Kevin, who is an alumnus of Rock Recovery Center. Listen in and find out how Kevin could move past his anxiety, which was the cause of his alcoholism, and move into a life of sobriety. Learn how Kevin is making amends with those he hurt while he was alcoholic, and how he is giving back by supporting other members who are recovering.  Dealing with Severe Anxiety ...

184 - Darell shares why he turned to alcohol to deal with night terrors and PTSD - His treatment experiences and the path moving forward

“At Rock I’m getting to talk to people and come to an understanding of what each of the twelve steps means.” -Darell Today, Ben and I are chatting with Darell, who served 13 years in the United States Air Force as an EOD. We talk about his challenges post-service in the military and his progression of alcoholism through childhood, the military, and how he found solutions to his addiction when he returned to civilian life. Darell’s History with Alcohol Growing up in New York, Darell can...

183 - JP Burton - Gaining control of his life through sobriety

“I’ve built routines here at Rock Recovery Center that I still have today.” -JP Today, Ben and I are chatting with JP Burton, an alumnus of Rock Recovery Center. We speak about essential life skill development that accompanies the treatment process and the road to recovery. Listen to our conversation about prayer, meditation, and positive lifestyle changes that have stayed with JP through his treatment and beyond. JP’s History and What Led Him to Drug Use Before drugs, JP enjoyed a lif...

182 - Tommy L - How one Corona took him down a deep dark path

“I’ve had family members that have died from addiction, but I never thought that I would have an addiction.” -Tommy Today, Ben and I are chatting with Tommy, who became an addict after taking narcotic drugs for pain relief after a motorcycle accident. Since he has addiction in his family, Tommy wasn’t a stranger to the effects of drugs and alcohol on a person and their loved ones. Why Tommy Didn’t Think Addiction was in his Future “I never saw myself as that person that has a need for ...

181 - Noah didn't get straight A's in treatment, but he is thriving!

“My mom was my biggest enabler and as soon as she took her foot off the gas pedal my life came crumbling down around me. That’s where the biggest change and growth came from.” -Noah Today, Ben and I are chatting with Noah, who was 20 when he received his first DUI. His parents kicked him out of the house after this event. Forced to attend AA, his grandmother took him to his meetings. Not understanding the program or the benefits of completing the 12 Step Program, Noah wasn’t an engaged par...

180 - The Importance of Staying Connected and How Giving Back has Kept Him Sober with Eric Sheets

“Alcoholics Anonymous didn’t just save my life, it taught me how to live a life worthy of having been spared and changed me from the inside out.” -Eric Sheets Today, Ben and I are chatting to Eric Sheets, who is sharing his story of recovery and how he has taken his experience to give back and help other addicts become sober again. Eric’s Background with Drugs and Alcohol Eric says he came to the 12 Step Program a “broken man” and admits that this is the first time he has been honest w...

179 - Fatih Penda - His journey intro recovery and how his upbringing could have held him back

“I’m able to get high on life with sobriety.” -Faith Penda  Today, Ben and I are chatting to Fatih Penda, a long-term addict who has recovered and is now leading a drug and alcohol-free life. Leading to building a recovery center, Fatih is now leading other adults into recovery and positive life. Fatih’s Background with Drugs and Alcohol Born in Salem, Massechuessets with a Muslim upbringing, Fatih always felt different than everyone else. Although his uncle did drink, he isn’t sure wh...

178 - Brad Jensen - Founder and CEO of Key Nutrition talks drug addiction and how he became the entrepreneur he is today

Today I will talk about the process and path of a person moving from being a "normie" to using drugs and alcohol and becoming an addict. In this episode, I talk with Brad Jensen, the founder of Key Nutrition, and is in recovery. He comes to us today to talk about how fitness and health have positively impacted his sobriety. Brad also talks about his struggles with sobriety. He'll talk about his experience, his awareness of the three pillars to life, and how he can assist clients with his c...

177 - Maya B - Masters Level Dope Addict to Masters Level Clinician

“I wanted to take something hard that I had to go through that was painful and help another human being to get through without struggling as hard as I did.” -Maya  Today, Ben and I are chatting to Maya who is a full-time employee at Rock Recovery Center. She is here to talk about her past history and how she became a professional in the substance abuse space.  Why Maya Chose to Work with Recovering Addicts “I never thought that I’d be here working in mental health and the substance abu...