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
Mark Pfetzer from Guardian Initiatives was previously on this show and discussed plans to cross the Atlantic Ocean in order to raise awareness about suicide. Mark and his team completed the trip and shares what this experience was like.
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
In order to attain long-term sobriety a couple of things must happen. First, you must WANT recovery more than ANYTHING ELSE. The second thing is you must listen to others that have achieved long-term sobriety. Sounds simple...it really is, but we make it difficult.
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
When we come into recovery, we may think we are doing everything right. However, upon closer inspection, we may not be doing all we think we are. I this episode I discuss following the plan and tracking what you are actually doing.
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
After taking a break for about half a year the podcast is back. In this episode I discuss why I took some time off and how recovery was an integral part of me being able to pursue the journey I was on this year. Recovery certainly is possible!
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III, Mercury, The Winged Messenger
We spend a lot of time discussing what it takes to get into recovery, however, today's guest discusses what employers can do to assist the employees returning to work after treatment. This is a discussion few people have in the recovery world, and I know you will gain insight into the "other side" of recovery and learn tools you can use to help those who are beginning the recovery process.
Eric Kreitz
Leadership Coach
Renovium Lead...
Today I interviewed nationally syndicated radio host Rob Carson. Rob came to recovery seemingly "overnight", but as he explains there was a long road traveled before the "miracle" occurred. Rob's story demonstrates that each of us has a different path, but we all come to the same conclusion. We eventually have to get well or die, and Rob explains that we need to work on our mind, body, and spirit. Life gets better, in fact, it gets...
We can stay sober in the midst of tragedy; and in this episode, I discuss how it is important that we help those that are also suffering the tragedy we are experiencing. Using only makes the problem worse, and then you become part of the problem. We want to be part of the solution, and through remaining focused on a few basic principles and service, we can.
This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out mo...
No one else is responsible for your recovery, and no one else is the cause for your using. We alone are responsible for our recovery, and in this episode, I discuss this concept and how we can take responsibility for our use and what we need to do to begin the process of getting well. We can and do recover...but it is up to us.
This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more information at: https://www...
My younger brother passed away a couple of weeks ago. When you look at the list of reasons why people relapse, this would be near the top. I am grateful that this did not happen to me, and I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss what the process of getting through this kind of event is like. Relapse does not have to happen, but we need to make our recovery the priority.
This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. Y...
In this episode we discuss what it takes to be sober. People in long-term sobriety tend to do similar things, and people who continue to relapse also tend to do similar things. I discuss where our focus needs to be and how you can change your mind set for success.
This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more information at: https://www.retreatbehavioralhealth.com/
Music-John Williams and the Vienna ...
John Monaghan is a retired Chief of Police who now works in mental health, resilience, and Post Traumatic Growth. In this episode we discuss how to help people turn their struggle into strength, especially when it comes to addiction. John brings home the point, "Don't be afraid to ask for help, it is the most courageous thing you can do".
You can also reach out to John on Facebook and Instagram at JohnMonaghanIII as well as his web...
Hilary Phelps discusses the benefits of coaching in regard to wellness and recovery. Hilary has an enormous amount of experience with recovery and discusses the unique challenges, expectations, and responsibilities they face on a daily basis. Hilary also discusses her new coaching platform she launched this year.
This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more information at: https://w...
Everyone that is attempting to get into recovery from drugs or alcohol has a vision of what they want their future to be. This does not have to be just a fantasy; it can be a reality. In this episode I discuss how we can make this vision a reality.
This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more information at: https://www.retreatbehavioralhealth.com/
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orc...
Many people will tell you what drinking and drugging does for them, but rarely do they discuss what it does to them. In this episode, I challenge the notion that drinking and drugging helps you in any way. Instead, I discuss what sobriety does for you and challenge you to be willing to recommit yourself in this new year to a life that is happy, joyous, and free.
This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find o...
The Holiday Season is difficult for many people, but especially for those in recovery. How do you get through the season without a relapse? In this episode I discuss ways tools you can use to get through the holidays with your recovery intact.
This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more information at: https://www.retreatbehavioralhealth.com/
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestr...
Being in recovery is certainly a bonus when we set out to do really hard things in life. In fact, we find that those around us who are not in recovery struggle more than we do. We have a program, they don't! In this episode Aparna Sain and I discuss how a program of recovery keeps us centered when the going gets really tough.
This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more information at: https://www.r...
Recovery is work, and those that get into long-term recovery do the work. In this episode I discuss how we can change our view of recovery and how to focus on what is important. Recovery is about changing your thinking and surrounding yourself with those that are share the same journey and struggles. Remember, keep the main thing the main thing!
This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more informati...
People, Places, Things, and Situations can sap our energy and put us on the path to a relapse if we are not careful. We must remain balanced in our energy levels, but life throws us "curve balls" and this is sometimes easier said than done. In this episode Aparna Sain and I discuss tools you can use to manage your energy and help prevent a host of problems.
One of the most important parts of recovery is returning yourself to wholeness. In this episode, Aparna Sain and I discuss "The Power of Becoming a Whole Person" and the tools we need to achieve this goal.
This episode is sponsored by Retreat Behavioral Health. You can find out more information at: https://www.retreatbehavioralhealth.com/
Music-John Williams and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The Planets III...
How do we decide to do something we know we need to do? How do we decide to get sober? Sobriety is not about knowledge, it is about action, and until we make that commitment we are going to struggle. In this episode Aparna Sain and I explore this topic and discuss the difference between making a decision and making a commitment. These concepts may seem simple, but they are the keys that unlock the mysteries of recovery.
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