Rick reflects on a time when he manipulated the system—using weekend passes from a treatment program to continue getting high—only to find himself back in prison. After years of “half-assing” recovery, everything changed on February 5, 2008, when he truly committed to the process. Rick talks about getting a sponsor, doing step work, and how a job walking dogs at the New Haven Animal Shelter became a healing experience. Now, with nearly two decades in recovery, he shares how his 14-year-old Rottweiler, Lola, has been a loyal companion and a symbol of his growth and responsibility. Transformation is possible—even after relapse, prison, and setbacks. #addiction #addictionrecovery #relapse #purpose #recoveryjourney #recoverymatterspodcast #podcast (fb)

Thank you to the State Appropriations Committee and Public Health Committee for hosting Recovery Day at the Connecticut State Capitol! We spent the day raising awareness for addiction recovery and 'putting a face on recovery!' Thank you to the legislators who came to speak and support Recovery Support Services in Connecticut. We greatly appreciate your commitment to recovery and recovery services funding. Thank you to the Co-chairs of the Appropriations Committee, State Representative Toni Walker and Senator Cathy Osten, the Co-chairs of the Public Health Committee, State Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey and Senator Saud Anwar, and all the others who took time to speak at Recovery Day as well Speaker Matt Ritter, State Representative Jason Rojas, State Representative Vincent Candelora, Senator Heather Somers, State Senator Ceci Maher, State Representative Robin Comey, State Representative Bill Heffernan, State Rep. Devin Carney, Nancy Navarretta of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and Office of Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. Also a special thank you to our incredible community partners who came to Recovery Day to advocate and provide recovery resources. (fb)