Pej Alaghamandan

Peji's Recovery Corner

Pej Alaghamandan

  • S1E20 - Kicking a Cocaine & Alcohol Habit

S1E20 - Kicking a Cocaine & Alcohol Habit

Tuesday 17th October 2023

Join Pej Alaghamandan and Joe Ortiz on 'Peji's Recovery Corner' for an inspiring discussion on battling addiction and finding hope in recovery.
52 minutes
Raw
Resilient
Inspiring
Compassionate
Hopeful

About this podcast

Peji's Recovery Corner
Author:
Pej Alaghamandan
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery Reimagined
Family Recovery from Addiction
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Links:
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From Darkness to Light: Joe Ortiz’s Path to Sobriety

Episode Overview

  • Joe Ortiz shares his journey of battling addiction and finding hope in recovery
  • The episode delves into the impact of childhood trauma and struggles with addiction
  • Joe reflects on the challenges of maintaining sobriety and the healing process within the brain
  • Pej and Joe discuss the rewarding aspects of their work in the recovery and intervention field
  • Their shared love for Prince adds a personal touch to their professional bond
I always had fear. And that is just one of the common things that, you know, transcended into my adult life. And eventually, you know, alcohol and then drugs helped me with, right, to cover that fear and give me those beer muscles and the confidence with the ladies and all that.
Imagine growing up in a tough neighborhood, feeling like the odd one out, and finding temporary solace in alcohol and drugs. This is Joe Ortiz’s story, and he shares it with raw honesty on this episode of 'Peji's Recovery Corner'. Host Pej Alaghamandan, with 14 years of sobriety, sits down with Joe, a trained Drug and Alcohol Interventionist, to dive into his journey from addiction to recovery.
Joe’s tale begins in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where he was a shy kid who turned to substances to cope with his insecurities. What started as a way to fit in spiraled into a destructive habit that affected every aspect of his life. The episode takes listeners through the highs and lows of Joe’s struggle with cocaine and alcohol, revealing how these substances initially offered a false sense of confidence and fun but ultimately led to personal and familial breakdowns.
Joe opens up about the toll his addiction took on his marriage and children, and the pivotal moment that pushed him to seek help. This conversation isn’t just about the hardships; it’s also about the hope and resilience that come with recovery. Joe and Pej discuss the ongoing challenges of staying sober, such as battling lingering urges and the brain’s healing process.
They also touch on the fulfilling aspects of their work in the recovery field, highlighting how they support others facing similar battles. Adding a personal touch, Joe and Pej bond over their shared love for Prince, illustrating how music can be a powerful connector even in the darkest times. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the complexities of addiction and the transformative power of seeking help.
It’s a must-listen for anyone touched by addiction or looking for inspiration on the road to recovery.