Recovery on Rucker: Recovery from Substance use Disorder

April and Jack talk about handling social situations in recovery. They discuss anxiety, social awkwardness, and other challenges that can present in early recovery. They give insights from their own lived experience to shine light on how normal these challenges are, along with ways to get involved with the recovery community.

In this episode of Recovery on Rucker, April and Jack discuss unpacking trauma and how to create a safe space for those they serve. We explore comfortable settings for coaching or peer work, along with best practices for being present and intentional. Strategies for starting conversations, asking open-ended questions, and adaptability are discussed.
 
Snohomish County Recovery Coalition
Everett Recovery Cafe

In this episode of Recovery on Rucker, April and Jack unpack the reality of compassion fatigue—when the deep desire to care, coach, and support others begins to drain your own well-being. They share personal insights on how trainers, recovery staff, parents, first responders, and caregivers can recognize the early warning signs, set healthy boundaries, and keep service from slipping into resentment. This candid conversation offers practical strategies to sustain your energy, protect your mental health, and continue showing up for the people who need you most. 
Snohomish County Recovery Coalition
Everett Recovery Cafe

In this episode of Recovery on Rucker, April and Jack dive into the power of identifying healthy coping mechanisms in recovery. From music, journaling, art, and gardening to the community support of programs like IOP and Genesis, they share how discovering joy and creativity can replace old habits and sustain sobriety. They also get real about unhealthy substitutes—like food and cigarettes—and how experimenting with new outlets helps people in recovery find balance, structure, and resilience. 
Snohomish County Recovery Coalition
Everett Recovery Cafe
 

In this deeply personal episode of Recovery on Rucker, Jack and April open up about navigating death, grief, and the painful triggers that can lead to relapse. They share how loss impacts recovery, the struggle of maintaining sobriety through heartbreak, and the importance of honoring both yourself and the loved one you’ve lost. With honesty and hope, they talk about practical ways to grieve while staying grounded in recovery, finding support, and continuing forward on the path of healing.
Snohomish County Recovery Coalition
Everett Recovery Cafe

April and Chance dive into the realities of recovery housing—the good, the challenging, and everything in between. With Chance sharing his firsthand experience of living in a recovery home and April offering an outside perspective, they explore what makes housing supportive versus harmful. From the importance of certifications to spotting questionable models, this honest conversation sheds light on why safe, structured housing can be such a vital piece of long-term recovery.
Snohomish County Recovery Coalition

In this inspiring conversation, April sits down with Neema Khram to hear his powerful recovery story. Neema opens up about stigma, culture and how the Recovery Café became a turning point in his life, offering the support, staff, and resources he needed to find his footing. He shares how giving back through volunteering not only reshaped his future but also helped him find forgiveness for himself. Now stepping into a new role as a peer counselor, Neema reflects on his journey with deep gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead.
Snohomish Recovery Coalition

In this episode of Recovery on Rucker, Jack and Chance open up about the joy and fulfillment that comes with giving back in recovery work. They share how much they love helping others, while also being honest about the risks of burnout, overcommitment, and the “all recovery, all the time” mindset. Together, they explore the importance of balance, self-care, and setting healthy boundaries to prevent compassion fatigue and keep their passion for service alive.
Snohomish County Recovery Coalition

In this inspiring episode of Recovery on Rucker, Jack sits down with yoga instructor Sally to explore how yoga became a powerful tool in her recovery journey. From breathwork to mindfulness to movement, Sally shares how yoga helped her reconnect with her body, manage emotions, and find lasting healing. Along the way, we also learn more about Jack’s personal connection to recovery and the role reiki plays in his own story. It’s an honest, uplifting conversation about healing, connection, and the mind-body path to recovery.
Snohomish County Recovery Coalition

In this powerful episode of Recovery on Rucker, Jack sits down with fellow Peer Support Specialist Chance to explore how lived experience bridges the gap between medical professionals and patients battling addiction. They discuss the unique role peer support plays in hospital settings—offering compassion, clarity, and connection when it's needed most.
From translating medical advice into relatable language to helping patients feel seen and understood, peer supporters bring hope and healing to the front lines of addiction recovery. Tune in to hear real stories from inside the hospital walls and discover why peer support is becoming an essential part of the recovery journey.
Snohomish County Recovery Coalition