Addiction Steals Years from Successful Attorney | Craig R.
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Meet Craig Robinson, a successful attorney whose life took a dramatic turn due to addiction. Craig shares his extraordinary journey of overcoming cocaine and alcohol dependency, navigating career setbacks, and rebuilding his life with resilience and hope.
Craig’s story begins with a “normal” childhood and a promising career in law, but substance use spiraled out of control, leading to job losses, foreclosure, and a suicide attempt. At rock bottom, Craig found the courage to ask for help, entering treatment and discovering the power of surrender, connection, and recovery.
Today, Craig is a husband, father, and lawyer who helps families struggling with addiction through the Florida Marchman Act. His story is a testament to the transformative power of recovery and the strength found in vulnerability.
This episode offers insight into the struggles and triumphs of addiction recovery, showing that it’s never too late to rebuild your life. Learn how asking for help, trusting others, and focusing on daily actions can lead to lasting change.
Growing Up in a Complicated Home
Craig grew up in a supportive household outside of Philadelphia. His father, an engineer, and his mother, a special education teacher turned learning consultant, provided a stable and loving environment. However, Craig’s adolescence was marked by a desire to excel, which set the stage for later struggles. "I was a happy kid who played basketball, did well in school, and had big dreams," he shared. Yet, the seeds of perfectionism and self-doubt quietly sprouted beneath the surface.
The First Drink and the Escape It Brought
Craig's experimentation began during his sophomore year of high school, transitioning from alcohol to marijuana, and later, to ecstasy. However, it was in college, during a spring break trip to Mexico, that cocaine entered the picture. "When I tried coke, it felt like I'd found the answer," Craig confessed. The drug gave him a perceived edge socially and academically, but the thrill came at a steep cost to his relationships and self-esteem.
The Grip of Addiction
Craig’s addiction escalated during law school and his early legal career. Despite outward success—graduating from Villanova, passing the bar, and becoming a trial attorney—his personal life unraveled. "I thought cocaine was helping me," he admitted, "but in reality, it was destroying me." Craig’s once-promising career became plagued by erratic behavior, lawsuits, and an inability to maintain employment, culminating in isolation and a foreclosure notice on his condo.
Active Addiction - The Descent
Craig reached his breaking point in June 2018, attempting to take his own life. A desperate car ride with his father became the pivotal moment of change. "I hyperventilated and finally said the words, ‘I need help. I’m a cocaine addict.’" His father’s loving response, "Let’s figure this out," marked the beginning of Craig’s recovery journey.
The Path to Recovery
Craig entered Karen Treatment Centers in Pennsylvania, followed by extended care in Florida. There, he encountered a network of compassionate individuals, including his therapist, Josie, and a friend named Neil. "Neil pushed me into recovery, even when I resisted," Craig shared. Gradually, Craig embraced recovery principles, learning the importance of surrender, connection, and spiritual growth.
Life today
Today, Craig is a respected attorney and advocate for recovery, co-founding a law firm that helps families navigate Florida’s Marchman Act to access treatment for loved ones. He is happily married with a young daughter, Stella, and leads a life grounded in service and gratitude. "I never imagined life could be this fulfilling," he reflected. "Recovery has given me peace of mind and the tools to help others."
FAQs
What is the Marchman Act?
A Florida law allowing families to seek court-ordered treatment for loved ones struggling with addiction or mental health issues.
How does addiction impact professional success?
Addiction often undermines performance, relationships, and mental health, even in high-achieving individuals.
What role does family support play in recovery?
Family support is crucial, offering both emotional and practical help during the recovery process.
Why is connection important in recovery?
Connection with others fosters accountability and reduces the isolation that fuels addiction.
What steps can someone take to start recovery?
Asking for help and seeking treatment are vital first steps toward a healthier, balanced life.
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