In this candid episode of the Recovery Matters Podcast, we sit down with Carter Graves, founder of KMFK Safety Services and Executive Director of Grassroots Harm Reduction. Carter shares their journey of growing up in a household shaped by meth use, navigating personal trauma, and redefining recovery through harm reduction and managed methamphetamine use. With courage, humor, and radical transparency, Carter challenges traditional recovery narratives and offers powerful insights into drug policy, peer-led safety, and what it truly means to heal.

Whether you're in recovery, support harm reduction, or are curious about alternatives to abstinence-based models—this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

00:00 - Carter introduces themselves and their definition of recovery
00:27 - Growing up with a single mother and generational meth use
01:48 - The trauma, poverty, and strength of Carter's family story
03:00 - Early substance use: Adderall, ecstasy, and meth
04:30 - Mother’s death and escalation of use
05:56 - The 2020 uprisings and how a street medic changed everything
06:58 - Quitting meth for three years and entering abstinence-based recovery
08:59 - The physical and emotional toll of abstinence
10:00 - Long COVID and reevaluating recovery
11:00 - Creative life, relapse language, and return to use
12:00 - What is reagent drug checking?
13:20 - Origin story: DanceSafe, MDMA testing, and community care
15:09 - Honoring people where they are on the spectrum of use
17:28 - “Brave space” over “safe space”
18:41 - TJ shares faith-based perspective on harm reduction
20:00 - The roots of KMFK and “Candy F***ing Carter”
21:45 - Expanding into condoms, Plan B, and other peer services
23:11 - From underground raves to national recognition
24:56 - Carter’s current roles at PA Groundhogs and more
25:10 - Learning harm reduction tools for meth use
26:50 - Proper dosing, sleep, and hydration strategies
28:20 - Setting personal boundaries and red flags
30:08 - Support system and what keeps Carter grounded
31:30 - Where to find Carter and KMFK online

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• https://grassrootsharmreduction.org
• https://pagroundhogs.org
• https://dancesafe.org
• KMFK Safety Services on Instagram & Facebook
• 📧 Contact Carter: contactcartergraves@gmail.com

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode to support honest conversations around addiction recovery, substance use, and harm reduction.

----Across the Web----

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Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 181 | TJ and Mickey delve into Mickey's personal journey of long-term recovery. Mickey shares her raw and inspiring story, starting from her early exposure to alcohol and drugs, leading up to a DUI that became the turning point in her life. She speaks candidly about her struggles with addiction to various substances, including alcohol, cannabis, and prescription medications. Mickey also discusses her traumatic childhood experiences, which included abuse and neglect, and how these influenced her path toward addiction. Through sheer determination and multiple therapeutic approaches, including AA, holistic practices, and therapy, Mickey has transformed her life. She reflects on the spiritual experiences that reconnected her with a higher power and the importance of community support in her recovery journey. Mickey's story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of seeking help and building a new life, free from substances.

00:00 Introduction and Host Backgrounds

00:22 Mickey's Early Exposure to Substances

01:05 High School and Early Drug Use

02:57 Struggles with Addiction and Employment

06:16 Family and Childhood Trauma

09:46 Return to Connecticut and Continued Addiction

13:46 The Turning Point: DUI and Therapy

16:30 Journey to Sobriety and AA Meetings

19:52 Exploring Alternative Recovery Paths

21:17 Spiritual Awakening and Nature's Influence

23:24 Ongoing Recovery and Therapy

25:36 Final Thoughts and Advice for Newcomers

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

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Host TJ takes listeners live to the State Capitol in Hartford, Connecticut for Recovery Day. The event features an array of voices, including State Representative Robin Comey, Senator Saud Anwar, and Representatives Patrick Biggins and Devin Kearney, among others, who share their personal stories and legislative efforts to support individuals in recovery. Key discussions include the importance of removing the stigma associated with addiction, the potential benefits of Overdose Prevention Centers, and the need for robust community support and resources. The episode highlights the interconnected nature of recovery, community well-being, and legislative advocacy, emphasizing that recovery is a journey that involves everyone. Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 180

00:00 Introduction to Recovery Matters Podcast

00:26 State Representative Robin Comey's Personal Recovery Journey

02:54 Senator Saud Anwar on Overdose Prevention

07:18 Patrick Biggins on Youth and Recovery

08:43 Students for Recovery: Advocacy and Support

11:29 Taylor Aitken on Legislative Support for Recovery

13:47 Mike Pohl on Community Recovery Efforts

17:42 State Representative Devin Kearney on the Importance of Recovery

18:39 State Representative Toni Walker on Embracing Recovery

21:46 Stacy Sharpentier on Funding and Recovery Support

23:56 Conclusion and Resources for Recovery

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

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From a childhood marked by trauma and instability to multiple incarcerations, heroin addiction, and even surviving a gunshot to the head—Rick opens up about the chaos that defined his past and the redemption he’s found in recovery.

Rick reflects on the moment he finally surrendered on February 5, 2008, and how that surrender sparked a transformation that's helped him become a community leader, father, and advocate. He shares how meaningful work—including launching Redemption House and running recovery housing for over a decade—continues to give his life purpose.

🔥 Key Topics Covered:

• Rick’s early life and introduction to drugs at age 13
• Escaping a wilderness program and his first encounters with the justice system
• Surviving a near-fatal shooting during a robbery gone wrong
• Going to prison—and later choosing recovery while incarcerated
• Getting clean in 2008 and rebuilding his life
• The power of service, connection, and purpose in recovery
• The creation and impact of Redemption House, a safe bridge for those who relapse
• How one redemption bed can save the state $141,000/year
• Inspiring success stories of people who found hope through recovery housing
• The role of CCAR and recovery coaching in sustained wellness

00:00 Introduction and Host Backgrounds

00:32 Rick's Early Life and Family Struggles

01:25 Teenage Years and First Encounters with Drugs

02:19 Legal Troubles and Juvenile Detention

02:57 Escaping and Continued Struggles

03:57 First Prison Sentence and Continued Drug Use

06:23 Near-Death Experience and Hospitalization

09:33 Recovery Journey and Sober Living

11:05 Life in Recovery and Helping Others

12:29 The Redemption House Initiative

13:47 Building Community Relationships

14:15 The Role of Redemption House

14:46 Support Services at Redemption House

15:12 Success Stories and Future Plans

16:01 The Importance of Recovery Community

16:16 Personal Recovery Journeys

18:07 The Financial Impact of Redemption House

19:00 The Need for Long-Term Recovery Support

20:53 Self-Love and Purpose in Recovery

22:09 Inspiring Personal Stories

24:27 Exciting Future Projects

24:50 Concluding Thoughts on Recovery

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• 🎧 Risen From the Ashes: The Redemption Podcast (Rick’s other podcast) – Available on Spotify
• 🏠 Redemption House – A nonprofit recovery bridge for individuals who relapse
• 🤝 CCAR – Get connected with a Recovery Coach: https://ccar.us

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

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🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

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In this episode of the Recovery Matters podcast, host TJ takes listeners to the CCAR New London Recovery Community Center in Connecticut. The center, along with two others in the state, is at risk of losing funding. TJ interviews various individuals, including John, the impromptu center manager, and volunteers like Andrew and Ernest, all of whom share their personal recovery stories and the significant role CCAR and the Recovery Community Center have played in their lives. They discuss the variety of support services offered, the importance of community, and the challenges they've faced and overcome. Abby, from the Young People and Family Services Program, also shares her journey and the impactful work she does with young people and families struggling with addiction. The episode highlights the transformative power of community support in recovery and underscores the critical need to sustain funding for these vital services.

00:00 Introduction and Host's Background

00:15 Save Our Center: CCAR New London Recovery Community Center

00:43 Interview with John: Recovery Journey and CCAR's Impact

03:49 John's Personal Recovery Story

06:56 Interview with Andrew: Overcoming Relapse

15:13 Interview with Ernest: Volunteering and Recovery

20:05 Interview with Victor: Community Impact

22:33 Interview with Daniel: Telephone Recovery Services

26:56 Interview with Abby: Young People and Family Services

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

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Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 177 | Eric shares his incredible transformation—from growing up surrounded by chaos, falling into addiction, and navigating incarceration, to building a life centered on recovery, family, and purpose. With brutal honesty and heartfelt insight, Eric reflects on the trauma he carried, the choices he made to survive, and the life-changing moment he finally surrendered.

Through his journey, Eric found not only freedom from substances but also the strength to heal, reconnect with his children, and become a guiding light for others walking the recovery path. If you've ever doubted whether change is possible, Eric’s story will remind you that redemption is always within reach.

💬 Topics covered:
00:00 – Introduction
01:15 – Growing up in chaos and early trauma
06:30 – Life in the streets and surviving addiction
13:50 – What it took to finally surrender
19:20 – The turning point: jail and a higher calling
26:10 – Recovery, family, and becoming a father
33:00 – Giving back and finding purpose through service
38:45 – Final reflections and message to those still struggling

🔥 Key takeaway: “I didn’t think there was a way out—but recovery showed me there was.”

🎧 Like what you hear? Subscribe for more real recovery stories that inspire hope and healing.

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

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🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

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Alexis Nicole overcame addiction and transformed her life. Alexis discusses her early struggles growing up in a middle-class family, experiencing bullying, early exposure to drugs and alcohol, and the subsequent spiral into deeper substance use. She delves into significant turning points, including encounters with domestic violence, substance use, and homelessness. Through the support of a rehab program and her newfound spirituality, Alexis found strength in recovery. She talks about her path to becoming a recovery coach and her commitment to helping others in the Hartford community. Alexis' story is one of resilience, faith, and the importance of taking life one day at a time. She emphasizes the necessity of therapy, community support, and a passion for helping others on their recovery journey.

00:00 Introduction and Host Background

00:29 Guest's Early Life and Family

01:43 First Encounters with Substances

03:13 Escalation and Teenage Years

04:36 High School and Relationship Troubles

05:55 Diving Deeper into Drug Use

07:15 The PCP Era

08:58 Realizing the Problem

14:02 Hitting Rock Bottom

15:48 Entering Rehab: The First Steps

16:09 Realizing the Problem

16:35 Finding Motivation and Support

17:06 A New Relationship and Pregnancy

18:13 Completing the Program and Moving Forward

19:03 Building a New Life

20:38 Starting a Career in Recovery

21:32 Balancing Work and Personal Life

23:19 The Importance of Persistence

25:54 Living a Fulfilling Life

29:20 Advice for Those Struggling

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

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🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery

Recovery Matters Podcast Episode 175 | TJ talks with Dave Ogden, a counselor from Groton and Grasso Tech, about his incredible journey of overcoming substance use and personal loss. Dave shares poignant memories from his troubled childhood, his encounters with drugs in school, and the life-changing impact of meeting his wife. He candidly recounts the traumatic experience of his son's death and the subsequent struggle with Xanax addiction and withdrawal. Through perseverance, therapy, and the support of his community, Dave emerges as a strong advocate for recovery and support in schools, highlighting the inception and goals of the Students for Recovery initiative.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

00:39 Early Life and First Encounters with Drugs

01:10 High School and Escalation of Drug Use

02:18 Turning Points and Family Influence

03:04 Tragic Loss and Struggles with Xanax

05:17 Withdrawal and Hospitalization

11:52 Recovery Journey and EMDR Therapy

12:43 Students for Recovery Initiative

18:03 Supporting Recovery in Schools

18:22 Creating a Recovery-Friendly Environment

18:51 Student Involvement in Recovery Initiatives

19:28 Recovery Fest: A Community Effort

21:17 Challenges and Reflections on Recovery

26:47 Advice for Those New to Recovery

29:10 Personal Experiences with Addiction

30:54 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

----Across the Web----

🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us

✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...

🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok

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🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/

🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery

📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery

🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery