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What happens when a homeschooled naive kid with a strict religious upbringing spirals into addiction, then discovers his life's purpose through comedy?

 Adrian Doell's remarkable journey takes us from the depths of alcoholism to the healing power of laughter in recovery.

Adrian's story begins with generational trauma—a mother who lost both parents young and a father raised in an abusive orphanage. After being kicked out at 19, Adrian's life quickly unraveled. Within a year of trying alcohol, he was experimenting with meth and other substances. Even becoming an EMT and paramedic couldn't break his addiction's grip, leading to the terrifying reality of showing up intoxicated to life-or-death situations.

The turning point wasn't what you might expect. When Adrian lost his parents to murder-suicide in 2017, he initially spiraled and sank deeper into alcoholism. His marriage nearly collapsed, and his career hung by a thread. But a simple realization—"this isn't good for me anymore"—began his journey to sobriety. Finding faith provided the missing piece, walking into a church on the seven-year anniversary of his parents' deaths and feeling immediately at home. Realizing that he was, right where he was meant to be.

Adrian's most powerful transformation came through comedy. After discovering stand-up in 2022, he realized his calling: bringing laughter to people in recovery. "Who needs to laugh more than people in rehab?" he explains. Since April, he's performed seven shows at rehabilitation centers, combining comedy with his testimony to show that fun without substances isn't just possible—it's better.

Now working toward non-profit status, Adrian shares dreams of eventually opening a "comedy rehab" where recovery and creative expression work hand-in-hand. His message resonates with profound simplicity: "Everybody deserves a good life and it's very attainable. You just got to put in a little work."

Listen to this powerful conversation with Jo and Adrian, about finding purpose through pain, and discover how laughter might be the medicine we all need.

 Subscribe now and join us for more transformative stories on "Breakfast of Choices."

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From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid.

We all have them...every single day, we wake up, we have the chance to make new choices.

We have the power to make our own daily, "Breakfast of Choices"

Resources and ways to connect:

Facebook: Jo Summers
Instagram: @Summersjol
Facebook Support: Chance For Change Women’s circle

Website: Breakfastofchoices.com

Urbanedencmty.com (Oklahoma Addiction and Recovery Resources) Treatment, Sober Living, Meetings. Shout out to the founder, of this phenomenal website... Kristy Da Rosa!

National suicide prevention and crisis, hotline number 988

National domestic violence hotline:
800–799–7233

National hotline for substance abuse, and addiction:
844–289–0879

National mental health hotline:
866–903–3787

National child health and child abuse hotline:
800–422-4453 (1.800.4.A.CHILD)

CoDa.org
12. Step recovery program for codependency.

National Gambling Hotline 800-522-4700