Finding Community: Drew Callner's Path from Addiction to Filmmaking
I had always been yearning for something. I felt like everybody else was experiencing life in a way that I just had to wait my turn for, or like I don't understand.
Ever felt like an outsider, struggling to find your place? Drew Callner knows that feeling all too well. In this episode of APC Recovery Cafe, Drew, an award-winning filmmaker, opens up about his journey from active addiction to finding a supportive community in Alabama. Growing up in Seattle, Drew's substance use began in his teenage years and gradually spiraled into a full-blown disorder.
Moving to Alabama was a turning point, leading him to recovery support groups like AA and HA, where he finally found the connection he had been missing. Drew's story is a testament to the power of community and the importance of hope in early recovery. Now the owner of Callner Creates, a video production business in Birmingham, Drew uses his platform to help others by sharing his experiences.
His work includes directing 'Recovering Hope', a documentary that delves into the lives of six individuals affected by the opioid epidemic and heroin addiction. This episode isn't just about overcoming addiction; it's about finding your tribe and using your past struggles to make a difference. Tune in to hear Drew's inspiring journey and join the conversation on breaking the stigma surrounding substance use disorder.