Part 1- A Long Road Home, Walking Through Fire: How a Father Reclaimed His Life and Family-David Levi's Story
03/20/25 • 42 min
David Levi's life story reads like a road map through the shadowy terrain of addiction and the uphill climb back to recovery. A proud member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, David grew up in western Oklahoma surrounded by the wide-open spaces and close-knit community of reservation life. Though his childhood was relatively sheltered from substance abuse within his immediate family, the community around him struggled with addiction's grip.
The death of his father in 2009 marked a devastating turning point. Losing his "superhero" sent David spiraling into increasingly dangerous territory as he sought to numb his grief with cocaine and alcohol. What began as weekend partying evolved into daily use, and eventually, a fateful introduction to methamphetamine changed everything. "I never thought I had a problem," David reflects, describing how he watched his life unravel without recognizing the severity of his situation.
As addiction tightened its hold, David's life became a revolving door of county jails across Oklahoma—what he calls his "county jail tour." He lost his casino job, relationships crumbled, and most painfully, he became estranged from his children. "My son went from being a little 10-year-old boy to almost as tall as me. How am I missing this much time?" This realization became the catalyst for change as David finally embraced the structure of drug court and rehabilitation after facing a potential 10-year prison sentence.
The road to recovery wasn't straight or easy. An 18-month drug court program stretched into three years, but David persevered. Today, he works as a group facilitator, along with our host Jo Summers, at South Coast Behavioral Health Treatment Facility, using his lived experience to help others find their way. David is also very active with Wellbriety in his community. Most meaningfully, he's reunited with his children who now live with him. His journey from client to counselor represents recovery's full circle—proving that even after hitting rock bottom multiple times, transformation is possible with determination, structure, and support. This is Part 1 of David's Long Road Home...
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
David Levi's life story reads like a road map through the shadowy terrain of addiction and the uphill climb back to recovery. A proud member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, David grew up in western Oklahoma surrounded by the wide-open spaces and close-knit community of reservation life. Though his childhood was relatively sheltered from substance abuse within his immediate family, the community around him struggled with addiction's grip.
The death of his father in 2009 marked a devastating turning point. Losing his "superhero" sent David spiraling into increasingly dangerous territory as he sought to numb his grief with cocaine and alcohol. What began as weekend partying evolved into daily use, and eventually, a fateful introduction to methamphetamine changed everything. "I never thought I had a problem," David reflects, describing how he watched his life unravel without recognizing the severity of his situation.
As addiction tightened its hold, David's life became a revolving door of county jails across Oklahoma—what he calls his "county jail tour." He lost his casino job, relationships crumbled, and most painfully, he became estranged from his children. "My son went from being a little 10-year-old boy to almost as tall as me. How am I missing this much time?" This realization became the catalyst for change as David finally embraced the structure of drug court and rehabilitation after facing a potential 10-year prison sentence.
The road to recovery wasn't straight or easy. An 18-month drug court program stretched into three years, but David persevered. Today, he works as a group facilitator, along with our host Jo Summers, at South Coast Behavioral Health Treatment Facility, using his lived experience to help others find their way. David is also very active with Wellbriety in his community. Most meaningfully, he's reunited with his children who now live with him. His journey from client to counselor represents recovery's full circle—proving that even after hitting rock bottom multiple times, transformation is possible with determination, structure, and support. This is Part 1 of David's Long Road Home...
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
"Dear Family"- Healing Together-Transforming Family Dynamics in Addiction Recovery. With guest-Kate Duffy
From the depths of addiction to the heights of recovery, discovering the role families play in this journey can change everything. In our latest podcast episode, Host Jo Summers welcomed the inspiring Kate Duffy, Founder of Tipping Point Recovery, an Interventionist and Family Addiction Expert and The Author of "Dear Family," A proven real-world approach to helping the addicted find lasting recovery. Kate is incredibly inspiring as she shares her own transformation from addiction and the numerous challenges that came with it. Kate passionately discusses the deep connection between addiction and family dynamics, shedding light on how family members often become ensnared in cycles of enabling behavior.
She emphasizes that acknowledging addiction as a family issue—rather than solely an individual one—can be a game-changer for many. This insight alone opens the door for families to facilitate healing and recovery together, rather than feeling helpless or lost in the chaos of their loved one's behavior. With practical strategies, Kate explains how families can start addressing the root causes of addiction, beginning with understanding what substances provide to the individual using them. This perspective encourages compassion, connection, and ultimately, a pathway toward healing.
Throughout the episode, Kate shares valuable tools and takes on establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries. Families are reminded that prioritizing their emotional health is just as crucial in the recovery process and that self-care must be integrated into their lives while supporting a loved one. Kate’s insights shine a light on how families can create an environment that is less chaotic and more supportive, ultimately allowing space for recovery.
For those looking to expand their knowledge and gain actionable insights, Kate announces a free masterclass designed to empower families with effective approaches towards addiction. Don't miss this opportunity to learn and start fostering a more supportive recovery-oriented atmosphere in your family. Tune in and discover the strength in community and the power of shared healing.
Connect with Kate Duffy: Website, Book, Masterclass, Training, Bootcamp, link below.
https://linktr.ee/tippingpointrecovery?utm_source=linktree_profile_share
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
Part 2- A Long Road Home Walking Through Fire-How a Father Reclaimed His Life and Family-David Levi's Story
Part 2 of David's Journey- From losing custody of his baby to finding lasting recovery, David's story is a testament to the power of honest surrender and treatment. When DHS intervened after years of meth addiction, David faced a life-changing choice – continue hiding his substance use or seek comprehensive help. His decision to pursue treatment in California completely transformed his path.
Though expecting to remain with his partner Brittany throughout rehab, their separation became an unexpected blessing. David immersed himself in recovery, finding a sponsor who guided him through the 12 steps and embracing spiritual practices he'd previously dismissed. A profound moment came while watching ducks in a canal, when he realized his role wasn't to control Brittany's recovery journey but to create a smoother path by focusing on his own healing.
The couple eventually reunited, married in California, and returned to Oklahoma with new skills to navigate the challenging DHS process. Through patience and consistent work, they regained custody of their baby and rebuilt their family life. David's transformation extended beyond personal recovery when he discovered a passion for helping others, eventually becoming a certified recovery professional and Wellbriety facilitator at the very organization that helped save his life.
David's journey illuminates how embracing Native spiritual practices, including weekly sweat lodge ceremonies, strengthened his recovery foundation. His story demonstrates that even when families are separated and hope seems lost, recovery remains possible through willingness, honesty, and a commitment to growth. Today, he helps others navigate their recovery journeys with compassion born from experience.
Have you witnessed how surrender and accepting help can transform someone's life? David's story shows that recovery isn't just about stopping substance use—it's about healing relationships, rebuilding families, and finding purpose in supporting others on the same path. Trust the Process.
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 - Part 1- A Long Road Home, Walking Through Fire: How a Father Reclaimed His Life and Family-David Levi's Story
Transcript
Good morning . Welcome to Breakfast of Choices Life Stories of Transformation from Rock Bottom to Rock Solid . I am here with my guest today , david Levi . David and I actually work together at South Coast Treatment Facility here in Oklahoma City . We're both group facilitators . David's my coworker works right across the hall small hall from me , so we hear each other and see each
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