Finding Hope: Nick Padlo's Journey from Despair to Recovery
Episode Overview
Nick Padlo shares his journey from West Point to battling addiction. Discusses the impact of military service on mental health. Highlights the importance of having multiple recovery pathways. Emphasises the role of community and relationships in recovery. Shares practical advice on building a successful recovery programme.
It's almost as if I was standing in a puddle of gasoline, but nothing was on fire. And then all of a sudden a match came along.
In this episode of the SMART Recovery® Podcast, host Luke Frazier sits down with Nick Padlo, a West Point graduate, Army combat veteran, and CEO of Sophros Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida. Nick's journey is nothing short of riveting – from his unexpected start at West Point due to a recruitment video, to his successful business career, and the dark turn his life took through depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder.
Nick opens up about how his life began to unravel, leading to a downward spiral marked by a failed marriage and increasing substance misuse. He recounts the pivotal moment in 2018 when he faced a life-or-death decision and chose recovery over ending his life. This decision led him to explore various recovery tools, including dialectical behaviour therapy and mindfulness practices. Nick also discusses the importance of building healthy relationships and having a supportive community in recovery.
He shares how different pathways to recovery can be crucial for different individuals, highlighting the significance of having multiple options like SMART Recovery and 12-step programmes. Nick's story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of recovery. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for inspiration and practical advice on overcoming addiction and building a fulfilling life.