In this episode, we sit down with Joe O, a resilient individual originally from Patterson, NJ. Joe's early life was marked by instability, moving frequently due to his family's struggles. His father, an alcoholic, separated from Joe's mother early on, leading Joe to live with his father. Seeking comfort, Joe began using substances at the tender age of 8 and was regularly smoking weed by 11.
Joe's journey took a darker turn when he dropped out of high school as a junior and started working for a company that encouraged his substance abuse. It was here that Joe discovered harder drugs like cocaine and crack. Despite getting married and having two children, Joe's addiction strained his marriage, leading to multiple stints in rehab and an eventual divorce.
The turning point came when Joe finally surrendered to his disease and found hope in a 12-step program. Embracing open-mindedness and taking suggestions for the first time, Joe's life began to transform. He returned to school, earning a Master's degree, and met a woman in recovery who is now his happily married partner.
Today, Joe celebrates 21 years of being clean and sober. He remains an active member of his recovery program, sponsoring other addicts and carrying the message that changed his life.
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