Jason Thompson: Rising from Addiction to Advocate
For me, my disease and early sobriety- I'm dissecting everything I'm looking for any reason why I don't relate to somebody.
Growing up in Portsmouth, OH, Jason Thompson witnessed the early devastation of pill mills and the grip of opiate addiction on his community. In this episode of 'Stigmatized', he opens up about his journey from the depths of addiction to becoming a beacon of hope in the behavioral health field. Jason's story is one of resilience and transformation. He battled with alcohol and drugs throughout high school and college, leading to numerous legal troubles.
Each attempt to recapture the fleeting highs of his addiction only brought more chaos into his life. Hitting rock bottom, Jason found himself in rehab, where he met a mentor who would change his life forever. Through the 12-step fellowship, Jason embraced recovery with determination and has now been sober for over 16 years. Today, with a Master's degree in social work, he dedicates his life to helping others facing similar struggles.
He works with both adolescents and adults, consulting for a children's hospital and running an adolescent program at the Lender Center of Hope. Jason also has a private practice where he supports adolescents and their families through the often daunting process of mental health treatment. In this heartfelt episode, Jason emphasizes the crucial role of surrendering and accepting help in recovery. He discusses the impact of environment on addiction and the importance of honesty in treatment.
His reflections offer a raw and inspiring look at the challenges and triumphs of overcoming addiction. Whether you're on your own recovery journey or supporting someone who is, Jason's story is a powerful reminder that change is possible.