Recovery Is Possible - podcast cover

Recovery Is Possible

Michael has seen first-hand the devastating effects of addiction on the public, his profession, and himself. Michael began his career as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Navy. After eight years, he became a Corrections Officer, Washington DC Police Officer, and then FBI Agent. In 2010, Michael became an instructor at the FBI Academy. In 2013, he created a course titled “Leading At-Risk Employees” geared toward Police Executives to help them understand alcoholism, prescription drug abuse, PTSD, suicide, and domestic violence as it relates to policies and procedures for their agencies worldwide. In 2019, Michael retired from the FBI but his passion for helping others continued. In August 2022, he graduated with a Master’s in Addiction Counseling: Integrated Recovery for Co-Occurring Disorders from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. He currently works full-time as a Behavioral Health Therapist at a large nonprofit hospital. Pulling from his personal and professional experience, Michael shares his thoughts on this sensitive, complex, and controversial subject.

Episodes

Episode 11 - What Is a Bottom?

I get asked about what the meaning of a "bottom" is frequently. Here is an explanation of the term.

Aug 09, 202012 minSeason 1Ep. 11

Episode 7 - Staying Stopped Is the Key

Treatment helps alcoholics to safely stop drinking. Once stopped, alcoholics need to be engaged in a program and lifestyle that keeps them from starting up again.

Jul 30, 202014 minSeason 1Ep. 7

Episode 6 - The Alcohol Allergy

I discuss the term "allergy" when it comes to the alcoholic. What is its origin and what does it mean?

Jul 27, 202016 minSeason 1Ep. 6

Episode 5 - Structure

Structure is vital to success in early recovery.

Jul 26, 202014 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Episode 4 - Comparing In vs. Comparing Out

People often attend 12-Step meetings and try to rationalize how different they are from others rather than looking at how they suffer from the same disease.

Jul 25, 202013 minSeason 1Ep. 4

Episode 3 - The Five Year Cycle

I describe the five year cycle of recovery and how to anticipate the changes you will experience.

Jul 24, 202023 minSeason 1Ep. 3

Episode 2 - This Is not a High Speed Program

Recovery takes time, and you need to be patient. Progress rather than perfection, but the one thing you must do perfectly is to not take that first drink or drug.

Jul 24, 202013 minSeason 1Ep. 2