He felt a void he thought alcohol could fill—turns out, it was a God-shaped hole.

In this unforgettable episode of The Cup of Joe Show, Doug R. takes us from the military bases of Hawaii to the chaotic streets of addiction—and ultimately, to a life of purpose and peace. Doug grew up in a home shaped by secrecy and survival, with a father in military intelligence and a heart that never quite fit in. By high school, he was the party guy, selling drugs, getting arrested, and trying to silence the storm inside with booze and bravado.

But behind the chaos were whispers of something more: a childhood mentor named Mr. Denny who introduced him to spiritual principles, and fleeting moments of clarity that pierced the darkness. Still, the spiral continued—until his mother’s heart-wrenching words and a 12-step intervention at a dope house became the catalyst for change.

At just 23, Doug began what he calls the “loneliest walk” toward his first 12-step meeting. What he found wasn’t just sobriety—it was surrender, connection, and a life beyond anything he imagined. Doug reminds us that recovery isn’t about changing the world around us—it’s about transforming the person within.

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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.