EP 124 - Never Give Up with Matthew Traver

Guest Matthew Traver joins counselor & host Jared Miller to share his recovery story. Matt describes a typical childhood, growing up in Wisconsin. He had no idea that playing with older friends in his neighborhood would lead to being sexually assaulted. Matt also shares a traumatic experience of witnessing domestic violence against his mother at the hands of her boyfriend. Matt reflects on how these events led him to isolate himself, leading to symptoms of depression which he looked to escape by abusing various chemicals. In typical progressive fashion, Matt’s polysubstance use disorders placed him on a path to the wrong side of the criminal justice system. Today Matt reflects on those events saving his life! Through drug court supervision & outpatient SUD treatment services, Matt was able to rebuild his life. On the 4th of July, 2023, he celebrates four years clean! Matthew Traver has become a lighthouse for others seeking a new way to live. He started the 501-c3 non-profit organization Never Give Up. The organization's vision is to create transitional housing for individuals being released from jails/prisons to provide a path for lasting change. We hope you enjoy this episode!