APC Recovery Cafe

John Bayles is the Program Director for the Recovery Resource Center, and he is in long-term recovery. John shares his story about finding purpose in his life, how his recovery overlaps with his work, and the important role of certified peer support specialist in all aspects of treatment and recovery.

John also shares about his work at the Recovery Resource Center. The Recovery Resource Center is a program provided through the Crisis Center. The Recovery Resource Center was established in 2017 as a response to rising overdose numbers in Jefferson County, Alabama. Today, the Recovery Resource Center provides ASAM assessments, linkage to resources, and connection for those through all steps of their treatment and recovery.

Today’s conversation is with Tyler Currier, APC Board Member and sales professional for Truckstop.com.

Addiction follows a similar plot line for everyone in its destructive path. Without help, addiction leads to the same ending for all. Recovery, on the other hand, is beautifully unpredictable. Beyond offering a new lease on life, recovery provides opportunities for redemption, rebirth, and purpose.

Tyler’s story perfectly captures this contrast. After years of suffering from the disease of addiction with no end in sight, Tyler entered recovery and felt a spiritual calling to turn his suffering into gold by mentoring those who sought a way out. Join us as we hear Tyler share his remarkable story of hope and service!

Today’s conversation is with Raven Johnson, the Director of Student Initiatives at APC. Raven has taken her experiences with substance use as a young adult, and used these experiences to drive her work in the community, especially with students. Join us as Raven takes us through her journey of recovery that has fueled her passionate work at APC.

Join us as Colin Harris, the Founder and Managing Director of the Birmingham Recovery Center, discusses his journey through recovery and how he was inspired to open a substance use treatment center, which provides an individualized, holistic approach to each client to prepare them for a successful recovery.

Colin Harris is a native of Montgomery, Alabama, and like many, he started using substances as teen. His use continued through college and after. After several experiences with substance use treatment, Colin was able to thrive in his recovery and was inspired to open a substance use treatment center, which provides clients with high-quality, holistic care.

The Birmingham Recovery Center (BRC) opened in July 2021, and BRC has seen an overwhelming demand for services. Currently, BRC is expanding to provide mental health services. Longleaf Wellness Birmingham, an IOP and PHP mental health wellness center, is projected to open in Spring 2024, right next door to BRC. In addition to the new mental health wellness center, BRC is also building two similar substance use treatment centers. The new Longleaf Recovery Centers, will provide substance use treatment services to people in Huntsville and Mobile.

Join us as Dr. Ellen Eaton, an infectious disease physician with UAB Medicine, discusses her work with people with substance use disorders, stigma in medicine, and the future of harm reduction.