Recoverycast: Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Stories

Discover how Alkhuzama "AZ" Zaini transformed her life from severe vodka dependency and college isolation to a joyful, thriving recovery journey. 
In this powerful episode of Recoverycast, AZ shares her deeply vulnerable story of navigating youth culture, mental health, and the street-level reality of addiction. After moving from Saudi Arabia to the U.S., she faced intense bullying and eventually relied on alcohol to cope with undiagnosed ADHD, anxiety, and PTSD. Her daily vodka dependency nearly cost her an education at Arizona State University, leading to frightening blackouts, a lost scholarship, and terrifying bouts of alcohol psychosis. 
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
But AZ’s story does not end in darkness. After hitting rock bottom and surviving a quick relapse after rehab, she found the profound joy of recovery by committing to her health and accountability. Through radical transparency on TikTok, she built a massive community of over 110,000 supporters, achieved a 4.0 GPA, and finally reclaimed her vibrant personality. This episode is a beautiful testament to the fact that sobriety doesn't just save your life—it gives you a beautiful, unrecognizable new one. 
Please subscribe, leave a comment, and share this inspiring episode to help others find hope!
⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 
04:50 – Welcome Alkhuzama "AZ" Zaini 
05:52 – Childhood, Bullying & Anxiety 
12:19 – High School & The First Blackout 
24:32 – Moving to ASU & Escalating Vodka Dependency 
37:39 – Going to Rehab & A Quick Relapse 
46:47 – Alcohol Psychosis & Hitting Rock Bottom 
52:53 – The Pink Cloud & Starting a TikTok Community 
57:10 – A Life-Changing Late ADHD & PTSD Diagnosis 
01:04:46 – The Joy of Recovery: 4.0 GPA & New Beginnings 
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
How does undiagnosed ADHD contribute to substance dependency? 
What are the early signs of alcoholism in college students? 
How can bullying in middle school lead to long-term mental health struggles? 
What does alcohol psychosis feel like? 
Can someone achieve sobriety without staying in rehab? 
How does walking and listening to music help emotionally regulate in early sobriety? 
What is the "pink cloud" phase in addiction recovery? 
How does getting an accurate mental health diagnosis change your life? 
What is it like to lose a college scholarship due to drinking? 
How can social media and TikTok help with accountability in recovery? 
Why is it dangerous to use alcohol for liquid courage and external validation? 
How does alcohol abuse physically affect your body and appearance? 
#AddictionRecovery #SobrietyStories #MentalHealthAwareness

Jesse Crosson's life transformed overnight when a rapid spiral into cocaine addiction and alcohol use resulted in a 32-year state prison sentence at age 18. In this episode of Recoverycast, Jesse shares his journey through substance use disorder, serving 19 years in Virginia state prisons, and receiving a full pardon from the governor. 
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Jesse reflects on growing up with parents in recovery, emotional detachment in childhood, and using cocaine to escape deep feelings of unworthiness. Within three months of trying cocaine, his life unraveled into crime, a shooting that injured two people, and a crushing court sentence. While incarcerated in state prison, Jesse confronted his personal trauma, earned a psychology degree, tutored fellow inmates, and discovered true purpose in service to others. 
Following a surprise full pardon after 19 years, Jesse navigated the overwhelming realities of reentry—from sensory overload to relearning society and technology. He candidly discusses overcoming alcohol relapse after release, stepping away from restrictive labels, and building a life grounded in emotional healing and empowerment. As author of The Best Part of Prison and founder of the Second Chancellor Foundation, Jesse brings hope to juvenile detention centers and justice-impacted individuals across the country. His sobriety story proves that no matter how deep your struggle, second chances and total transformation are always possible. 
If Jesse’s story inspired you, please like, subscribe, share, and leave a comment below with your thoughts!
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Intro 
00:03:12 – Welcome Jesse Crosson 
00:03:56 – Childhood, Trauma, & Parents in Recovery 
00:09:26 – Cocaine Addiction & The 3-Month Spiral 
00:17:11 – SWAT Arrest & Facing 138 Years in Prison 
00:25:24 – Finding Purpose & Psychology Behind Bars 
00:36:00 – Losing His Father While Incarcerated 
00:44:19 – Receiving a Surprise Full Pardon After 19 Years 
00:51:11 – Reentry Anxiety, Hot Ice Cream, & Relearning Freedom 
00:55:10 – Second Chancellor Foundation & Youth Mentorship 
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
How can emotional detachment in childhood contribute to early substance use? 
What does it feel like to experience a rapid spiral from cocaine use? 
How do you cope with receiving a lengthy prison sentence as a young adult? 
Can you pursue higher education and self-growth while incarcerated? 
How does mentoring and helping others support long-term recovery and healing? 
What is the process of applying for and receiving a full gubernatorial pardon? 
What are the biggest mental health challenges during reentry after years in prison? 
How do sensory overload and anxiety affect individuals transitioning back into society? 
Is it possible to rebuild your life after active substance use and incarceration? 
How does the Second Chancellor Foundation support justice-impacted youth? 
What role does emotional processing play in breaking cycles of substance use? 
How do you find self-worth and hope when hitting rock bottom? 
#AddictionRecovery #SobrietyStories #IncarcerationRecovery

Dreamville rapper Cozz opens up about severe alcohol dependency, losing his close friend, and finding healing through cold-turkey sobriety. In this vulnerable episode of Recoverycast, South Central LA native Cozz joins host Brittani Baynard to reflect on his journey through the music industry, childhood trauma, and overcoming heavy drinking. 
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Signed to J. Cole’s Dreamville label at age 20, Cozz quickly found himself on massive world tours where free alcohol was constantly accessible. What started at age 15 as a way to ease social anxiety, manage a chaotic household, and write lyrics slowly turned into severe alcohol dependency. The isolation of the pandemic and multiple DUI arrests pushed him further into a dark cycle, until the sudden loss of his close friend served as a crucial wake-up call. 
Choosing cold-turkey sobriety, Cozz transformed his life through physical fitness, walking ten miles a day, and embarking on a deep spiritual awakening. He shares how removing alcohol helped him lose 50 pounds, rebuild his relationship with his mother, process past trauma, and create his most authentic music yet. His story proves that true self-confidence comes from inner healing, discipline, and trusting your own purpose. 
If Cozz’s story inspired you, please like, comment, and subscribe to Recoverycast! Share this video with anyone who needs to hear a message of hope today.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Intro 
02:46 – Welcome Cozz 
03:42 – Growing Up in South Central LA & Childhood Anxiety 
04:51 – Finding Alcohol at 15 to Cope with Family Chaos 
08:04 – Signing to J. Cole’s Dreamville Record Label 
11:07 – Tour Life, Free Liquor Riders & Escalating Drinking 
17:34 – Losing a Close Friend & Realizing Life or Death 
19:38 – COVID Isolation, DUIs & Reaching Rock Bottom 
27:24 – Going Cold Turkey: 10-Mile Walks & Spiritual Awakening 
41:09 – Healing Generational Trauma & Making Sober Music 
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
How does alcohol use affect social anxiety and creative confidence? 
What triggers alcohol dependency in teenagers living in chaotic homes? 
How do free alcohol riders on tour impact an artist's drinking habits? 
What role can daily physical exercise like walking play in early sobriety? 
How does grief and losing a friend serve as a turning point in addiction recovery? 
Can musical artists stay creative and write songs without drinking? 
How do you process childhood trauma and heal family relationships in recovery? 
What are the physical and emotional challenges of quitting alcohol cold turkey? 
How does isolation during a crisis increase alcohol consumption? 
How do you rebuild authentic self-confidence after stopping drinking? 
How can adult children and parents break generational trauma cycles? 
What does finding peace and simple routine look like in long-term sobriety? 
#AddictionRecovery #SobrietyStories #MentalHealth

In this powerful episode of Recoverycast, AJ Banuelos shares his journey from generational gang life, prison, and severe meth and heroin use to becoming a frontline recovery advocate. Overcoming years of trauma, near-death overdoses, and cycles of incarceration, AJ transformed his pain into purpose as Director of Community Engagement and Training at End Overdose. 
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Learn more about End Overdose: https://endoverdose.net/
AJ opens up about growing up surrounded by gang culture, domestic violence, and early substance use. After entering juvenile hall at a young age, he used tough exteriors to mask deep-seated fear and isolation. The cycle continued into adulthood with methamphetamine and heroin use, repeated prison terms, and strained family relationships. However, a poignant conversation with his 11-year-old son and a terrifying encounter with law enforcement became pivotal moments that sparked his desire to change. 
Through a 12-step treatment program and sober living, AJ discovered genuine connection, self-worth, and a new identity beyond his past. Today, celebrating five years of sobriety, AJ travels the country training communities, distributing life-saving Naloxone, and breaking the stigma around mental health and substance use disorder. His story proves that no matter how deep the struggle, recovery and transformation are always possible. 
If AJ’s story inspired you, please like, comment, and subscribe to Recoverycast! Share this video with someone who needs a reminder that hope and healing are within reach.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 - Intro 
04:08 - Welcome AJ Banuelos 
05:24 - Growing Up in Generational Gang Culture 
10:15 - Early Substance Use & First Time in JuVie 
21:08 - Meth Addiction & The Incarceration Cycle 
27:18 - Surviving Overdoses & Reaching Rock Bottom 
33:14 - A Son’s Request & Entering Treatment 
41:16 - Rebuilding Life in Sober Living 
46:17 - Finding Purpose with End Overdose 
53:13 - What 5 Years of Sobriety Restored 
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
How do generational cycles of gang involvement impact youth mental health? 
What leads a young person into early substance use? 
How does trauma and suppressing emotions contribute to substance use disorder? 
What is the emotional impact of entering juvenile hall as a child? 
How can family dynamics complicate an individual's struggle with substance use? 
What are the warning signs of severe meth and heroin addiction? 
How does a parent's addiction impact their relationship with their child? 
What role do 12-step treatment programs play in long-term recovery? 
How does sober living help individuals transition back into society? 
What does frontline overdose prevention training involve? 
How can Narcan and Naloxone education save lives at music festivals? 
How do you rebuild self-worth and identity after incarceration? 
How can someone break the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction recovery? 
#AddictionRecovery #SobrietyStories #MentalHealth

Michelle Chubb shares her powerful story of overcoming alcohol, Molly, and cocaine dependency through Indigenous cultural reconnection and motherhood.
Michelle Chubb (known online as Indigenous Baddy) opens up about her journey through substance dependency, party culture, and social anxiety. Growing up between her reservation and Winnipeg, Manitoba, she faced childhood bullying, cultural disconnect, and systemic isolation before turning to heavy alcohol use, MDMA, and cocaine to feel outgoing. Realizing the toll substance use was taking on her self-worth, Michelle and her partner chose sobriety together. By reconnecting with her Cree and Ojibwe heritage, jingle dress dancing, and traditional ceremonies, she found deep spiritual healing, authentic confidence, and a mission to break generational trauma for her daughter.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
In this inspiring episode of Recoverycast, Michelle discusses how cultural healing and community support became core pillars of her addiction recovery and relapse prevention. From navigating heavy binge drinking and party drug dependency to finding her voice as a viral content creator and TEDx speaker, her story offers hope for anyone seeking mental health healing, trauma recovery, and sobriety stories rooted in identity and resilience.
Subscribe to Recoverycast for more real stories of hope, leave a comment sharing your thoughts on Michelle's journey, and share this video with someone who needs encouragement today!
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Intro
03:12 – Welcome Michelle Chubb
04:00 – Growing Up on the Reservation vs. the City
08:08 – Facing Childhood Bullying & Cultural Isolation
13:57 – Binge Drinking & Using Substances to Mask Anxiety
16:07 – Escalating to Molly, Cocaine & Party Culture
21:23 – The Turning Point: Choosing Sobriety with Her Partner
22:52 – Reconnecting with Indigenous Culture & Jingle Dancing
27:20 – Becoming "Indigenous Baddy" & Navigating Fame
32:10 – Motherhood, Breaking Generational Cycles & Final Advice
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
How does reconnecting with cultural identity support addiction recovery?
What are effective strategies to stop binge drinking and party drug use?
How can couples support each other when choosing sobriety together?
What role do traditional Indigenous ceremonies play in mental health healing?
How do you overcome social anxiety without using alcohol or drugs?
How do you walk away from toxic friendships when getting sober?
What are the signs of healing from generational trauma?
How can jingle dress dancing aid in spiritual and emotional healing?
What is the connection between childhood bullying and substance dependency?
How can parents break generational cycles for their children?
How do you build authentic confidence in recovery?
What advice helps someone take the first step toward sobriety?
#AddictionRecovery #SobrietyStories #IndigenousBaddy