In this episode of Recovery Matters, Brian shares his powerful journey from sports and college life to struggling with alcohol, cocaine, and compulsive gambling. He opens up about the chaos of addiction, the turning points that led him into treatment, and how community and recovery gave him a new life. Today, Brian works to support others in recovery, offering hope and connection for anyone struggling with addiction or gambling.

00:00 – Introductions & basketball as an outlet
01:22 – Childhood, family, and sports identity
02:52 – First drink at 14 and finding belonging
05:40 – College years, gambling, and substance use
09:57 – “Getting away with it” and white privilege
11:00 – Gambling wins, cocaine habit, and detox
15:00 – Early treatment attempts and relapse
18:26 – Darkest days in Brooklyn
19:57 – Last bet and last drink
22:45 – Surrender and finding real recovery
25:20 – Building community through sober housing
30:58 – Moving to Connecticut and collegiate recovery work
33:44 – Life in recovery today
35:02 – Advice for someone in their first 24 hours

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