Stephen "Riggy Marz" Melnick: The Medicine of Music | The Hopeaholics Podcast

From a privileged upbringing in a musical, artsy family in Pasadena to a decades-long battle with addiction, Stephen shares his harrowing journey through heroin, meth, and fentanyl, surviving over 50 overdoses, including a devastating one on his son’s birthday that left him confronting the profound impact of his actions on his family. Now, at 38, with three months sober as of April 2025, Stephen opens up about the cycles of relapse, the transformative power of the 12 steps, and the pivotal role music plays in his recovery. Signed to The Orchard/Sony ATV, he channels his pain and hope into his art, creating authentic tracks that resonate with those fighting their own demons. Tune in to hear how Stephen turned his darkest moments—marked by jail, loss, and near-death experiences—into a higher purpose, inspiring others to find light in the chaos of addiction.

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Timestamps:
00:04:22 - Relapsing After Three Years of Sobriety
00:05:14 - In and Out of Recovery Since Age 15
00:06:28 - Finding Hope Through 12-Step Work
00:06:58 - Surviving Nine Fentanyl Overdoses
00:08:08 - Transitioning from Heroin to Crack Use
00:09:05 - Relapses Tied to Relationships and Kratom
00:10:27 - Struggling with Compulsive Behaviors
00:14:10 - Expulsion from Boarding School for Drug Use
00:15:18 - First Exposure to AA at Age 15
00:17:39 - Music Career Taking Off in Sobriety
00:26:05 - Realizing Impact of Actions on Family
00:30:06 - Surviving Over 50 Overdoses
01:00:47 - Valuing Artistic Independence
01:02:34 - Seeking Longevity Over Trends
01:04:48 - Music as Healing Therapy
01:06:33 - Staying Authentic in Art
01:11:10 - Sponsoring Others in Recovery
01:12:26 - Reflecting on Relapse and Redemption