José Chavez: From Addiction's Grip to Authentic Living
I suffer from addiction, but also I sometimes tell people that wasn't the hardest part for me... I've now realized to me that is the answer to recovery.
Ever felt like you were living a double life? José Chavez sure did. In this episode of 'Unsweetened Sio', José opens up about his battle with addiction and his journey to recovery. Originally from El Salvador but raised in North Carolina, José seemed like a regular guy—a brother, son, and accountant. But behind this facade was a man grappling with a toxic relationship with food, his first addiction. José's story is raw and real.
He talks about how his addiction morphed over the years, from food to other substances, proving the saying 'one disease, many outlets'. Despite his professional success, José felt trapped by the secrecy and shame of his addiction. It wasn't until he hit rock bottom that he found the 'gift of desperation' and decided to seek help. Through community support and spirituality, José discovered tools to manage cravings and stress.
He shares practical tips on how to cope, like reaching out to peers and digging deep to understand the root causes of addiction. His candidness about the ups and downs of recovery offers hope to anyone struggling with similar issues. This episode is more than just a story of overcoming addiction; it's a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and self-acceptance. José's journey will leave you feeling inspired and ready to tackle your own challenges head-on.