Hard Truths: Richard L. on Depression, Loneliness, and Recovery

He told his son, 'You’re an addict.' His son fired back, 'You’re an alcoholic.' That moment changed everything.

In this raw and moving episode of The Cup of Joe Show, Richard L. opens up about a life shaped by alcohol, depression, and profound loss. Sober since January 5, 2014, Richard shares how his drinking escalated from college fraternity parties to a career built around never being far from a bottle. Multiple marriages collapsed under the weight of addiction, and years of treatment-resistant depression only deepened the spiral.

After years of self-medicating and watching his life unravel, Richard reached a breaking point in an unforgettable moment with his son—both struggling, both facing addiction, and both finally willing to step into recovery. That decision marked the beginning of his sober journey.

Richard speaks openly about his battle with social anxiety, the pain of living with depression, and the devastating grief of losing Jan—the love of his life—in 2023. Through it all, he has found strength in sobriety, community, and a commitment to keep moving forward, one day at a time.

This episode is for anyone who has faced addiction, mental health struggles, or grief—and wondered how to keep going. Richard’s story reminds us that healing is possible, even in life’s darkest valleys.

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The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.