Damon West: From Prison to Purpose and Advocacy
I'm homeless man, I'm living in dope, and that takes you down fast, man... Addicts aren't necessarily bad people, they're sick people that do bad things. And I was an addict and that was in my addiction.
Imagine being a rising star as a Division 1 starting quarterback, only to have it all come crashing down due to addiction. That’s the reality Damon West faced after a career-ending injury led him down a dark path of meth addiction, culminating in a seven-year stint in maximum security prison. But Damon's story doesn't end there.
In this episode of 'Rehab Confidential', hosts Joe Schrank and Amy Dresner sit down with Damon to unpack his remarkable journey of recovery and redemption. Damon, now a college professor and best-selling author of 'The Coffee Bean', shares how he transformed his life behind bars and emerged as a nationally known keynote speaker. He introduces the coffee bean analogy that helped him shift the prison atmosphere from one of despair to hope.
Damon’s advocacy doesn't stop at his own recovery; he's also deeply involved in prison reform and reentry programs, including a groundbreaking initiative to help men of color become elementary school teachers. This episode dives into heavy topics like systemic racism in the criminal justice system, the barriers to reentry for former inmates, and the crucial support needed for recovery.
If you're looking for a story that blends personal struggle with impactful advocacy, this conversation with Damon West is one you won't want to miss.