In this powerful Episode 4 of "Roads to Recovery," host Jim Russell introduces the deeply personal and transformative journey of Michael, a man whose life was shaped by early family values, athletic promise, and ultimately, the struggle with substance use disorder. The episode opens with a reflection on the universal search for belonging and fulfillment that often underlies substance use disorder, setting the stage for Michael’s candid and moving narrative.

Michael recounts his upbringing in Danville, Illinois, under the guidance of hard-working, God-fearing parents. Despite a strict household and modest means, he excelled in sports, particularly football, and enjoyed the admiration of his peers. Yet, experimentation with alcohol and drugs in his youth became the “gateway” to deeper struggles. After high school, Michael’s life took several turns, from early marriage and fatherhood to military service and a return home after an injury, a period marked by attempts to live up to his father’s standards and provide for his family.

As responsibilities mounted and personal disappointments accumulated, Michael found himself drawn deeper into substance use. He describes how curiosity, stress, and self-medication gradually overtook his life, leading to substance use disorder, broken relationships, and missed opportunities. Michael’s story is honest about the cycles of guilt, self-forgiveness, and the challenge of breaking free from the grip of substance use disorder.

Even in his darkest moments, Michael never lost touch with his spiritual roots. He attributes his eventual recovery to faith and family support, especially from his steadfast mother and loving daughter. He shares the crucial realization that recovery is not just about stopping drug use, but about rebuilding trust, seeking help, and transforming one’s mindset.

This episode is an inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the power of community, and the importance of compassion for those on their own road to recovery.

Every journey to recovery is unique, but hope and healing are possible.

In this compelling Episode 3 of "Roads to Recovery," host Jim Russell introduces listeners to Wendy, a woman who has spent over three decades in recovery after a long battle with substance use disorder. Through candid interviews with both Wendy and her mother, the episode explores the deeply personal and often painful realities of substance use disorder, including the impact of parental absence and the struggle for self-worth.

Wendy shares her journey from a childhood shaped by her mother's resilience and her father's absence to a turbulent adolescence marked by early substance use and the search for belonging. Listeners hear about her descent into substance use disorder, from smoking and drinking as a teenager to later struggling with crack cocaine and heroin. Wendy offers honest reflections on her lowest points, including homelessness, losing family heirlooms to pay for drugs, and the overwhelming shame and isolation that followed.

Her mother’s perspective adds emotional depth, revealing the pain and confusion of watching a loved one struggle, and the misconceptions many family members face about substance use disorder. This story illustrates the ripple effects of substance use disorder on families and the importance of understanding, compassion, and support.

Wendy’s turning point comes with the realization that she can’t recover alone. Embracing support from treatment programs, her church community, and a renewed sense of faith, she begins to rebuild her life. The episode highlights the concept of a "warm handoff"—the community’s collaborative approach to helping individuals access the resources they need. Wendy’s story is ultimately one of hope, demonstrating that recovery is possible with persistence, support, and the willingness to seek help.

No two recovery journeys are the same, but help and hope are always within reach. You can find your Road to Recovery.

Jim Russell and other community members explain the difference between substance use, abuse, and substance use disorder, which is a progressive dependence that can develop from alcohol, marijuana, prescription pills, or street drugs.

The episode breaks down the six-phase cycle:

• Initial use (often tied to trauma, pain, peer pressure, or curiosity)

• Misuse & experimentation

• Tolerance (needing more to feel the same)

• Dependence (needing it to feel normal)

• Addiction (the substance controls everything)

• Relapse (repeated attempts to quit, followed by returning to use)

Local first responders share the real-world consequences, including overdoses, wrecked cars, meth-lab fires, and overdose deaths. Personal recovery stories from Vermilion County illustrate how addiction started young, escalated quickly, destroyed families and health, and felt impossible to escape.

The cycle can be broken. Recovery looks different for everyone, but it is possible right here in Vermilion County. If you’re caught in this, reach out for help. There is hope, and you’re not alone.