Johnny saw addiction first hand growing up and swore that would never be his life until it was.

In this episode, we have Johnny a veteran who shares his transformative journey from growing up amidst the chaos of his brothers' addiction during the South Florida crack epidemic, to falling into his destructive cycle of substance abuse. Despite excelling in school and initially resisting the path of addiction, Johnny's experimentation with alcohol in middle school eventually led to a spiral of drug use, including cocaine, opioids, and heroin. After experiencing homelessness, multiple overdoses, and the tragic loss of his brother, a moment in an abandoned apartment in Austin, Texas, led Johnny to seek recovery. His sobriety journey began in March 2019, during which he faced the immense challenge of rebuilding his life, re-establishing relationships with his family, and overcoming the remnants of his troubled past. Johnny's story highlights the power of hope, the significance of self-improvement, and the impact of reaching out for help. This is Johnny’s story on the Sober Motivation podcast.

Johnny on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schreyj11/

00:00 Welcome to the Sober Motivation Podcast

00:11 Johnny's Childhood Amidst Family Chaos

01:20 School Life and the Start of Substance Use

04:16 The Slippery Slope: College and Consequences

08:13 Military Service: A Temporary Escape

16:47 The Downward Spiral: Addiction and Homelessness

20:20 Reflections on Recovery and Rebuilding

24:12 The Dark Depths of Addiction

29:09 The Turning Point: A Glimpse of Hope

32:59 The Road to Recovery: Embracing Sobriety

41:47 Rebuilding Life: Family, Work, and Self-Discovery

47:44 A Message of Hope and Resilience