Find YOUR road in Recovery.
Are you tired of the symptoms of substance abuse and want to make a change?
Recovery is challenging, but with the right support, it’s achievable. Research shows that 90.7% of people who seek support report an increase in their quality of life.
At Second Nature Recovery, I am here to help you navigate this journey. Together, we can break the cycle and build a brighter future. Reach out today and take the first step towards lasting recovery.
Few Roads,
Worth Travelling,
go in a Straight Line.
What Is Recovery Coaching?
Recovery coaching is a strengths-based and forward-focused way of guiding individuals in recovery.
We use a variety of evidence-based practices for you to find meaning and purpose in a life of recovery.
Recovery coaching is another form of recovery support that complements counselling, treatment, support groups, and sponsorship.
Recovery looks different for each individual. There are many programs and ways to recover; what's important is finding what works for you.
Who is Recovery Coaching for?
A Recovery Coach is for those looking to make lasting change. Which includes but is not limited to anyone:
considering entering or finishing a treatment program.
who’s substance use has become abuse.
wanting to take back control before things gets worse.
wondering if it is a problem?
with time sober but believe they could benefit from support and guidance.
Recovery coaching can meet whomever, wherever they are, in their recovery journey.
Coaching Testimonial
“I have been working with Mike for the last few months, and he has been a huge help for me. He has an incredible amount of empathy and understanding, which allows for a safe space to go into this work. I have worked with a few different people before, but never felt as understood as I do with him. If you want to live more in alignment, and work with somebody that is fully committed to helping you on your path, look no further. I am very grateful for Mike.”
- J.G.
My Story
My name is Mike Brown, and I am a certified recovery coach through Optimal Recovery Coaching Associates. Inc.
I have been a coach in some capacity for over 15 years, mainly in the hockey and fitness space. Supporting others to make a difference in their lives drew me to coaching and the built relationships made me continue coaching. My alcoholism evolved over ten years, starting around age 17. It began while I was playing hockey at a high level. From there, it took over and ultimately led me down a rough road.
March 25, 2017, is my date of sobriety. That was the first day I was able to give in to the fact I had lost control of my drinking and drugging. Before this date, I had been trying to figure it out on my own. I did this by trying to tone it down, then trying to say no, and finally attempting to cut it out completely, which I could only achieve by isolating myself in seclusion. Everything I tried failed, and it wasn’t until I asked for help that I could start making lasting changes. Those changes began with going to a treatment center and then following through with addiction counselling afterward.
I want you to know that I have been there. I have felt the fear, uncertainty, and reluctance to change. I know how hard it can be to do it alone. When I look back at this point in my life, I can see the value a recovery coach would have brought when I was trying to figure it out on my own and in my early days of recovery. Below are some examples of what worked for me in recovery and a goal that I made with myself. Together, we can find what will work for YOU.
Mike Brown
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Aside from continued counseling, I knew that fitness and staying active was going to be something that would be a significant part of my success in recovery. Not only was this going to help me stay sober, but it would also support my mental health. My mental health had always been a struggle, but during those last years of addiction, it was a roller coaster. Part of this was because I had stopped most of my physical activity. I had retired from hockey, and that gave me more free time to let the substance take over. It wasn’t until I went to treatment that I realized how the physical aspect of hockey was the balance between my alcoholism and multiple rock- bottoms.
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My path in recovery included fitness, and that is where I found community. It did not include AA or overly inserting myself into the recovery community.
I have nothing but respect for AA and the people that use them as a resource. While I was in treatment, I attended meetings, and they greatly impacted me in those early days. But I knew that when I got back to the real world, I didn’t want to make an AA meeting part of my daily routine or something that I had to rely on. I had already given so much of my life to alcohol and drugs, and I didn’t feel the need to continue to provide it with any more time by talking about it consistently; I wanted to look forward. When we work together, we can find your path forward in recovery.
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While I was in active addiction, I had always been alone. I had a few short-term relationships, but nothing ever turned into anything serious. I wasn’t emotionally capable of giving myself to another person because I was hurting so much on the inside. I would also push people away because I wouldn’t want them to find out about us; my addiction and me. When I was finally able to rid myself of that toxic relationship, one of my main goals was to find someone to love and be loved back. I wasn’t in a hurry, but I knew it was necessary. My priority was to find someone I could start a family with and live our lives together. Thankfully, we found each other, we got married, and life is moving forward for us in a happy and positive direction.
Find the rest of my story on Spotify and apple podcasts or click the button below to visit my Substack.
Contact me
To schedule a session or If you have any questions.