What happens when addiction talks back—and you answer? Dr. Larry Smith, author of Johnnie and Me: Facing the Voice of Alcohol Within, shares how he personified alcohol as “Johnnie,” survived decades of trauma and dependency, and built a daily plan that’s kept him sober since 1999. He also previews his forthcoming novel 2084: The Neuroxone Conspiracy, a medical-thriller riff on Big Pharma, recovery, and personal freedom—making this a raw, hopeful, and deeply human conversation worth hearing. 

Sponsored by Harford County Living 

Guest Bio:  

Dr. Larry Smith is a Canadian chiropractor, author, and recovery advocate who has been sober since September 22, 1999. His memoir Johnnie and Me personifies alcohol as “Johnnie,” the voice that misled him from age 11 until recovery, while his earlier book Embracing the Journey of Recovery opened doors for public speaking and community outreach. A former Ironman triathlete, Larry now writes, speaks, and mentors others in long-term recovery; his upcoming medical-thriller, 2084: The Neuroxone Conspiracy, explores addiction, industry, and choice. 

Main Topics: 

·         Personifying addiction as “Johnnie” and why naming the voice matters

·         First drunk at age 11; secrecy, trauma, and trust

·         Relapse risk and the “daily plan” for long-term recovery (journaling, meditation, meals, exercise, connection, honest feedback)

·         Meetings and connection: why frequency can change, but community matters

·         Alcohol plus pills (opiates/benzos): compounding risks and lucky survival

·         12 Steps in plain language and alternatives beyond 12-step frameworks

·         Faith, surrender, and releasing attachment to outcomes

·         Writing as healing; moving from hiding to radical honesty

·         Johnnie and Me and Embracing the Journey of Recovery: messages of hope

·         Preview of 2084: The Neuroxone Conspiracy—a dystopian medical-thriller about recovery, pharma, and mandated treatments 

Resources mentioned: 

·         Books by guest:

·         Johnnie and Me: Facing the Voice of Alcohol Within (memoir)

·         Embracing the Journey o

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