Episode Summary
In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with Eric McCoy, a substance abuse counselor with a profound personal journey from addiction to recovery. Eric shares his incredible story of overcoming methamphetamine addiction, facing the brink of death, and transforming his life through a second chance granted by the court system.
Guest Background: Eric McCoy
Eric McCoy is not just any substance abuse counselor; he has lived through the very struggles he now helps others to overcome. His battle with methamphetamine addiction led to multiple arrests and the threat of prison time. However, instead of continuing down a destructive path, Eric chose to change his life, becoming a beacon of hope for others facing similar battles.
Eric’s story is one of resilience and transformation. He went back to school to become a certified substance abuse counselor and has since dedicated his life to helping others navigate their own recovery journeys. His passion for seeing people succeed is evident in his work and his storytelling.
High while clean is based on the premise that highness is not a property of drugs it a property of people. You don’t high on drugs you get high on chemicals in your brain like dopamine
Key Topics Discussed
1. Eric’s Journey to Recovery
- From near-death experiences with methamphetamine to multiple arrests.
- The pivotal moment when the court system offered him a second chance.
- His decision to pursue a career as a substance abuse counselor.
2. Mental Health and Substance Abuse
- Eric’s struggles with mental health, including ADHD and depression.
- The role of medication in his treatment and the importance of holistic methods like exercise.
3. The Influence of Nature vs. Nurture
- The concept of a pleasure deficiency in people who use drugs.
- The Vietnam War as an example of environmental impact on substance use.
- The role of upbringing and parental influence on addiction.
4. Holistic Approaches to Recovery
- The benefits of exercise and meditation in treating substance use disorders.
- Personal anecdotes on how holistic practices have played a role in both Eric’s and my recovery.
5. Eric’s Work and Contributions
- His podcasts: High While Clean and Walk a Mile in My Shoes.
- The book Pain, Failure, and Misery are the Stepping Stones of Success.
- Insights from his interview with Tommy Chong and the discussion on the war on drugs and individual rights.
Personal Reflections and Experiences
In this episode, I also share my own journey with substance use and recovery. From experimenting with psychedelics at my first Grateful Dead concert to using marijuana and alcohol during my skateboarding years, I reflect on the highs and lows of my experience.
I discuss how my own struggles with mental illness and substance use shaped my path towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. The last 15 years have been some of the best of my life, marked by personal achievements, a rewarding career in technology, and the creation of this podcast.
Resources and Recommendations
Eric McCoy’s Work:
- Book: Pain, Failure, and Misery are the Stepping Stones of Success
- Podcasts:
Additional Resources:
- Call 988 for Suicide and Crisis Lines, Substance Use Support Too
Listen and Subscribe
Don’t miss out on Eric’s inspiring story and valuable insights into recovery and resilience. Tune in to the episode on [Podcast Platform], and make sure to subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes!
Listen here: Apple Podcasts
Subscribe here: Youtube K Swiss Series B
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- Follow on Twitter: unmotiveshow
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Thank you for joining us on this episode! If you enjoyed our discussion, please leave a review and share it with your friends and family. Together, we can spread hope and support for those on their recovery journeys.
