Recoverycast: Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Stories

Justin Krompier was once a "shell of a human being," trapped in a cycle of heroin addiction and the long-term effects of childhood-prescribed stimulants. In this episode of Recoverycast, Justin joins hosts Brittani Baynard and Sam Roberts to share his profound transformation from a sedentary life of manipulation and isolation to becoming a celebrated photographer, filmmaker, and endurance athlete.

Justin opens up about his early introduction to pharmaceuticals after an ADHD diagnosis at age 12, which set the stage for a lifetime of seeking "mind expansion" and states of consciousness. He details the harrowing progression into opiate and heroin addiction during college, where his life became a series of burned bridges and missed opportunities. The turning point came through a "moment of clarity" while comparing his life to his cousin's and watching the film Wild, which reawakened his lost love for nature.

Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Through a vulnerable account of surrendering in rehab and finding community in an Oxford House, Justin illustrates how recovery made his life "colorful again". He discusses the "Sacred Mosaic"—the idea that every struggle and chance encounter, like meeting a stranger on a train, was a necessary piece of the beautiful life he leads today. Whether you are struggling with Adderall withdrawal, opiate addiction, or seeking the courage to pursue a creative dream, Justin’s story proves that it is never too late for a second chance.

Subscribe to Recoverycast for more authentic stories of healing and hope. Leave a comment below to share your own journey or what resonated with you from Justin’s story.

⏱️ Chapters: 
00:00 – Intro 
03:35 – Welcome Justin Krompier 
07:40 – ADHD, Adderall, and Early Pharmaceutical Use 
14:44 – The Progression from College Partying to Opiates 
22:20 – Comparing Myself Into Recovery: The Turning Point 
30:16 – How the Movie 'Wild' Inspired a Return to Nature 
37:33 – Surrendering in Rehab and Finding a Bed 
44:17 – Early Recovery: Laughter and Accountability 
49:00 – Quitting UPS to Pursue Photography Dreams 
56:21 – The Sacred Mosaic: Why Your Path is Perfect

❓ Questions the Video Answers:
How does childhood ADHD medication impact later substance abuse?
What does it feel like to experience Adderall withdrawal at a young age?
How can I tell if my "experimentation" has turned into a serious addiction?
How can social anxiety contribute to the start of opiate use?
What is a "moment of clarity" in the context of addiction?
Can watching movies or art help inspire someone to seek treatment?
How do you handle the fear of detoxing for the first time?
What is an Oxford House and how does it aid in early recovery?
How do you rebuild professional trust after active addiction?
Is it possible to feel "alive" and laugh again in sobriety?
How do you transition from a secure job to a creative dream in recovery?
What is the "Sacred Mosaic" philosophy of life?
Why is "surrender" a critical component of 12-step recovery?
How do I find the right treatment center for my specific needs?

#HeroinRecovery #ADHDandAddiction #SoberStories

Lacey Spence survived a childhood of foster care, an illegal "girls' home" in Mexico, and a harrowing journey through the prison system to build a life defined by radical resilience. After being abandoned by her mother and losing both her mother and sister to suicide, Lacey’s path led from prescribed Percocet to a "rolling ball of disaster" involving heroin, meth, and high-stakes robbery. Today, she is a professional dental assistant, a wife, and a mother who successfully fought to restore her family.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Follow Lacey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bbylaceyxoxo
In this vulnerable conversation, Lacey pulls back the curtain on the "daily hustle" of addiction and the brutal reality of sobering up in a jail cell without a mattress or window. She shares how she maintained nine years of sobriety even after the sudden death of her father, proving that no one is ever "too far gone". Lacey’s story is a powerful testament to breaking the stigma and the importance of giving people a second chance to prove their worth. Whether you are struggling with a mother wound, navigating the legal system, or seeking hope in the face of bankruptcy and loss, Lacey’s "chest out" approach to boundaries and self-love provides a roadmap for transformation.

Subscribe for more stories of radical resilience, comment with your favorite takeaway, and share this episode with someone who needs to know that life isn't over after a relapse or a prison sentence.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Surviving Foster Care & Childhood Trauma
03:15 – Abandoned in Mexico: The Illegal Girls’ Home
21:00 – From Prescribed Percocet to the Opioid Epidemic
30:40 – The Descent: Heroin, Meth, & Hitting Rock Bottom
37:20 – Robbery, Running, & a Prison Sentence
50:00 – Sobering Up Behind Bars
53:00 – Grieving Her Father Without Relapsing
57:00 – Restoring Motherhood & Fighting for Custody
59:00 – Life After Prison: Radical Resilience
59:45 – How to Find Lacey Online
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
How does childhood trauma in foster care lead to addiction?
What is the link between prescription painkillers and heroin use?
Can you recover from heroin and meth addiction in prison?
How do I cope with the death of a parent in early sobriety?
How can I get custody of my children back after prison?
What are the signs of a "mother wound" in recovery?
How does radical transparency help break the addiction stigma?
Can an addict return to a professional career like dental assisting?
What is it like to sober up in a jail cell?
How do you set boundaries with toxic people in recovery?
What is the impact of family suicide on the recovery journey?
How do you handle bankruptcy caused by drug addiction?
Is it possible to find love and marriage after prison?
How do I deal with resentment toward guardians during recovery?
What does "radical resilience" look like in long-term sobriety?
#AddictionRecovery #PrisonToPurpose #SobrietyStories

From rave influencer to sober advocate, Reno (@CherryEmojiGirl) gets radically honest about the "cringe" and beauty of recovery. Reno shares her intense journey through polysubstance addiction, including alcohol, cocaine, ketamine, and whippets, while navigating the highs of Southern California's rave scene. She opens up about the deep-seated trauma of being adopted out at birth after her biological mother was convicted of child abuse related to Munchausen by proxy. Reno also discusses the complexities of mental health, from her initial BPD misdiagnosis to managing bipolar disorder with mood stabilizers. 
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
This episode explores the reality of "functional" addiction where life looks great on the outside while rotting on the inside. Reno breaks down how she transitioned from "balls to the wall" drug use to finding a community of sober ravers who prioritize wellness over the "pretty privilege" of free substances. Learn why she believes being "cringe" is the most authentic thing you can do and how digging deep into self-accountability finally allowed her to put down the drugs for good. Whether you are sober-curious or in long-term recovery, Reno’s story is a testament that it does get better—even if it gets harder first. 
Subscribe and comment to join our community of radical honesty.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – The Swag of Being Cringe  
04:41 – Introducing Reno (@CherryEmojiGirl)  
08:19 – Adoption Trauma & Munchausen by Proxy  
11:13 – Choosing No Contact for Healing  
17:11 – Rave Culture & The "Influencer" Struggle  
20:13 – Early Drug Use & "Robo-Tripping"
25:59 – Bipolar Disorder vs. BPD Misdiagnosis  
31:10 – The Turning Point: Quitting in the Backyard  
40:05 – How to Rave Sober (and Still Have Fun)  
46:26 – Authenticity & Helping Others Online  
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
Can I stay sober and still go to raves?  
What is the difference between Bipolar and BPD?  
How does adoption trauma affect addiction in later life?  
What are the signs of Munchausen by Proxy?  
Why is radical honesty important in recovery?  
How do I go "no contact" with a parent for my mental health?  
Is ketamine addiction common in the EDM scene?  
Can SSRIs cause mania in people with bipolar disorder?  
What does a "functional" rock bottom actually look like?  
How to handle emotional reactivity in early sobriety?  
What is "cocaethylene" and why is it dangerous?  
How do I stop people-pleasing while sober?  
Is it possible to get sober without traditional rehab?  
How to protect your mental health on social media?  
Why does being "cringe" help with authentic recovery?  
#SoberRaving #BipolarRecovery #AddictionRecovery

Coming up on three years of sobriety, Riley Whelan returns to Recoverycast to share the profound shift from "not drinking" to achieving true emotional sobriety. After a public journey through addiction and a humbling relapse, Riley discusses the reality of rebuilding a life, the anxiety of the "three-year itch," and why she transitioned from a chaotic lifestyle to finding peace in Saturday nights at home.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
In this episode, Riley dives deep into the "amends" process, recounting a powerful and healing confrontation with a family who took her in during her lowest point in San Diego. We explore the tools that keep her grounded—including morning meditation, restorative yoga, and the 12-step program—while navigating her new role as a social media coordinator and recovery advocate. Riley’s story is a testament to the fact that while you can't outthink the disease of addiction, you can outwork it by staying "in the middle of the boat" with the help of a supportive community. Whether you are struggling with alcohol, substances, or the boredom of early recovery, this conversation offers a roadmap for turning wreckage into a life of purpose and sparkle.
Subscribe to hear more stories of hope and resilience. If Riley’s journey resonated with you, leave a comment below!
⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – The Snapshot: 3 Years Ago vs. Now 02:15 – What is Emotional Sobriety? 05:10 – Practical Tools: Meditation, Yoga & Nature 07:20 – Why Relapse is a Part of the Story 09:15 – Making Amends: Healing the San Diego Trauma 13:45 – The Gift of Boredom & Sitting with Yourself 17:40 – Running From Silence: The Travel Trap 19:45 – Staying Grounded as a Sober Content Creator 24:30 – Navigating Treatment: Residential vs. Sober Living 32:00 – The "Sober Glow" & Breaking the Stigma
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
What is the difference between physical and emotional sobriety?
How do I handle the boredom and restlessness that comes with long-term recovery?
What are the best morning routines for people in addiction recovery?
How do I make amends to people I hurt during my addiction?
Can yoga and physical exercise help with alcohol cravings?
How does ADHD affect the ability to sit still in sobriety?
What should I do if I feel like I am "running away" through travel or distractions?
How do I stay humble when I start experiencing the "gifts of sobriety"?
What is the role of a sponsor in the 12-step program?
How do I choose between residential treatment and outpatient care?
Does my skin and physical appearance change after quitting alcohol?
How can social media be used as a positive tool for recovery?
#SobrietyStories #AlcoholRecovery #MentalHealthMatters

Singer-songwriter Samuel Harness, known for his breakout performance on Season 21 of The Voice, joins Recoverycast to share the raw reality of his journey through addiction recovery and childhood trauma. In this vulnerable episode, Samuel discusses the long-term impact of sexual assault, the complexities of being an adoptee, and the intense pressure of the music industry. From navigating anxiety and depression to his experiences with Adderall, alcohol, and psychedelics, Samuel illustrates how substances became a coping mechanism for a "dark cloud" building inside him.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Samuel details a pivotal moment in his sobriety story: finding out he was going to be a father while high on acid. This wake-up call led him to trade emotional absence for spiritual presence, finding an anchor in his faith and his son. He also offers a rare look at the difficulties of relapse prevention, specifically how he navigated a recent major back injury and the temptation of pain medication while maintaining his recovery. This conversation moves beyond generic "drug addiction" narratives to explore the "medicine" of music and the lifelong process of healing.
If you are struggling with substance abuse or identity, Samuel’s story is a powerful reminder that while we are all "broken," there is a path to becoming a "multifaceted human being" defined by purpose rather than pain.
Subscribe to Recoverycast for more stories of hope, comment your thoughts below, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 — Introduction to Samuel Harness 
01:41 — How Emo Music Provided Emotional Security 
05:57 — Processing Childhood Trauma & Early Anxiety 
08:48 — Adoption Identity & Generational Trauma 
12:41 — From Public School Freedom to Substance Abuse 
17:31 — Modeling, Eating Disorders, & Psychedelics 
18:56 — The Turning Point: Finding Out I’m a Dad While High 
28:28 — Navigating Fame on The Voice & Social Anxiety 
37:01 — Redefining Recovery: Why We Must Talk About Relapse 
47:30 — Managing a Back Injury Without Relapsing on Pills 
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
How does childhood sexual assault impact mental health in adulthood? 
What are the common coping mechanisms for children with untreated anxiety? 
How do adoption and birth parent rejection influence addiction? 
What was Samuel Harness's sobriety turning point? 
How does the modeling industry contribute to eating disorders? 
Can music serve as a form of therapy or "medicine"? 
What are the dangers of psychedelic use on long-term mental health? 
How can fatherhood motivate someone to stay sober? 
What is it like to navigate social anxiety while being a public figure? 
Is it possible to manage chronic pain medication in recovery? 
Why is the shame surrounding relapse so damaging to healing? 
How does Samuel Harness define himself beyond his music? 
What role does faith play in Samuel Harness's recovery? 
How can a ten-minute walk assist in mental health recovery? 
What are the "stereotypical steps" people try to take to feel normal? 
#SamuelHarness #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness