Joanie Sigal
Joanie Sigal
Tonja Myles: From the Crack House to the White House
Tonja Myles: From the Crack House to the White House
Tonja Myles: From the Crack House to the White House
Thursday 5th October 2023
Join Tonja Myles as she shares her powerful journey from addiction to advocacy in this episode of 'The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return'.
33 minutes
Inspiring
Raw
Hopeful
Empowering
Informative
About this podcast
Author:
Joanie Sigal
Overview:
Categories:
Family Recovery from Addiction
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Sobriety Success Stories
Creative Recovery Journeys
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Tonja Myles: From Addiction to Advocacy
Episode Overview
- Tonja Myles shares her transformative 36-year journey of recovery, from addiction and childhood trauma to leadership and advocacy
- Her 'When You Are Ready' campaign aims to reduce overdose deaths with peer support and harm reduction strategies
- Tonja emphasizes the importance of addressing addiction, reducing stigma, and pushing hope for those battling mental health and substance abuse
- Her work includes prison outreach, policy advocacy, and supporting individuals and families with resources and education
- This episode offers raw and intimate insights, providing hope and support for anyone struggling with addiction or seeking help for a loved one
I go so, you know, down and dirty about my real stuff because I want people to know that no matter what you've done, you might think this is my rock bottom and there's no way out of this black hole, but there is hope. And I've never looked back.
Tonja Myles' life reads like a novel, filled with chapters of struggle, resilience, and triumph. As a leader, ordained minister, and advocate for mental health and substance abuse recovery, Tonja's story is nothing short of inspiring. She has spent over 36 years in recovery from addiction, facing down demons like suicide attempts and the scars of childhood and adult sexual abuse.
Diagnosed with PTSD, she has not only survived but thrived, sharing her journey through books, documentaries, and national TV series. Tonja’s 'WHEN YOU ARE READY' campaign is a testament to her commitment to saving lives. By leading a team of peer support specialists, she tackles overdose hotspots with data-driven treatment resources, harm reduction strategies, and peer mentoring. For seven years, she has hosted healing circles that offer community support, embodying her 'NO JUDGEMENT, NO STIGMA' campaign.
This peer-led movement fights against the stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse while providing essential resources. Tonja’s unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life—from the incarcerated to the affluent—stems from her blend of personality, knowledge, and personal experience. Her certifications in mental health first aid and as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist bolster her advocacy work. Additionally, her military service in the Louisiana Army National Guard has honed her leadership skills.
In this episode of 'The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return', Tonja opens up about her path from addiction to advocacy. She discusses her extensive work in prison outreach, policy advocacy, and support services. This episode offers a raw and intimate look into her life, providing hope and practical resources for anyone battling addiction or seeking help for a loved one.