Daniel Unmanageable

Hard Knox Talks: Sober Stories. Real Talk.

Daniel Unmanageable

  • Retired NHL Player Rich Pilon talks about his suicide attempt and recovery from cocaine addiction.

Retired NHL Player Rich Pilon talks about his suicide attempt and recovery from cocaine addiction.

Tuesday 6th August 2024

Rich Pilon opens up about his journey from NHL star to addiction survivor. Hear his inspiring story of recovery and resilience.
Explicit
50 minutes
Inspiring
Honest
Supportive
Hopeful
Engaging

About this podcast

Hard Knox Talks: Sober Stories. Real Talk.
Author:
Daniel Unmanageable
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Links:
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From NHL Glory to Addiction: Rich Pilon's Story of Survival

Episode Overview

  • Rich Pilon shares his experience growing up in a dysfunctional family.
  • He discusses how an injury led him to cocaine addiction.
  • Rich opens up about his suicide attempt and what saved him.
  • He reflects on the importance of asking for help.
  • Rich talks about his journey to long-term sobriety and mental health advocacy.
I did my seatbelt and I rolled my truck... After my failed attempt, my eyes were opened and I reached inward.
Retired NHL player Rich Pilon shares his raw and emotional journey from the highs of professional hockey to the depths of addiction and a near-fatal suicide attempt. Growing up in the Métis community of St. Louis, Saskatchewan, Rich faced a turbulent childhood marked by family dysfunction and early exposure to alcohol. Despite these challenges, he made it to the NHL, only to see his career nearly end due to injury.
During his recovery, he fell into cocaine addiction, which eventually led him to quit his $1.5 million-a-year career. His addiction spiralled out of control until he saw no other way out but to end his life. After surviving a dramatic suicide attempt, Rich realised he needed help and began his long journey to recovery.
In this heartfelt episode, Rich talks openly about the pressures of maintaining his identity as a professional athlete, the devastating impact of addiction on his life and career, and his path to healing. Now 20 years sober, he reflects on the importance of reaching out for help and the transformative power of community support. Host Daniel Unmanageable facilitates a candid conversation that covers everything from Rich's early years to his present-day advocacy for mental health and sobriety.
Rich's story is not just about struggle; it's about resilience and the courage to seek help. His experiences offer hope and insight for anyone battling addiction or supporting someone who is. This episode is a must-listen for those looking for inspiration and practical advice on overcoming life's toughest challenges. Are you ready to hear a story of survival and redemption? Tune in to learn how Rich Pilon turned his life around and what keeps him grounded today.