Bryce Givens: A Journey from Addiction to Recovery and Empowerment

Bryce Givens, founder and CEO of Elevate Recovery Homes, True North Recovery Services, and All The Way Well, is no stranger to the challenges of addiction. Having experienced the harsh realities of addiction firsthand, including incarceration, Bryce’s personal journey is one of transformation, resilience, and hope. Today, he dedicates his life to helping individuals and families navigate the difficult path of recovery. Through his organizations, Bryce provides the support, tools, and guidance necessary to foster healing and empower others to break free from the cycle of addiction.

Can you start by telling us a little about yourself?

Absolutely, I’d be happy to share a bit about my background. I am the founder and CEO of several organizations that focus on addiction recovery, including Elevate Recovery Homes, True North Recovery Services, and All The Way Well. My journey into this field is deeply personal. Years ago, I made choices that led me down a destructive path, and I ended up in prison due to my struggles with addiction. That experience was a turning point for me. It was during my time incarcerated that I realized I had to make a change, not only for myself but also to help others avoid the same mistakes.

Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to not only rebuilding my own life but also to helping others on their path to recovery. I’ve worked in various capacities within the recovery community, from sober living programs to clinical treatment, and have seen firsthand the transformative power of resilience, community, and connection. My goal is to provide hope, support, and the necessary tools for individuals and families impacted by addiction, so they too can find healing and strength.

Could you share how addiction has personally impacted your life or the life of someone close to you?

Addiction has profoundly impacted my life on both personal and professional levels. For me, addiction wasn’t just something I observed from the outside—it was a battle I faced myself. At one point, my addiction led to incarceration, and during that time, I lost so much: relationships, trust, and a sense of purpose. My family, who had always been there for me, had to navigate the pain and uncertainty that comes when someone they love is trapped in addiction. The weight of that was immense, and it affected everyone close to me.

It was a dark time, not just because of the choices I made but because of the ripple effects those choices had on the people I cared about most. I had to rebuild those relationships, regain trust, and most importantly, learn to forgive myself. That process wasn’t easy, but it’s what drives my work today—helping others who feel like they’re stuck in that same cycle, providing a pathway to healing not only for them but for their families and communities.

What advice would you give to mothers who are struggling with their own addiction or are supporting a loved one through theirs?

My heart goes out to any mother who is either struggling with her own addiction or supporting a loved one through theirs. First, I want to say that no matter how tough it seems right now, you’re not alone in this journey. There is help, and there is hope.

For those battling their own addiction, I would encourage you to reach out for support. Whether it’s through a treatment program, a counselor, or even a close friend, taking that first step to ask for help is the most powerful move you can make. Recovery is not a straight line, and it’s okay to not have all the answers right away. What matters is that you keep going, one day at a time.

For mothers supporting a loved one through addiction, my advice is to practice both patience and self-care. Addiction is a complex disease, and while we want to fix everything for the people we love, it’s important to recognize that their recovery is ultimately their own journey. As much as you pour love and support into them, you need to do the same for yourself. Surround yourself with a community—whether it’s a support group or friends—who can help you navigate the emotional challenges.

Finally, remember that setbacks are not failures. Whether you’re working on your own recovery or supporting someone else, every step forward is progress. Stay hopeful, and know that healing is possible.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your journey with addiction, either personally or as a supporter?

One of the biggest challenges I faced during my journey with addiction was confronting the deep sense of shame and guilt that came with it. I felt like I had let down everyone who cared about me—my family, my friends, and myself. That weight was incredibly heavy and made it difficult to see a way out. Overcoming that required me to truly accept responsibility for my actions, but also to forgive myself for the mistakes I made. It wasn’t an overnight process; it took time, therapy, and a lot of inner work to rebuild my confidence and self-worth.

Another major challenge was the impact on relationships. Addiction erodes trust, and even after getting sober, I had to put in consistent effort to rebuild those relationships. I found that being honest, open, and vulnerable about my struggles was key in starting that healing process with my loved ones. Showing them that I was committed to change, not just in words but through my actions, eventually helped restore those bonds.

As a supporter, one of the hardest parts is realizing that you can’t control someone else’s recovery. I’ve watched loved ones struggle, and as much as I wanted to take their pain away or fix things for them, I had to accept that the journey was theirs to walk. My role was to be there, offer support, and sometimes, set healthy boundaries to protect myself from being consumed by their battles.

Ultimately, what helped me overcome these challenges was finding a strong support network—whether it was through treatment, therapy, or other people who had walked a similar path. That community helped me stay accountable and reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Through persistence, self-forgiveness, and the love of those who stood by me, I was able to turn things around.

How did you find the strength and resources to keep going during the toughest moments?

During the toughest moments of my journey, there were times when it felt like everything was falling apart. The strength to keep going didn’t always come from within, especially in the beginning. I had to rely on external support systems—my family, mentors, treatment programs, and, eventually, a community of others who had walked a similar path.

Therapy played a critical role for me. It gave me a space to process my feelings, confront the root causes of my addiction, and develop healthier ways to cope. It also helped me break through the shame and guilt I was carrying, which were huge barriers to my healing. My therapist helped me realize that relapse, setbacks, and struggles didn’t mean failure—they were part of the recovery process.

Another key resource for me was finding a community. Whether it was in recovery groups or just people who understood my experience, being surrounded by others who believed in my ability to change was incredibly powerful. It was their encouragement and their belief in me, even when I doubted myself, that kept me moving forward.

Finally, I learned to take it one day at a time. In my toughest moments, thinking too far ahead felt overwhelming, so I focused on getting through just one day—sometimes just one hour—at a time. Small victories and incremental progress were crucial for building momentum and hope.

The combination of therapy, community support, and this mindset shift gave me the strength I needed, and each time I overcame a tough moment, I became a little more resilient.

What message would you like to share with mothers who feel isolated or hopeless in their battle against addiction?

My message to mothers who are feeling isolated or hopeless in their battle against addiction is simple: You are not alone, and there is always hope. Addiction can make you feel like you’re trapped in a dark place, and it’s easy to think that no one understands what you’re going through. But the truth is, so many others have been where you are now, and they’ve found a way out—and so can you.

The first step in starting the healing process is reaching out. Whether it’s to a counselor, a recovery group, or even just a close friend, taking that step to ask for help is an act of courage. I know it can feel overwhelming or even shameful, but vulnerability is the first step toward strength. You don’t have to have all the answers right now, and it’s okay to lean on others while you find your footing.

It’s also important to remind yourself that recovery is a journey, not a destination. There will be setbacks, and that’s okay. What matters is that you keep moving forward, no matter how slow it feels at times. Start by setting small, achievable goals for yourself, whether that’s making a phone call to a support group, attending a meeting, or even just taking a moment to reflect on your desire to change.

Lastly, practice self-compassion. You deserve the same love and care that you show to others. It’s easy to be hard on yourself, especially as a mother, but remember that healing starts with believing that you are worthy of it. Take it one day at a time, and know that there is a whole community of people who are ready to walk this path with you when you’re ready.

Are there any specific resources, programs, or strategies that you found particularly helpful in dealing with addiction?

One of the most helpful resources for me was discovering my local recovery community through All Pathways groups. All Pathways is an inclusive approach that supports various recovery methods, whether that’s 12-step programs, faith-based recovery, SMART Recovery, or other approaches. Finding a community that welcomed different paths to recovery allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life, and it helped me see that there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to addiction. It was really empowering to know that I could find what worked best for me, and I encourage others to explore similar groups in their own areas.

In addition to finding the right community, therapy played a huge role in my healing process. Having a professional to talk to, someone who could help me work through the deeper issues behind my addiction, was crucial. I also found Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to be incredibly effective in helping me reframe negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Another strategy that helped me was setting small, achievable goals. Early on in my recovery, it was difficult to think long-term, so I focused on what I could control each day. Little by little, those small wins added up to bigger changes.

For anyone in a similar situation, I recommend finding a recovery community that feels right for you—whether that’s through All Pathways or another support network. I also strongly encourage therapy, as addiction is often tied to deeper emotional or psychological issues that need to be addressed. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help and try different approaches until you find what works best for you. Recovery is personal, and what matters most is finding a path that supports your unique journey.

Open Discussion: Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience with addiction or your journey through recovery?

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