Dan Peres: From Editor-in-Chief to Opioid Survivor
I remember watching the movie with Ray Charles about Ray Charles, where Jamie Foxx plays- I think it's just called Ray- and he sort of kicks this heroin habit- or I would read books about people, kind of you know, journeying to recovery and it would give me hope and it would show me that there is a path out.
Imagine juggling a high-profile career while battling a crippling addiction. That's the story of Dan Peres, former editor-in-chief of Details Magazine, who opens up about his harrowing journey through opioid addiction in this episode of Sober Nation FM. Hosted by Jonathan Sylvester, this conversation peels back the layers of Peres' life, revealing the stark contrast between his public persona and private struggles. Dan's descent into addiction began innocently enough with painkillers prescribed for an injury in 1995.
By 2003, he was consuming around 60 Vicodin pills a day, despite no longer being in pain. He recounts how he would limp into doctors' offices, feigning agony to secure more prescriptions. Despite his outward success, Dan was constantly fearful and high, a state he describes with raw honesty and surprising humor. One striking anecdote involves a meeting with boxer Mike Tyson that ended abruptly when Dan had to run outside to vomit.
It's moments like these that underscore the chaos of his addiction, yet Dan's ability to find humor in his darkest times provides a unique perspective on his journey. Dan didn't find sobriety until 2007, thanks to the intervention of an old friend and the support of a 12 Step program. Now, he shares his story not just to recount his past but to offer hope to others.
He emphasizes the importance of honesty and a strong support system in recovery, and how books and movies about recovery played a crucial role in his own journey. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking insight into the complexities of addiction and the power of resilience. Dan's story is a testament to the fact that recovery is possible, even from the depths of despair.