A Tale of Rebirth: Geoff's Addiction Recovery Journey and the Power of Accountability

Geoff Shea, RCP, NCARWC • May 25, 2023

A Tale of Rebirth: Geoff's Recovery Journey and the Power of Accountability

The power of personal stories is incredible. They remind us that we are not alone and provide proof that even when we hit rock bottom, there's always a way back up. Today, I'm going to share with you a story of such strength and resilience. Meet Geoff, a Nationally Certified Addiction Recovery and Wellness Coach who has turned his life around and dedicated his path to helping others.


The Spiral Downward


Geoff's life wasn't always the portrait of wellness and dedication we see today. Twenty-five years ago, he ventured into wellness and spirituality, inspired by prominent figures such as Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Depak Chopra, and Tony Robbins. This newfound passion, however, didn't fit into his everyday conversations in the Bond Pits of Lehman Brothers, where he was working at the time.


As his interest in wellness grew, Geoff faced an unseen enemy: addiction. It started small, unnoticeable at first, and then became an insurmountable force. The power of addiction swept away all that Geoff held dear, leaving him at rock bottom in 2016. That was when a family member, who was 20 years sober, suggested he consider treatment.


The Turning Point


Geoff's decision to enter an inpatient treatment center was the turning point in his life. The experience saved his life, and his dedication to sobriety and wellness gave him a life worth living. Geoff started seeing addiction not just as a disease but a battle he could win. It was a shift in perspective, a rebirth of his spirit, that marked the beginning of his recovery journey.


Since then, Geoff has committed himself to helping others struggling with addiction. He became a recovery coach, guiding clients through their struggles and helping them heal. His approach isn't one-size-fits-all; Geoff believes in individualized care, tailored to each client's unique needs. He works to push his clients gently beyond their comfort zones, guiding them to meet their challenges head-on.


Life Now: Triumph Over Trauma


As Geoff shares his story, he acknowledges that he didn't dream of becoming an alcoholic or drug addict. His childhood was riddled with challenges and trauma that led him down a dark path. The loss of his father at a young age, surviving a near-fatal accident, and grappling with the effects of sexual assault left deep emotional wounds. 


Despite these struggles, Geoff had his shining moments, like being recognized as an expert skier by the United States Ski Association. But the escape provided by skiing and the international crowd in Aspen, Colorado, proved short-lived. The allure of alcohol and drugs offered a temporary reprieve from his inner turmoil, creating a void that would eventually consume his life.


From Recovery to Accountable


Geoff's journey to recovery is one of resilience and determination. Following his stint in rehab and his sober living home experience, he took the reins of his life back. Geoff embraced the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, committed himself to his recovery, and found stable work. With two years of sobriety under his belt and a sizeable savings account, Geoff felt a calling to give back to the community.


He began working as a recovery coach in 2018, assisting hundreds of individuals battling addiction. Every day he woke up feeling like a child on Christmas morning, excited to make a difference in someone's life. In addition to his coaching work, Geoff took over management of the sober house he lived in post-rehab.


It was during this time Geoff discovered Accountable. He seized the opportunity to join this leader in client support and recovery coaching, seeing it as an excellent platform to extend his reach. 

Jason's Story - From Rock Bottom to New Heights: My Journey of Recovery and Reinvention

By Jason Ertrachter • February 4, 2025
With over a decade of alcohol and drug abuse, it became clear I could not drink responsibly or consume in moderation. Upon further review, I came to understand I was never able to drink responsibly and was predisposed to consume in excess. Moderation is a construct I still don’t understand. Alcohol, drugs, sugar, ego, all things I love to indulge in. At 25 years old, weeks before the pandemic, I found myself being escorted by security from my beloved office in a sought-after industry in a glamorous part of Los Angeles. Pursuing a career in talent management, the late nights, weekly drinking, daily drug use culminated in the unavoidable fear, anxiety and sense of calamity that led me to recovery. I asked myself, “What was the common denominator between lost jobs, friends lost, arrests, hurt feelings and selfishness?” People, places, things were always changing, but the one constant in my story was me with drugs and alcohol. Walking into the West Hollywood Recovery Center on Monday February 5th, 2020 at noon was not my first meeting. It was, however, the first meeting at which I listened and actually took suggestions. Meetings as a teenager, and again in college when my drug use got bad, were simply to get people off my back. As I look back, I understand that I actually needed to get out of my own way, not have those who loved me off of my back. I am grateful to have gotten sober during a time when the world shut down and so many struggled. I had nowhere to go, no outside distractions to challenge my commitment. I fully emerged myself in meetings and all that AA had to offer for young people. There were thousands of virtual meetings at every hour of the day, but more importantly, rooms and outdoor meetings in LA that never missed a beat. There was an underground community of meeting makers that continued to go to in-person meetings, masks on, hugs and fellowship. I found that the work of early recovery far outweighed the isolation. I left the entertainment industry with two years of sobriety. New career opportunities opened up pretty quickly for me. Transitioning into the startup and tech sales world, I was able to move back home to New York and be closer to my family. As my sobriety continued, new career paths continued to present themselves. When I was introduced to Matt and AJ, I was immediately impressed with their mission and welcomed the opportunity to join the team. I am confident that the combination of my personal and professional success, as well as my CARC, CRPA certification, made my decision the perfect one for me. Having hit my stride in my own recovery, I now see that that my purpose is to help others. It is a purpose I do not take lightly. I bring the same energy and focus that has helped me to get where I am today to other individuals and families alike looking for a better way.

Stephanie's Story - My Journey to Addiction Recovery and Giving Back

By Stephanie Myers, CPRS • January 29, 2025
My name is Stephanie Myers, and I am excited to be part of the incredible team at You Are Accountable . As difficult as my journey prior to recovery was, I am grateful for every step along the way. My recovery journey began five years ago through what I believe was divine intervention. At my lowest point—mentally, physically, and spiritually—I was led to a 12-step recovery program. Most of my life was spent seeking relief from my internal and external struggles. During my teenage years, I thought I had found a solution, but my addiction only progressed, leading me to the depths of despair. My addiction compromised my morals, diminished my integrity, and left me with a profound sense of hopelessness. Overwhelmed by guilt and shame, I realized that everything in my life had to change. I became willing to do whatever it took to shift the trajectory of my life. Gradually, I connected with others who understood my pain and had found their way to recovery. I dedicated myself to internal work and began to fill the spiritual void that I had been attempting to fill with substances. Today, my life is filled with purpose, love, and more beauty than I could have ever imagined five years ago. It is my passion to help others realize that there is hope on the other side of addiction. As a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, I strive to help plant the seed of recovery and help others grow along their path to recovery.

Brittany's Story: Overcoming Addiction to Find Hope, Healing, and Purpose

By Brittany Pealer, CRPS • January 28, 2025
My name is Brittany, and I’m honored to be part of the team at You Are Accountable . My journey to recovery has been filled with struggles, lessons, and, ultimately, transformation. For years, I lived in the utter hopelessness of addiction, believing there was no way out. A "normal" life felt completely out of reach, and even as a child, I never felt like I had a true purpose. Throughout my active addiction, I found myself trapped in a relentless cycle. I would put one substance down—whether through treatment or court-ordered intervention—but almost immediately, I would pick up another. Each time, I restarted the same painful, destructive cycle, convinced that I could never break free. It wasn’t until I realized that recovery is an inside job that things began to change. Changing people, places, and things (and substances) can only do so much for so long; true recovery requires doing the hard work within. My turning point came when I became pregnant with my first daughter. For the first time in my life, I found a reason to fight for something greater than myself. That moment marked the beginning of my journey to recovery, and through that journey, I discovered the life I never thought was possible. Today, I’m blessed with an amazing job, a beautiful family with two incredible daughters, and an active role in my recovery community. As a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) and Recovery Coach, I am passionate about helping others find hope and healing. I understand the challenges of breaking free from addiction, and I’m living proof that it’s possible to create a life filled with purpose, joy, and connection. Recovery has given me everything I once believed was out of reach, and I’m honored to walk alongside others as they embark on their own journeys to freedom.
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