Battling Addiction and PTSD: Finding Purpose After 9/11 with Chad Garcia
Explicit content warning
08/22/24 • 75 min
In this episode of Breakfast of Choices, I sit down with Chad Garcia to hear his powerful story of overcoming childhood trauma, addiction, and mental health struggles during his military service. As he shares his personal journey, I'm struck by the depth of his resilience and the rawness of his experiences.
Growing up, Chad endured physical abuse and witnessed his mother being assaulted, leaving deep scars that would shape the rest of his life. His teenage years were marked by a sense of isolation, as he turned to alcohol and rebellious behavior, feeling like an outcast in his own family. After joining the National Guard following 9/11, Chad found a sense of purpose and structure, Chad eventually enlisted for active duty from 2004-2014, but the military culture also enabled his drinking habits. His alcoholism and PTSD eventually led to a mental health breakdown, including a suicide attempt.
Chad's struggle with substance abuse, cycling through alcohol and cocaine addiction, only added to the turmoil. The tragic loss of his mother to suicide in 2017 further exacerbated Chad's trauma and grief, but through it all, he has worked tirelessly to rebuild his life, find purpose in helping other veterans, and reconnect with his family. His journey has been filled with ups and downs, but his unwavering hope and commitment to personal growth are truly inspiring. By sharing his story openly, Chad hopes to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage others to prioritize their own healing and well-being.
Chad has one big regret and hopes to repair the relationship with his daughter...and have his whole family together in his new home. Chad created Comrades and Canopies non-profit and teaches veterans how to sky-dive, and creates the camaraderie and purpose and gives back to the community in so many ways. Chad is truly inspirational!!
Visit: https://www.facebook.com/comradesNcanopies/
From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid.
We all have them...every single day, we wake up, we have the chance to make new choices.
We have the power to make our own daily, "Breakfast of Choices"
Resources and ways to connect:
Facebook: Jo Summers
Instagram: @Summersjol
Facebook Support: Chance For Change Women’s circle
Website: Breakfastofchoices.com
Urbanedencmty.com (Oklahoma Addiction and Recovery Resources) Treatment, Sober Living, Meetings. Shout out to the founder, of this phenomenal website... Kristy Da Rosa!
National suicide prevention and crisis, hotline number 988
National domestic violence hotline:
800–799–7233
National hotline for substance abuse, and addiction:
844–289–0879
National mental health hotline:
866–903–3787
National child health and child abuse hotline:
800–422-4453 (1.800.4.A.CHILD)
CoDa.org
12. Step recovery program for codependency.
National Gambling Hotline 800-522-4700
In this episode of Breakfast of Choices, I sit down with Chad Garcia to hear his powerful story of overcoming childhood trauma, addiction, and mental health struggles during his military service. As he shares his personal journey, I'm struck by the depth of his resilience and the rawness of his experiences.
Growing up, Chad endured physical abuse and witnessed his mother being assaulted, leaving deep scars that would shape the rest of his life. His teenage years were marked by a sense of isolation, as he turned to alcohol and rebellious behavior, feeling like an outcast in his own family. After joining the National Guard following 9/11, Chad found a sense of purpose and structure, Chad eventually enlisted for active duty from 2004-2014, but the military culture also enabled his drinking habits. His alcoholism and PTSD eventually led to a mental health breakdown, including a suicide attempt.
Chad's struggle with substance abuse, cycling through alcohol and cocaine addiction, only added to the turmoil. The tragic loss of his mother to suicide in 2017 further exacerbated Chad's trauma and grief, but through it all, he has worked tirelessly to rebuild his life, find purpose in helping other veterans, and reconnect with his family. His journey has been filled with ups and downs, but his unwavering hope and commitment to personal growth are truly inspiring. By sharing his story openly, Chad hopes to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage others to prioritize their own healing and well-being.
Chad has one big regret and hopes to repair the relationship with his daughter...and have his whole family together in his new home. Chad created Comrades and Canopies non-profit and teaches veterans how to sky-dive, and creates the camaraderie and purpose and gives back to the community in so many ways. Chad is truly inspirational!!
Visit: https://www.facebook.com/comradesNcanopies/
From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid.
We all have them...every single day, we wake up, we have the chance to make new choices.
We have the power to make our own daily, "Breakfast of Choices"
Resources and ways to connect:
Facebook: Jo Summers
Instagram: @Summersjol
Facebook Support: Chance For Change Women’s circle
Website: Breakfastofchoices.com
Urbanedencmty.com (Oklahoma Addiction and Recovery Resources) Treatment, Sober Living, Meetings. Shout out to the founder, of this phenomenal website... Kristy Da Rosa!
National suicide prevention and crisis, hotline number 988
National domestic violence hotline:
800–799–7233
National hotline for substance abuse, and addiction:
844–289–0879
National mental health hotline:
866–903–3787
National child health and child abuse hotline:
800–422-4453 (1.800.4.A.CHILD)
CoDa.org
12. Step recovery program for codependency.
National Gambling Hotline 800-522-4700
Previous Episode
Overcoming Generational Curses: The Journey from Childhood Trauma to Sobriety with Ben Martin
Welcome to Breakfast of Choices, where we share real-life stories of transformation from rock bottom to rock solid. I'm your host, Jo Summers, and today I'm honored to be joined by my friend Ben Martin, a local community business owner and the founder of R&B Trees. Ben has an incredible story to share about his journey from the depths of addiction and trauma to finding purpose, sobriety, and remarkable success. Growing up in a physically and emotionally abusive household, Ben turned to drugs and alcohol as a means of escape. His struggles led him down a dark path, including dropping out of high school, joining the military, and battling a debilitating addiction.
In this episode, Ben openly shares the intimate details of his story - the trauma, the addiction, the rock bottoms, and the transformative moments that led him to where he is today. His honesty and vulnerability are truly inspiring, and his journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of choice, accountability, and giving back. After hitting rock bottom, Ben made the courageous choice to get sober and rebuild his life. Through sheer determination and a commitment to personal growth, Ben has not only overcome his past but has gone on to achieve remarkable success as a business owner and community leader.
Whether you're struggling with your own challenges or simply seeking an uplifting story of overcoming addiction, this episode will leave you motivated and encouraged. Join us as we dive into Ben's story and explore the lessons he's learned along the way.
From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid.
We all have them...every single day, we wake up, we have the chance to make new choices.
We have the power to make our own daily, "Breakfast of Choices"
Resources and ways to connect:
Facebook: Jo Summers
Instagram: @Summersjol
Facebook Support: Chance For Change Women’s circle
Website: Breakfastofchoices.com
Urbanedencmty.com (Oklahoma Addiction and Recovery Resources) Treatment, Sober Living, Meetings. Shout out to the founder, of this phenomenal website... Kristy Da Rosa!
National suicide prevention and crisis, hotline number 988
National domestic violence hotline:
800–799–7233
National hotline for substance abuse, and addiction:
844–289–0879
National mental health hotline:
866–903–3787
National child health and child abuse hotline:
800–422-4453 (1.800.4.A.CHILD)
CoDa.org
12. Step recovery program for codependency.
National Gambling Hotline 800-522-4700
Next Episode
Rebuilding Your Life Through Faith: Turning Trauma Into God’s Given Purpose with Rossie Manka
Today on Breakfast of Choices, I’m thrilled to have my guest Rossie Manka on the show today. Rossie is an author, speaker, and transformational coach who helps women break free from limiting beliefs and step into their full potential. In our conversation, Rossie shares her powerful story of overcoming childhood trauma, domestic abuse, and addiction to find healing, purpose, and an unshakable faith in God.
Rossie opens up about the challenges she faced growing up in a poverty-stricken neighborhood in Milwaukee, dealing with an absent father and a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for the family. She vulnerably recounts the molestation she experienced at a young age, which deeply impacted her view of men and led her down a destructive path of anger, bitterness, and unhealthy relationships.
However, Rossie’s story is one of remarkable resilience and transformation. She shares how she found redemption through her faith, using her voice to inspire others who have faced similar struggles. Rossie’s book "Unshakable: A Woman in Christ” chronicles her journey from rock bottom to rock solid, and she now dedicates her life to coaching and mentoring women to break free from limiting beliefs and step into their God-given purpose.
Throughout our conversation, Rossie and I discuss the importance of setting boundaries, choosing supportive friendships, and the power of forgiveness in the healing process. She also shares her experience with the legal system and the domestic abuse she endured, highlighting the strength and courage it took to rebuild her life.
Rossie’s story is a testament to the power of faith, self-love, and perseverance. Her vulnerability and authenticity are truly inspiring, and I'm honored to share her message with you all. If you're a woman seeking to overcome past trauma and step into your full potential, I highly recommend checking out Rossie’s book.
Rossie’s Book: https://a.co/d/5ewluoC
From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid.
We all have them...every single day, we wake up, we have the chance to make new choices.
We have the power to make our own daily, "Breakfast of Choices"
Resources and ways to connect:
Facebook: Jo Summers
Instagram: @Summersjol
Facebook Support: Chance For Change Women’s circle
Website: Breakfastofchoices.com
Urbanedencmty.com (Oklahoma Addiction and Recovery Resources) Treatment, Sober Living, Meetings. Shout out to the founder, of this phenomenal website... Kristy Da Rosa!
National suicide prevention and crisis, hotline number 988
National domestic violence hotline:
800–799–7233
National hotline for substance abuse, and addiction:
844–289–0879
National mental health hotline:
866–903–3787
National child health and child abuse hotline:
800–422-4453 (1.800.4.A.CHILD)
CoDa.org
12. Step recovery program for codependency.
National Gambling Hotline 800-522-4700
Breakfast of Choices - Battling Addiction and PTSD: Finding Purpose After 9/11 with Chad Garcia
Transcript
Welcome to Breakfast of Choices , the weekly podcast that shares life stories of transformation . Each episode holds space for people to tell their true , raw and unedited story of overcoming intense adversity from addiction and incarceration , mental illness , physical and emotional abuse , domestic violence , toxic families , codependency and more . Trauma comes in so many forms . I'm your
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