Everything changed when I dropped the word ‘blame’ and picked up the basics of recovery

In this encouraging episode of The Cup of Joe Show, Ladd H. shares a no-nonsense story of collapse, surrender, and rebuilding from the ground up. A standout college athlete who thought the rules didn’t apply to him, Ladd's life spiraled from alcohol and opiates to smoking fentanyl, amphetamines, and living in a five-year stretch of psychosis. He chose isolation over help—until addiction took everything: his marriage, jobs, money, and sanity.

After a first attempt at recovery, Ladd stayed sober for ten months but found himself suicidal until his brother—also in recovery—encouraged him to find a sponsor and work the steps. He did. But like so many, he relapsed, and the disease picked up right where it left off.

The true turning point came when Ladd surrendered from exhaustion—not just to the idea of sobriety, but to the practice of it. He stopped blaming others, got honest, got humble, and returned to the basics: sponsor, steps, service. Today, he overachieves in recovery by keeping it simple and consistent, learning that “when everything inside settles down, the rest of life begins to settle down.”

🎙️ This episode is a moving reminder that strength doesn’t come from willpower—it comes from surrender.

• 📖 Stumbling in the Right Direction by Don M.

• 🎵 KrishnaDas.com – music, mantra for spiritual connection

🌟 Looking for daily encouragement and inspiration? Visit our friends at Daily Ponderables — your source for strength, hope, and reflection 365 days a year.

The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.