Recovery on Rucker: Recovery from Substance use Disorder

Jack from the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition tells his personal story of childhood trauma, long-term substance use, multiple heart attacks, and the turning point that led him into treatment and nearly ten years of recovery.
He shares how faith-based programs, peer support, and the Recovery Cafe helped him rebuild his life, become a case manager and advocate, and offers hope and practical encouragement for others seeking recovery.
Resources:
www.snocorecovers.org and
www.everettrecoverycafe.org.

On this episode of Recovery on Rucker, host Jack speaks with Nikki Speaks — a clinician, advocate, and longtime peer in recovery with 27 years of sobriety — about her work in behavioral health, co-occurring disorders, and the importance of lived experience in supporting others.
They discuss system gaps from detox to housing, the power of peer support as a bridge to long-term recovery, Nikki’s Seed and Bloom Therapy private practice and equine-assisted work, and how collaborative community efforts can better meet people where they are.
Links & Resources:
Connect with the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition at snocorecovers.org.

"What now?" It’s the biggest question facing anyone completing inpatient SUD treatment. In this episode, Jack and April Provost explore the vital "bridge" between rehab and long-term self-sufficiency, highlighting the diverse community resources available to help you stay on track.
In this episode, we dive into:
The "All the A’s" Guide: Navigating everything from AA, NA, and CA to specialized programs like Recovery Dharma, Smart Recovery, and DDA.
Finding Your Connection: Exploring the Everett Recovery Café, faith-based support like Celebrate Recovery, and the power of getting outdoors with Recovery Beyond.
The Power of Choice: Why the path to recovery isn't one-size-fits-all and how to choose the "tribe" that resonates with your personal journey.
Critical Next Steps: The importance of recovery housing, working with peer support specialists, and the mindset of staying "teachable."
Key Takeaways:
How to utilize online meetings to break geographic barriers.
The rewards of patience: finding clarity of mind and meaningful community reconnection.
Why accountability is the cornerstone of moving from treatment to independent living.
Links & Resources:
Explore Local Resources: Connect with the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition at snocorecovers.org.

What does accountability actually look like in recovery? Jack sits down with April Provost of the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition to move past the "buzzword" and talk about the hard work of owning your story.
In this episode, we discuss:
A Story from the Inside: April shares a powerful reflection from her time in jail and how a single conversation changed her perspective on helping others.
The First Steps: Why honesty and self-reflection are the foundation of accountability—and how to avoid getting "stuck" in the past.
Breaking the Excuse Cycle: A candid look at the external factors we blame during active addiction and how to transition from "it's their fault" to "it's my responsibility."
Building Your Circle: The vital role that accountability partners, recovery coaches, and peer support specialists play in keeping you on track.
Key Takeaways:
How to live with the consequences of your past while building a better version of yourself.
Identifying the common mental traps (like "I can't get clean until...") that stall progress.
Links & Resources:
Get Support: Connect with the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition at snocorecovers.org.
Events: Join us for the upcoming Spring Into Recovery event on June 5th! Find details here.
 

In this moving episode, Jack interviews Debbie Warfield, a board member of the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition and the visionary behind the annual “A Night to Remember, A Time To Act” vigil.
In this episode, we discuss:
A Mother’s Mission:Debbie shares the story of her son, Spencer, and how his memory fuels a decade of advocacy in Snohomish County.
The MAT Conversation:A deep dive into Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), the science behind it, and why we must break the stigma and misunderstandings that still surround it.
A Decade of Growth:How a local vigil has evolved over 10 years into a massive community resource fair and candlelight memorial.
Returning to Silver Lake:Why this year’s return to Silver Lake is a significant milestone for the event and the community.
Event Details:
Date:Thursday, August 27th, 2026 (typically held the last Thursday in August).
Location:Returning to Silver Lake (Thornton A. Sullivan Park), Everett, WA.
Highlights:A resource fair followed by a candlelight vigil and open-mic storytelling to honor those lost to overdose.
How to Get Involved:
Volunteer:The coalition is always looking for helping hands to make this night a success.
Connect:Visit the official “A Night to Remember, A Time to Act” Facebook page for updates, volunteer opportunities, and to share your own story.
 
Links & Resources:
Support & Prevention:Find overdose prevention resources and naloxone info at Snohomish Overdose Prevention.
Get Support: Connect with the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition at snocorecovers.org.
Events: Join us for the upcoming Spring Into Recovery event on June 5th! Find details here.

"It’s not just a vigil; it’s a movement." This week, Jack sits down with Debbie Warfield, founder of “A Night to Remember, A Time To Act” and board member of the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition. Debbie shares the deeply personal story of losing her son, Spencer, and how that loss sparked a ten-year journey of community healing and advocacy.
In this episode, we explore:
The Origin Story: How a mother’s grief led to the creation of one of the county’s most impactful annual events.
The Power of Storytelling: Why sharing our lived experiences is the most effective tool for breaking the silence around addiction and loss.
A Growing Legacy: Reflecting on the evolution of the event over the last decade and its impact on Snohomish County families.
The Homecoming: Details on the event’s meaningful return to Silver Lake this year and what attendees can expect.
Event Highlights:
When: Late August (Save the date for the final Thursday of the month).
Where: Returning home to Silver Lake, Everett.
What: A unique space combining a community resource fair with a candlelight vigil where voices are heard and memories are honored.
How You Can Participate:
Share Your Story: Learn how you can contribute to the "open mic" portion of the vigil to honor a loved one.
Volunteer: Find out how to join the team making this year’s return to Silver Lake the biggest one yet.
Links & Resources:
Stay Updated: Join the conversation on the “A Night to Remember, A Time to Act” Facebook page.
Community Support: Visit the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition for year-round resources and events. 
Events: Join us for the upcoming Spring Into Recovery event on June 5th! Find details here.

Recovery happens "faster than you think, but not as fast as you want." In this episode, Jack is joined again by Eric Velez and April Provost to go behind the scenes of the upcoming Spring Into Recovery event and the deep community roots that make it possible.
In this episode, we explore:
The Power of Story: Eric and April share their own experiences with early recovery and the danger of "comparison trap."
Community Traditions: The significance of the Tulalip Tribe’s drum ceremony and the mayoral proclamation for Recovery Day.
Game Day Highlights: Details on Erin Lopez throwing the first pitch and where to snag this year's official shirts by John from Hope n’ Wellness.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, June 5th.
Resource Fair: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Funko Field (Free entry).
Pro-Recovery Game: 6:30 PM (Everett AquaSox).
Links & Resources:
Tickets & Merch: Find event tickets and official shirts here.
Coalition Info: Stay connected at snocorecovers.org.

How can a baseball game save lives? In this episode, Jack sits down with Eric Velez and April Provost—co-chairs of the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition—to discuss the heart behind the upcoming Spring Into Recovery event.
In this episode, we dive into:
The "Why": The history and mission of the yearly community resource fair.
Vital Services: What's available on-site, from walk-in dental care and mobile health clinics to veterinary services and housing resources.
Past Success & Future Vision: Celebrating the "magical" impact of previous years and what’s next for the coalition.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, June 5th, 2026.
Resource Fair: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Free to the community).
Pro-Recovery Game: Everett AquaSox vs. Eugene Emeralds at 6:30 PM.
Location: Funko Field, Everett, WA. 
For more info, visit:
www.snocorecovers.org/sir2026

Jack interviews Andrea Mankey and Sydnee Vacura of Community Medical Services about their experience working to provide MAT (medication assisted treatment) for Opioid Use Disorder. They discuss the stigma surrounding MAT as well as misconceptions about it. They talk about the soft opening of their new location in Everett, non-scheduled intakes, and transportation solutions they offer including first appointment uber rides.
For more info, visit:
https://communitymedicalservices.org/locations/addiction-treatment-everett-washington/
www.everettrecoverycafe.org 
www.snocorecovers.org

Jack interviews Andrea Mankey and Sydnee Vacura of Community Medical Services. They talk about their experience working to provide MAT (medication assisted treatment) for Opioid Use Disorder. They discuss the medication, counseling and peer support they are offering at their new location. They also discuss the history of MAT and the stigma and misunderstanding behind it. They provide free training on both MAT and proper Narcan use in the community.
 
For more info, visit:
https://communitymedicalservices.org/locations/addiction-treatment-everett-washington/
www.everettrecoverycafe.org 
www.snocorecovers.org