Matthew Fiorenza: Finding Strength in Sobriety After PTSD and Addiction
For a lot of us it's a matter of when it's going to happen. Then we have to start talking about solution.
Imagine facing the daily pressures of being a firefighter and paramedic, only to be hit with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. That's exactly what happened to Matthew Fiorenza, who shares his deeply personal story in this episode of 'Chase The Vase'. Hosted by Brock Bevell, Matthew opens up about his struggles with mental health and how he turned to alcohol and pain medication as a form of self-medication.
But this isn’t just a tale of hardship; it's one of resilience and hope. Matthew talks about the perfect storm of challenges he faced—anxiety, depression, PTSD, and a back injury that required surgery. This led him down a dark path of addiction. However, he found a lifeline in an intensive treatment program designed for drug and alcohol dependency and co-occurring mental health issues. Today, Matthew is not only sober but also a mentor to others in the First Responder community.
He volunteers at the Save a Warrior program, helping others find their own paths to recovery. Brock and Matthew dive into the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction, especially among first responders. They discuss the importance of supporting those who serve our communities, highlighting that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in stories of recovery, mental health awareness, and the power of community support.
If you’re looking for an inspiring conversation about overcoming trauma and finding strength in sobriety, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear Matthew's journey from the depths of addiction to becoming a beacon of hope for others.