“Everyone has something to offer, but the person you have to offer the most is yourself” Ryan conveys genuinely through personal experience. 

By Anna Randall

In Episode 37, podcast host, Aalia Lanius welcomes close friends Tim Ryan and Jennifer Gimenez to speak about their experiences with addiction, recovery, and the actions they are taking to help others struggling with addiction on Unsugarcoated with Aalia. Ryan is a recovering addict who has used his sobriety to help other addicts and their families with substance abuse. Founder of the nonprofit A Man in Recovery, he is also the author of best-selling book From Dope to Hope, the subject of A&E documentary Dope Man, and a featured thought leader on the topic of addiction for numerous media outlets. Wife and business partner, Jennifer Gimenez, who also struggled with addiction is a model, actress, and recovery advocate for A Man in Recovery Foundation. 

“Addiction is a progressive and chronic disease that will kill you,”  Ryan says in all seriousness. 

Once a successful businessman who struggled with substance abuse for over thirty years, Tim Ryan’s life changed forever when he was arrested and sentenced to time in prison. As a ‘functioning addict’ Ryan was going through life with a $500 dollar-a-day heroin habit that he couldn’t shake, his life revolved around alcohol and drugs. Although he tried treatment many times, it wasn’t until the forced detox and therapeutic drug treatment program for 13.5 months in prison that Ryan’s sobriety stuck. 

“You’ve got three choices, you’re going to die, you’re going to end up in prison and probably die, or you get sober,” Ryan states, emphasizing the reality of addiction. 

When released from prison, Ryan had nothing, his wife divorced him and their house was foreclosed. It was starting from scratch that motivated him to create his nonprofit foundation, A Man in Recovery. Soon after he started to develop his company, Ryan’s son Nick, who he used to get high with, died from a heroin overdose. It was his son’s death that truly pushed Ryan to go and help others struggling with substance abuse and addiction. 

“We need to open the conversations, we need to stop the judgment,” Ryan relays to the audience. 

Ryan and Gimenez have traveled across the country helping people escape bad situations of addiction and try to lead them in the direction of sobriety. But just the two of them is not enough to stop the disease affecting over 21 million Americans. The stigma around addiction has allowed the system to fail to end this epidemic. Currently, the duo is trying to bring awareness to this issue, especially during COVID-19.

“Right now, alcohol sales are up almost 300%, being prescribed benzodiazepines is up 62%, suicides are up 1000%, mental health calls are up 800%,” Ryan shares. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many have struggled with mental health and addiction problems. Isolation, change in routine, and being stuck at home has not only been a struggle for those recovering but also has created new addicts. Gimenez’s biggest advice is to find a purpose and connection to keep yourself grounded and always stay accountable. Small slip-ups may lead back to a full-blown addiction. 

“Being gentle with yourself will allow you to be able to help others,” Gimenez expresses with great importance. 

Check out the FULL episode NOW:

Right now, it is important to recognize the extenuating circumstances of a global pandemic. We are all trauma survivors, and we will get through this. Do not be afraid to reach out for help. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, call 844-611-HOPE (4673) to connect with Tim Ryan. 

Connect with Tim and Jen: 

www.timandjen.org

IG: @timryandopetohope     @jennifergimenez

Twitter:@AManInRecovery  @JenniferGimenez

Facebook:Tim Ryan  Jennifer Gimenez

Stay connected with your host on IG: @aalia_unsugarcoated