Episode 175 • Access, Community, and the Future of Addiction Recovery - with Cooper Zelnick

In this episode of the Positive Sobriety Podcast, Nate Larkin and David Hampton explore what happens after treatment—and why long-term recovery depends on more than good intentions and a discharge binder.

They are joined by Cooper Zelnick, CEO of Groups Recover Together, a national provider of outpatient addiction treatment that combines medication-assisted treatment, group therapy, and wraparound community support. Cooper shares his own recovery story, getting sober at age 22, and reflects on why so many people succeed in treatment but struggle once they return home.

Together, the conversation examines the limits of short-term, acute care and the urgent need for accessible, community-based recovery models—especially in rural and underserved areas.

Key Topics Covered:

• Recovery as a long-term process

• The aftercare gap

• Group-based recovery and peer support

• Medication-assisted treatment

• Harm reduction vs. zero-tolerance

• Trauma-informed, evidence-based care

• Access to treatment in rural communities

• Breaking secrecy and shame

Notable Quotes:

“Recovery is a collaborative exercise. Nobody recovers alone.” — Nate Larkin

“If addiction runs in social circles, recovery can too.” — Cooper Zelnick

“You can find in recovery what you were looking for in addiction.” — Cooper Zelnick

“The first step isn’t treatment. The first step is telling somebody.” — Cooper Zelnick

 

Guest Bio:

Cooper Zelnick is the CEO of Groups Recover Together, a national organization providing outpatient treatment for substance use disorders through medication-assisted treatment, group therapy, and community-based support.

Resources:

Website: https://joingroups.com

Phone: [phone]