What can nearly five decades in recovery teach us about service, connection, and helping others?
In this episode of the Recovery Matters Podcast, Chris reflects on 47 years in recovery and the experiences that ultimately led him to a life centered around giving back.
Chris shares his journey from years of pain and repeated attempts to find help to the moment he finally surrendered in December 1978. He explains how sharing his experience with others became an important part of his own recovery—and how that commitment to service eventually helped inspire Become Part of the Solution (BPS).
BPS was created to help fill critical gaps when people in recovery find themselves just short of the resources they need to keep moving forward. Chris and John also discuss why stability matters, the importance of accountability, knowing the difference between helping and rescuing, and how genuine compassion can give someone hope at exactly the right time.
This conversation is a reminder that recovery doesn't only change one life. Sometimes, what we survive becomes the very thing that allows us to help someone else.
00:00 Meet Chris & the importance of service
00:41 Chris's 47-year recovery journey
02:36 Filling the gaps for people in recovery
02:59 The story behind Become Part of the Solution
05:19 Building BPS around service
06:49 How BPS and CCAR work together
08:35 Addiction, denial & Chris's experience
10:09 His first recovery meeting
10:56 Six months without drinking—and what happened next
11:19 Faith, surrender & moving through pain
12:37 Love, compassion & hope in recovery
13:39 Supporting BPS through community
16:19 Why stability matters early in recovery
18:14 Accountability and responsible support
20:10 Helping someone vs. trying to save them
21:12 When change finally happens
22:10 Final thoughts
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