Recognizing the Recovery Community
There are so many amazing things going on in the recovery community that people don’t always know about. Get to know seven inspiring people involved in the recovery community by reading below. If they can do it, you can, too.
Brian Mincher’s Cross-Country Walk
Brian Mincher started his own nonprofit Addiction Awareness Across America this year as he embarked on a cross-country walking trip in support of those struggling with addiction. Brian started his journey in September 2021 in Philadelphia, PA and will end in Santa Monica, CA. His website says, “The initial funding will help assist with costs associated with the trip such as gear, equipment, food and places to stay. I will be sleeping in a tent as well as hotels along the way. The remaining amount will be the initial round of funding for the non-profit Addiction Awareness Across America.” Brian acknowledged his alcoholism in 2016 and has walked a spiritual path to get and stay sober.
Recovery Gyms on the Rise: Shiloe Allison Aurand
Although she’s never had a substance use disorder herself, Shiloe is no stranger to mental illness. Shiloe’s mother and sister both struggled with addiction as Shiloe struggled with eating disorders into her 20s.
However, Shiloe recovered from her eating disorders and put her love for CrossFit and knowledge of the battle with addiction into her own gym in Portland, Oregon.
The Recovery Gym’s mission is to cultivate a community for those in recovery or on their way to recovery from addiction or another mental illness.
Sober Vacations International: Steve Abrams
Did someone say sober vacation? Traveling can be hard for those in recovery as many resorts and all-inclusive hotels have alcohol readily available for its guests. The temptations for sober people can be overwhelming and triggering.
Sober Vacations International is essentially a travel agency for those looking to have sober vacations across the world. Founder Steve Abrams started Sober Vacations International in 1987 after having a few years of sobriety under his belt. Steve’s first organized sober trip had over 200 attendees who traveled to Mexico in 1988. Since then, Steve and his team have booked over 150 trips for 30,000 people to places like Switzerland, Kenya and Hawaii.
Marathon Maniac: Zac Clark (former winner of The Bachelorette)
If you’re a fan of reality TV, and more specifically The Bachelor franchise, you’re probably familiar with Zac Clark. Zac won Tayshia Adams’ season of The Bachelorette and opened up about his drug and alcohol addiction while on national television. Zac started his own nonprofit called Release Recovery Foundation dedicated to lowering the high costs of addiction treatment. As an athlete, Zac runs several marathons a year in support of his Foundation and works to educate people on addiction treatment and rehabilitation. Zac recently ran in the 2021 London Marathon and will soon run in the New York City Marathon.
Nikki Myers: Yoga of 12 Step Recovery (Y12SR)
Nikki Myers has quite a list of qualifications: MBA, E-RYT500, Yoga Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Addictions Recovery Specialist and Ayurvedic Specialist. After her own struggle with addiction and her experience helping others, Nikki started Yoga of 12 Step Recovery. Y12SR is a “relapse prevention program that weaves the art & science of yoga with the practical tools of 12-step programs.” Yoga is a meditative practice that encourages people to connect with themselves.
Some people do not do well with traditional addiction treatment programs like 12 Steps, but holistic methods such as Nikki’s Y12SR can be a game changer for those trying to get or stay sober.
Luke Wollet: Surviving the Deadliest Game
Luke Wollet started off as a football super star. After graduating high school, Luke went on to play for Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. However, Luke suffered a couple major injuries and was prescribed—you guessed it—opioids. Although he was signed as a free agent to the New Orleans Saints in 2014, Luke’s addiction had progressed and his football career was cut short.
Fast forward to now, Luke works for Banyan Treatment Center as a Business Development Representative as he travels across the country speaking to schools, prisons and communities about substance abuse. Luke is now celebrating long-term recovery as a public speaker and professional model.
Stephen Knight: Dogs Matter
Dogs really are a man’s best friend! After battling addiction, Stephen Knight realized there was one thing that never left his side: his dog. So, in 2014, Stephen founded his own nonprofit called Dogs Matter in Dallas, Texas. Dogs Matter provides temporary foster care placement and supportive services specifically for addicts and alcoholics seeking treatment and transitioning into recovery.
The program was built to ensure the safety and quality care of people’s dogs while they attend an inpatient treatment program. Dogs Matter takes things one step further and offers a 12-month aftercare program led by Peer Recovery Supporters to make sure you get acquainted with your furry friend again.
