Episode 57: Destructive Beginnings to Recovery and Strength with Rachel VasquezEpisode 57: Destructive Beginnings to Recovery and Strength with Rachel Vasquez
Recovery Plus Podcast: F*ck Yesterday, Focus on Today
Join Dr. Mei-Li Hennen in Episode 57 as she interviews Rachel Vasquez, a certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor working as a Clinical Manager at an outpatient facility with an awe-inspiring journey of resilience and personal transformation. From a destructive path that began at the age of 12 to encounters with the criminal justice system by 22, Rachel's story takes a turn towards redemption when she decides to return to school at 37, ultimately graduating with a college degree. Having battled addiction for over two decades and now in recovery since 2014, Rachel shares her incredible journey and unwavering commitment to helping others overcome addiction, trauma, and grief. In this episode, Rachel delves into her focus on potential, willingness, vulnerability, and surrender as crucial elements in her path to recovery and personal growth. Tune in to explore Rachel's resilience and her passionate drive to make a positive impact, along with insightful thoughts on navigating the Holidays. Don't miss this empowering episode that showcases the strength of the human spirit and the possibilities of a purposeful life.
54:22•20 Dec 2023
Rachel Vasquez: From Turbulent Beginnings to Inspiring Recovery
Episode Overview
- Rachel's journey from a destructive path to recovery and personal strength
- Challenges of working in recovery as a person in recovery
- The significance of vulnerability and honesty in maintaining sobriety
- Insights into the impact of trauma on the recovery process
- Emphasizing the importance of doing the work to sustain sobriety
“I always feel like I'm alone. Even when I am alone, I don't feel like I'm alone.”
Picture a 12-year-old on a destructive path, spiraling deeper into chaos until encounters with the criminal justice system by age 22. That was Rachel Vasquez. In this episode, Dr. Mei-Li Hennen sits down with Rachel, now a certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor and Clinical Manager, to unpack her remarkable journey. Rachel's story is one of grit and transformation.
At 37, she decided to go back to school despite having only a sixth-grade education, and by 40, she had a college degree in hand. Her battle with addiction spanned over two decades, but since 2014, she’s been in recovery, dedicating her life to helping others find their way out of the darkness. Rachel dives into the power of potential, the necessity of willingness, and the importance of vulnerability and surrender in her recovery journey.
She also shares candid thoughts on the challenges of working in recovery while being in recovery herself. This episode is a raw and heartfelt exploration of resilience, trauma, and the relentless work required to maintain sobriety. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that showcases the strength of the human spirit and the endless possibilities for a purposeful life.
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