From CHAOS to Calm | How Sobriety and Routine Transformed PR Career and Opened New Doors
Listen or watch on your favorite platforms
Show Notes
In this episode, we sit down with Mitchell Leff, a.k.a., Mitch Motivates, a sobriety coach and author who turned his life around after years of battling addiction. Mitch’s story is one of resilience, where he shifted from a life of substance abuse to becoming a beacon of hope for others.
Growing Up
Mitch’s childhood was one of contrasts. Growing up in a peaceful New Jersey suburb, he had a tight-knit family and a seemingly perfect life.
Yet, even in these idyllic surroundings, Mitch began to feel a growing emptiness.
He recalls a pivotal moment in his youth, where he first discovered the thrill of rebellion—stealing money and feeling the rush of getting away with it.
This craving for excitement and escape would soon lead him down a darker path.
First Time Using
At 15, Mitch had his first encounter with alcohol in the basement of a friend’s house. That first beer wasn’t just a drink; it was a revelation. Mitch describes the warmth it brought as something he craved immediately, leading him to seek out more, often drinking alone. This was the beginning of a descent into substance abuse that would dominate his teenage years.
Active Using
Mitch’s substance use quickly escalated from alcohol to marijuana and then to cocaine.
High school became a blur of risky behavior, lying, and stealing to feed his habits.
Mitch shares harrowing memories of smoking weed before classes and doing cocaine between them.
His life was no longer about education or friendships; it was about the next high, no matter the cost.
Hitting Bottom
The night of his high school graduation marked Mitch’s first major encounter with the law.
Arrested with cocaine residue in his car, Mitch spent the night in a jail cell, handcuffed and ashamed.
This should have been his wake-up call, but it wasn’t until he nearly missed his cousin’s Bar Mitzvah, running away to a motel with stolen credit cards, that Mitch realized he needed help.
It was the breaking point that led him to call a hotline and finally admit that he couldn’t do it alone.
Embracing New Passions and Connections
Mitch’s journey to recovery began at the Caron Foundation rehab center.
Over the next several months, he immersed himself in 12-step programs, lived in a halfway house, and began the arduous process of rebuilding his life.
Mitch talks about the importance of structure, routine, and the sober community he found at Ruckers University, which played a crucial role in his sustained sobriety.
Today
Today, Mitch is not just surviving; he’s thriving.
As a sobriety coach and author, he’s turned his past struggles into a mission to help others.
Mitch speaks with passion about the life he’s built—a life filled with purpose, health, and connection.
He’s an example of how it’s possible to overcome addiction and lead a fulfilling, joyful life.
Mitch’s story is a testament to the power of recovery and the incredible resilience of the human spirit.
FAQs
What is ‘My Addiction, My Superpower’ about?
In My Addiction, My Superpower, Mitch shares his recovery journey in detail, in which he reveals the lessons he learned and breaks them down into twelve easy tips for anyone who has been impacted by addiction, mental health, or substance abuse.
What is the most challenging part of staying sober?
Maintaining daily routines and staying connected to a supportive community are key to long-term sobriety.
How can family members support someone in recovery?
Being supportive, understanding, and encouraging their involvement in recovery programs can make a big difference.
What are some early signs of addiction?
Behavioral changes, secretive habits, and increasing dependence on substances are common early signs.
Is relapse a part of recovery?
While not inevitable, relapse can be a part of recovery, and it's important to view it as a learning opportunity.
How can someone start their journey to sobriety?
Reaching out for help, whether through hotlines, rehab centers, or recovery programs, is the first critical step.
Related episodes
ABOUT CROSSTALK
CROSSTALK reveals real stories of everyday people and notable figures, sharing their journeys from struggles to life-changing 'aha' moments with all kinds .
