Blazik:
https://www.instagram.com/itsblazik/

Hayden: https://www.instagram.com/haydenmez1/

At the age of 15, Hayden Mares experienced an event that would forever change his life. In the dead of night, he was abruptly woken by the sound of strangers entering his home. These individuals were not there to harm him, but their mission was no less terrifying: they were there to escort him to a wilderness therapy program. Taken from his bed without warning, Hayden was driven for hours, with little understanding of what was happening. He was in shock, scared, and completely disoriented. The journey ended in the rugged wilderness, far from the comforts of home. Here, Hayden was introduced to a harsh and unfamiliar environment. The wilderness therapy program was designed to strip away the distractions of modern life, forcing participants to confront their behaviors and emotions head-on. For Hayden, the initial days were a whirlwind of physical challenges and emotional turmoil, but it was also the start of a profound transformation that would eventually lead him to a path of self-discovery and resilience.

In this episode of "Destination Unknown," I sit down with Hayden Meza to discuss the challenges of overcoming addiction and finding purpose in life. Hayden shares his journey through rehab, the daily battles of sobriety, and how he found his true self. This conversation is raw, inspiring, and full of valuable insights for anyone struggling with addiction or looking to support someone who is.

Hayden's High School Years and Misbehavior - 01:25 - 02:26 Ski Trip to Park City, Utah - 02:26 - 03:01 The Night Hayden Was Taken - 03:01 - 04:10 The Role of Transportation Officers - 04:10 - 05:29 Hayden's Reaction and Initial Experience - 05:29 - 06:07 Physical Exam and Initial Transport - 06:07 - 06:45 Arrival at Base Camp - 06:45 - 07:06 Wilderness Therapy Details - 07:06 - 09:02 Integration with the Group - 09:02 - 10:23 The Reality of Wilderness Therapy - 10:23 - 11:02 Learning Survival Skills - 11:02 - 11:19 Parent Visit in the Wilderness - 11:19 - 12:07 Transition to Residential Treatment Center - 12:07 - 13:33 Life at Discovery Ranch - 13:33 - 14:50 Overcoming Addiction - 14:50 - 17:30 The Role of Confidence and Ego in Sobriety - 17:30 - 19:10 Daily Reminders and Affirmations - 19:10 - 21:30 First Rehab Experience in Hawaii - 21:30 - 24:00 Rebuilding Trust with Family - 24:00 - 27:20 Realizing Unmanageability of Life with Addiction - 27:20 - 30:45 Self-Awareness and Honesty - 30:45 - 33:57 Mindset of Addiction and Danger of “Just One” - 33:57 - 35:06 Influence of Pharmaceutical Companies on Addiction - 35:06 - 38:00 Challenge of Opioid Prescriptions - 38:00 - 40:45 Community and Support in Sobriety - 40:45 - 44:00 Genuine Connections and Self-Love in Recovery - 44:00 - 46:20 Embracing Childlike Spirit in Sobriety - 46:20 - 49:41 Comparing Childhood Joy to Sober Joy - 49:41 - 52:00 Excitement of Trying New Things in Sobriety - 52:00 - 55:00 Skydiving and Other Thrilling Experiences - 55:00 - 58:49 Reflecting on Childhood Memories - 58:49 - 1:01:12 Hayden’s Upcoming Plans and Final Thoughts -
1:01:12 - 1:03:00 Outro and How to Connect with Hayden - 1:03:00 - End

Follow Us on Social Media: Blazik: Instagram @itsblazik Hayden: Instagram @haydenmez1