Surviving a Gunshot Wasn’t His Turning Point—Recovery Was

From a childhood marked by trauma and instability to multiple incarcerations, heroin addiction, and even surviving a gunshot to the head—Rick opens up about the chaos that defined his past and the redemption he’s found in recovery. Rick reflects on the moment he finally surrendered on February 5, 2008, and how that surrender sparked a transformation that's helped him become a community leader, father, and advocate. He shares how meaningful work—including launching Redemption House and running recovery housing for over a decade—continues to give his life purpose. 🔥 Key Topics Covered:Rick’s early life and introduction to drugs at age 13Escaping a wilderness program and his first encounters with the justice systemSurviving a near-fatal shooting during a robbery gone wrongGoing to prison—and later choosing recovery while incarceratedGetting clean in 2008 and rebuilding his lifeThe power of service, connection, and purpose in recoveryThe creation and impact of Redemption House, a safe bridge for those who relapseHow one redemption bed can save the state $141,000/yearInspiring success stories of people who found hope through recovery housingThe role of CCAR and recovery coaching in sustained wellness   00:00 Introduction and Host Backgrounds 00:32 Rick's Early Life and Family Struggles 01:25 Teenage Years and First Encounters with Drugs 02:19 Legal Troubles and Juvenile Detention 02:57 Escaping and Continued Struggles 03:57 First Prison Sentence and Continued Drug Use 06:23 Near-Death Experience and Hospitalization 09:33 Recovery Journey and Sober Living 11:05 Life in Recovery and Helping Others 12:29 The Redemption House Initiative 13:47 Building Community Relationships 14:15 The Role of Redemption House 14:46 Support Services at Redemption House 15:12 Success Stories and Future Plans 16:01 The Importance of Recovery Community 16:16 Personal Recovery Journeys 18:07 The Financial Impact of Redemption House 19:00 The Need for Long-Term Recovery Support 20:53 Self-Love and Purpose in Recovery 22:09 Inspiring Personal Stories 24:27 Exciting Future Projects 24:50 Concluding Thoughts on Recovery   🔗 Resources & Mentions:🎧 Risen From the Ashes: The Redemption Podcast (Rick’s other podcast) – Available on Spotify🏠 Redemption House – A nonprofit recovery bridge for individuals who relapse🤝 CCAR – Get connected with a Recovery Coach: https://ccar.us ----Across the Web---- 🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us ✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/ 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO... 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast? 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/ 🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery 📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery 🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery