Stephen "Riggy Marz" Melnick: The Medicine of Music | The Hopeaholics Podcast

Stephen "Riggy Marz" Melnick: The Medicine of Music | The Hopeaholics Podcast From a privileged upbringing in a musical, artsy family in Pasadena to a decades-long battle with addiction, Stephen shares his harrowing journey through heroin, meth, and fentanyl, surviving over 50 overdoses, including a devastating one on his son’s birthday that left him confronting the profound impact of his actions on his family. Now, at 38, with three months sober as of April 2025, Stephen opens up about the cycles of relapse, the transformative power of the 12 steps, and the pivotal role music plays in his recovery. Signed to The Orchard/Sony ATV, he channels his pain and hope into his art, creating authentic tracks that resonate with those fighting their own demons. Tune in to hear how Stephen turned his darkest moments—marked by jail, loss, and near-death experiences—into a higher purpose, inspiring others to find light in the chaos of addiction. #thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover  #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #RecoveryIsPossible #Hope #wedorecover  Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics  Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials: https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics  https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics Buy Merch:  https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction.  Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC: https://www.infinitigroupllc.com  Timestamps: 00:04:22 - Relapsing After Three Years of Sobriety 00:05:14 - In and Out of Recovery Since Age 15 00:06:28 - Finding Hope Through 12-Step Work 00:06:58 - Surviving Nine Fentanyl Overdoses 00:08:08 - Transitioning from Heroin to Crack Use 00:09:05 - Relapses Tied to Relationships and Kratom 00:10:27 - Struggling with Compulsive Behaviors 00:14:10 - Expulsion from Boarding School for Drug Use 00:15:18 - First Exposure to AA at Age 15 00:17:39 - Music Career Taking Off in Sobriety 00:26:05 - Realizing Impact of Actions on Family 00:30:06 - Surviving Over 50 Overdoses 01:00:47 - Valuing Artistic Independence 01:02:34 - Seeking Longevity Over Trends 01:04:48 - Music as Healing Therapy 01:06:33 - Staying Authentic in Art 01:11:10 - Sponsoring Others in Recovery 01:12:26 - Reflecting on Relapse and Redemption