Toni Dreyer grew up in chaos, the eldest of seven, surviving childhood molestation, abuse, and neglect. By her twenties, she was a mother of multiple children, homeless, addicted to crack, and caught in a cycle of trauma and survival.

But Toni's story didn’t end there. After prison and years of addiction, a chance meeting with a mental health worker changed her life. Today, she’s a counselor helping others get back on their feet, and reconnecting with the children she once lost.

Michael Cardinale grew up in a close-knit, middle-class New Jersey family where alcohol was always around, but no one talked about it. From his first drink in 7th grade, he knew he liked how alcohol made him feel. What followed were years of blackout drinking, school expulsions, and denial, mirrored by his mother’s own struggle with addiction.

Meet singer-songwriter Griffin House, who grew up in an all-American town where alcohol was a quiet but ever-present influence. What started as innocent drinks in his grandfather’s bar became a decades-long emotional crutch that nearly cost him everything. Griffin opens up about the internal war he faced knowing he needed to quit but still wanting to drink, and the turning points that brought him back to life.

Meet Michael, a once-successful financial advisor from Westchester, New York, whose life on the outside looked perfect: a great job, marriage, a beautiful home. But behind closed doors, he battled a relentless storm of self-doubt, fear, and addiction.

Meet Lucky; a man who grew up surrounded by addiction, abandonment, and survival. Dropped off by his mother at age five and left to navigate a home filled with drugs, violence, and emotional neglect, Lucky witnessed overdoses, carried buckets of blood for his dying stepfather, and battled his own demons with alcohol and food. Though he avoided the substances that consumed his family, he couldn’t escape the emotional toll—until a near-fatal heart surgery forced him to face the truth and fight for a new life.

She had a master’s degree in criminology—and yet, she ended up addicted to heroin, walking the streets of Kensington, Philadelphia, caught in a world of drugs, prostitution, and grooming. In this raw and eye-opening episode of Crosstalk Podcasts, we sit down with a courageous woman who shares the brutal truth of how addiction hijacked her life and the incredible turning point that brought her back.

What started as "normal" partying escalated into hiding heroin use from her boyfriend and family. Alison lived a double life—functioning, excelling in school, and planning a legal career—while spiraling deeper into addiction. Eventually, the drugs, the lying, and the debt caught up with her. Her turning point came when she admitted her struggle to her sister, who despite also battling addiction couldn't save her. Alison found the strength to seek real help, maintain her sobriety, and become a leader in the recovery community.

Meet Jimmy—a man whose early life was scarred by abuse, alcoholism, and abandonment. His father, a traumatized WWII veteran, once told him, “I never loved you.” That moment, and many like it, shaped a young man who would spiral into addiction, bouncing from jails to detox centers, chasing relief and belonging.

Big John's story is a powerful journey through generational alcoholism, rock bottom, and redemption through AA and faith, proving that recovery is possible.

Christine found recovery at 50 after a lifetime of high-functioning alcoholism, unprocessed trauma, and family pressure—proof that healing is possible at any age.

Christine found recovery at 50 after a lifetime of high-functioning alcoholism, unprocessed trauma, and family pressure—proof that healing is possible at any age.

From performing in candlelit jail cells to founding a nonprofit that helps incarcerated people heal through music, this powerful episode dives deep into Matt Butler’s journey through alcohol addiction, self-discovery, and service.

Explore Caitlin's profound journey from addiction to recovery, highlighting early substance use, her struggles, and eventual triumph in sobriety and self-discovery.

Two women's journeys reveal the power of overcoming addiction, transforming pain into hope, and proving recovery is achievable.

Zach Clarke’s journey from addiction to recovery is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. From growing up in a loving home to battling substance abuse, hitting rock bottom, and ultimately finding purpose in helping others, his story proves that recovery is possible for anyone willing to take that first step.

After years of addiction, one moment changed everything. From blackouts and reckless behavior to jail time and a crushing rock bottom, this is a raw, honest journey of hitting the lowest point and fighting for a new life in recovery.

Harold J.'s life was defined by addiction, loss, and deep self-hatred—until he made one life-changing call that led him to recovery. His story is proof that no matter how far you've fallen, there is always a way back up.

Growing up in a home shaped by addiction, Eric W. didn’t realize the impact it had on him until he found himself working in the same field. From counseling inmates to working with high-profile addicts, his journey has been a deep dive into understanding addiction from all angles. This episode explores the raw reality of addiction, the pain that drives it, and the hope that comes with recovery.

From childhood insecurities to a devastating battle with addiction, Sarah's journey led her to the brink of destruction—until she found the strength to fight back. Now, over two years sober, she shares how she reclaimed her life, proving that recovery is possible for anyone willing to take the first step.

John Driscoll’s journey from addiction to recovery is nothing short of inspiring. From hitting rock bottom to becoming the CEO of Caron, a renowned treatment center, his story proves that no matter how far someone falls, recovery is always within reach.