Episode 20: Ricky D.

We are thrilled to welcome Ricky D. to share his compelling journey. Ricky hails from West Paterson, NJ, and from an early age, he sensed that he was different from those around him. This feeling of not fitting in made it difficult for him to connect with his peers. However, Ricky found a temporary escape and comfort in sports, where he excelled. Despite his athletic prowess, a moment of rejection during a vulnerable period in his life planted a distorted view of himself and the world.

During high school, Ricky began smoking weed, which quickly escalated to using cocaine, and soon after, he was using crack and heroin. These substances provided him with the comfort and escape he had been seeking. After many years of drug abuse, Ricky had a chance encounter with an old friend and former using buddy who had found recovery through the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous. This meeting offered Ricky his first glimpse of a potential life free from drugs and alcohol.

Ricky’s path to recovery was not straightforward. He experienced several relapses but eventually reached a point where he was willing to fully commit to a 12-step program. Today, Ricky celebrates over 12 years of being clean and sober. He has transformed his life and is now a successful businessman, running several sober living homes in New Jersey. Recently, Ricky has also embraced the joys and responsibilities of fatherhood.

In this episode, Ricky shares his profound journey of transformation, the challenges he faced, and the hope he found in recovery. His experiences highlight the importance of community, support, and the belief in a better life after addiction.

Join us to hear Ricky’s inspiring story and gain insights into the resilience and hope that recovery can bring. 🎙️🌟