
In episode 59 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with entrepreneur, recovery advocate, podcast host, and founder of Kreatures of Habit, Michael Chernow, for an honest conversation about addiction, trauma, recovery, and personal transformation.Michael shares his story of growing up with family challenges, experiencing s*xual assault, battling substance use disorder, and navigating the pain that fueled his addiction. He opens up about the realities of recovery, the lessons he's learned through adversity, and how sobriety helped him rebuild his life with purpose.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.
Chapters |
00:00 Welcome & Moving to LA
01:31 Introduction to Recovery and Breaking Stigma
03:25 Roots of Addiction & Importance of Healthy Habits
05:25 Growing Up in New York City
07:50 Family Dynamics and Childhood Trauma
13:13 Early Signs of Addiction and School Life
16:16 Escaping Pain, Substance Use Begins
20:07 Cycle of Self-Hate and the Role of Love
25:33 Sports, Sexual Abuse, and Seeking Validation
29:57 Molestation Realization & Impact
33:11 Addiction Intensifies & Life on His Own
36:35 Balancing School, Work, and Early Job Experience
39:59 Addiction Deepens, Hitting Rock Bottom
41:52 Overdose & Immediate Aftermath
45:02 Explaining the Insanity of Addiction
48:07 Powerlessness & Turning Point
53:41 Asking for Help and the Start of Recovery
56:09 The Recovery Plan & Building New Habits
01:00:04 Lasting Transformation Through Structure
01:03:37 Importance of Daily Wins & Routine
01:06:05 The Role of Fitness and Nutrition in Recovery
01:08:38 Sobriety, Abstinence, and Individual Recovery Paths
01:12:19 Managing Trauma & Breathwork
01:14:26 Addiction as a Disease & Combating Stigma
01:17:56 Long-Term Self-Compassion & Living Sober
01:18:38 Closing Thoughts & Gratitude
Michael Chernow's Links |
Website | https://www.michaelchernow.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/michaelchernow/
Follow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma
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fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict
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