What does it truly mean to be recovered from addiction, not just perpetually "in recovery"? Is lasting freedom, a complete rebirth, an achievable reality rather than a lifelong battle?

In this powerful and deeply transformational episode of the Recovered Addict podcast, hosts Duane Yardman-Frank and Jason Rigby challenge the conventional labels and timelines associated with healing. After a decade of dedicated work, Duane shares his profound shift in perspective: why the identity of being "in recovery" no longer resonates, and how full biological, spiritual, and emotional restoration is not only possible but is the pathway to a life of genuine thriving.

Join Duane and Jason as they meticulously unpack the journey from the initial chaos of addiction to embodying a new, empowered identity as a fully RECOVERED individual. This isn't merely about survival or maintenance; it's about a complete personal transformation, a reclaiming of your intrinsic power as a creator of your life, moving decisively beyond the victim narrative.

In this episode, you'll discover the three crucial phases of this transformation:

• Phase 1: Stabilizing the Biological Chaos: Dive into the foundational steps essential for calming the physical storm addiction leaves behind. Learn about the non-negotiable power of total abstinence and the critical role of fueling your body with a nutrient-dense diet to rebuild cellular health and restore physical equilibrium. This stage is about laying a solid biological groundwork for deeper healing.

• Phase 2: Psychological Reframing & Embracing a Creator Identity: This is where the mental battleground shifts. Understand how to consciously move from a disempowering victim mentality to embracing your inherent power as the architect of your reality. We explore actionable, life-altering tools such as the consistent practice of daily journaling for emotional processing and clarity, alongside the profound impact of gratitude prayers in reshaping your mental landscape and fostering robust mental health.

• Phase 3: Spiritual Mastery & Living Fully in the Present Moment: Ascend to a new level of awareness, inner peace, and spiritual connection. This phase focuses on learning to live deeply and authentically in the present moment, a space where, as Jason Rigby powerfully states, "In the present moment, there is no addiction." It's about discovering a renewed life purpose, mindfully creating order out of past chaos, and connecting with your higher self.

Memorable Insights You Won't Want to Miss:

• "In the present moment, there is no addiction." – Jason Rigby
• "I became a new person. My cells regenerated, and so did my spirit." – Duane Yardman-Frank
• "We are not victims. We are creators of our lives now." – Duane Yardman-Frank

This episode is an essential listen for anyone on a sobriety journey who yearns for something more than just daily management of their condition. It is for those who are ready to embrace the possibility of a full rebirth, a complete personal transformation that leads to a new life defined by unshakeable inner peace, expansive spiritual growth, and authentic, lasting freedom.

If you've ever felt confined or limited by the "in recovery" label, or if you're seeking a path to a deeper, more holistic form of healing, this conversation will illuminate the way.

Tune in to Recovered Addict and explore how you, too, can transcend old identities and step into the fullness of a life completely reclaimed.

Keywords for discoverability: addiction recovery, recovered addict, mental health, spiritual growth, sobriety journey, personal transformation, inner peace, healing journey, new identity, addiction freedom, biological healing, psychological healing, spiritual mastery, abstinence, nutrient-dense diet, creator mindset, overcoming addiction, self-help, motivation, inspiration.

Are you struggling with addiction recovery, battling relapse, or feeling trapped by shame? This powerful episode of the Recovered Addict Podcast will show you how making amends and practicing forgiveness can transform your life and break the chains of guilt, fear, and self-hate.

Hosts Jason Rigby and Duane Yardman-Frank share raw, personal stories and brutal truths that most recovery programs won’t tell you.
If you’re ready to face the wreckage of your past and rebuild your future, this is your wake-up call.

🎙️ In this episode, we uncover:

• Why sobriety doesn’t fix your life—it exposes the wreckage.

• How relapse is not failure, but a critical part of most recovery journeys (85% relapse rate).

• Why toxic support systems can sabotage your sobriety (and how to build a true recovery tribe).

• How the stigma of addiction can be deadlier than addiction itself—and how to overcome judgment and reclaim your self-worth.

• How making real amends ignites spiritual healing, radical forgiveness, and lasting transformation.

Key Topics Covered:

• Addiction Recovery Strategies

• Overcoming Relapse Shame

• Making Amends and Building Bridges

• Breaking the Stigma Around Addiction

• Healing Emotional Trauma in Sobriety

• Finding Purpose and Meaning in Recovery

• Spiritual Growth through Forgiveness

Highlights from the Episode:

• Duane's near-death blackout experience and ambulance ride to survival.

• Jason's insights from surviving homelessness and three helicopter crashes.

• Powerful metaphors: fighting the "dragon" of addiction, confronting the cross of suffering, and the solo desert journey.

• Actionable steps: How to build a real support network, break free from judgment, and forgive yourself to heal.

Why This Episode Matters:Addiction recovery isn't about pretending everything gets better overnight — it's about confronting brutal truths with courage and finding the real freedom that comes after forgiveness.
This episode isn’t for the faint of heart — it’s for warriors ready to fight for their lives.

If you're tired of fake positivity and ready for real solutions, this conversation will hit home.

🎯 Related Episodes to Watch Next:

• The Surprising Truth About Relapse and How to Bounce Back Stronger

• Finding Purpose in Recovery: How to Create a Life Worth Living

• From Isolation to Connection: Building a Recovery Support Community

✨ FREE Resource:
🆓 Download our Free Guide to Making Amends and jumpstart your healing journey.

📩 Want to connect with Jason and Duane?
Share your story or get support by emailing: jason@higherdensityliving.com

Notable Quotes:

"Sobriety doesn't hand you a new life. It forces you to rebuild from the ashes." – Jason Rigby
"Relapse isn't failure. It's the rule, not the exception." – Duane Yardman-Frank
"You don’t go where you’re tolerated. You go where you’re celebrated." – Duane Yardman-Frank

💬 If this episode resonates with you:

• Save it.

• Share it with someone fighting their own battle.

• Rate and review the show to help others find real hope and healing.

You are NOT alone. Recovery is possible. Let's walk this path together.

In this episode of 'Recovered Addict host Jason Rigby interviews Max Stephens about his journey from a childhood marked by family addiction to becoming a successful personal coach for high-profile clients. Max shares how he transformed his traumatic experiences into wisdom and success, offering hope and practical advice for those looking to break free from their own cycles of dysfunction.

Join host Jason Rigby as he interviews Max Stephens, a personal strategist who has turned his painful past of family addiction into a platform for success. Max grew up in a home marked by his father’s addiction, experiencing first-hand the childhood trauma that comes with living with an addicted parent. Despite these challenges, Max has not only overcome his own demons but has also built a career coaching some of the world’s most influential figures in business and entertainment.

In this candid conversation, Max delves into his early realization of his father’s struggles, his role as a parental figure to his own father due to codependency issues, and how these experiences shaped his attachment styles and relationships. He discusses his journey towards self-forgiveness and setting healthy boundaries, emphasizing the importance of breaking generational cycles of addiction and dysfunction.

Key topics include:

• The impact of growing up with an addicted parent on mental health

• Codependency and self-blame in relationships affected by addiction

• Survival mindset and its effects on personal relationships and financial management

• The role of meditation in healing from childhood trauma

• Forgiving and moving forward from past trauma caused by family members

• Setting boundaries and asserting one’s worth in recovery

Max’s story is a beacon of hope for anyone facing similar challenges in their family dynamics or personal recovery journey from trauma related to substance abuse.

1. Introduction and Background (00:01 - 00:47)

2. First Signs of Dysfunction at Home (00:47 - 02:37)

3. Impactful Childhood Experiences (02:37 - 05:23)

4. Codependency and Self-Blame (05:23 - 07:29)

5. Survival Mentality and Financial Struggles (07:29 - 10:44)

6. Impact on Relationships and Attachment Styles (10:44 - 14:40)

7. Awareness of Family Dysfunction (14:40 - 19:16)

8. Avoiding Addiction Himself (19:16 - 21:31)

9. Relationships and Personal Development Obsession (21:31 - 24:55)

10. Trust Issues and People-Pleasing (24:55 - 29:51)

11. Role Reversal and Emotional Growth (29:51 - 33:31)

12. Strengths from Adversity (33:31 - 35:05)

13. Meditation and Internal Focus (35:05 - 39:03)

14. Unlearning Core Beliefs (39:03 - 46:30)

15. Forgiveness and Healing (46:30 - 01:05:08)

16. Setting Boundaries (01:05:08 - 01:09:17)

17. Message for Those in Addiction Cycles (01:09:17 - 01:13:28)

18. Closing and Contact Information (01:13:28 - 01:15:15)

    
    

• "I thought if my dad loved me more, he would have gotten better." - Max Stephens

• "Meditation saved my life; it helped me shift my focus from external achievements to internal healing." - Max Stephens

• "Forgiveness is an insight that others’ actions are about their struggles, not about me." - Max Stephens

• Max Stephens Website: maxstephenscoaching.com

• Recovered Addict podcast Website: recoveredaddictpodcast.com

Want more stories of resilience and recovery? Don't miss an episode—subscribe to the Recovered Addict podcast today! And for personalized guidance on your own journey, visit Max Stephens website at maxstephenscoaching.com for a free call.