Addiction affects millions of lives, leaving individuals and families feeling lost, isolated, and overwhelmed. For Todd Alexander, the journey through addiction was a tumultuous path marked by pain, loss, and a constant struggle to fit in. However, Todd’s story is also one of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation. From his early struggles to find acceptance to his ultimate realization that he was born to stand out, Todd’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-love, community, and faith in the battle against addiction. In this candid interview, Todd shares his insights, challenges, and the profound lessons he learned on his road to recovery, offering hope and encouragement to others facing similar battles.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Todd Alexander |
| Social Media | Todd BMore Alexander |
| Background | Serial Entrepreneur, Double Certified Recovery Coach, Poet, Author, and Business Development Strategist |
| Personal Journey | Overcame addiction by embracing his unique identity, finding community support, and transforming from a mindset of victimhood to one of victory. |
| Impact of Addiction | Felt isolated and alienated from family and friends while struggling with a desire for acceptance. Discovered that addiction was an illusion that masked true needs and desires. |
| Advice for Mothers | Recognize the distorted thought processes associated with addiction and seek help. Understand that recovery requires support and a change in thinking. |
| Challenges Overcome | Struggled with surrendering control and shifting from a victim mentality to a victor mindset. Overcame these challenges by immersing himself in recovery resources and changing old thought patterns. |
| Message of Hope | Encourages finding support and using acronyms like HOPE (Hang On, Pain Ends) to motivate and inspire others battling addiction. |
| Helpful Resources | Used books, meetings, seminars, and faith to guide his recovery journey. Emphasizes the power of self-reflection and divine guidance. |
| Final Thoughts | Highlights the importance of letting go, finding faith, and trusting in a higher power to achieve recovery and live beyond one’s wildest dreams. |
Can you start by telling us a little about yourself?
I was born with my umbilical cord around my neck, so from the very start, I was causing my mother anxiety and stress! Although she adored me, I was her bundle of joy… with a side of chaos! I am a serial entrepreneur, a double-certified recovery coach, a poet, author, and business development strategist!
Could you share how addiction has personally impacted your life or the life of someone close to you?
I was always wanting to fit in, be a part of, feel accepted… I’m not sure where that came from or when it started… however, today, I know I was born to stand out, to be different, and to accept and love myself! Addiction provided an illusion that I was a part of something, that I fit in, and that I was accepted. That was its allure—the illusion that it provided something I was looking for that I didn’t even really need or want! It stole the desire to look for hopes, ambitions, dreams, or success! Addiction also alienated me from my friends and my family while keeping me believing I was doing great, and when I wasn’t… I didn’t hurt anyone but myself!
What advice would you give to mothers who are struggling with their own addiction or are supporting a loved one through theirs?
We MUST become aware of the reality and recognize that we suffer from a distorted thought process, understanding that it keeps us sick, it’s progressive, and it’s fatal—it will only continue to get worse over time, never better! Once we notice, acknowledge, and admit that we do the things we don’t want to do and can’t do the things we want to do, we will realize and accept that we need help!
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your journey with addiction, either personally or as a supporter?
As a grateful recovered/recovering addict, I struggled with surrendering to the fact that I had lost control of my ability to think rationally, productively, sanely! It was clearly obvious to those around me! I was told “An addict who doesn’t completely change ALL of their old ways of thinking WILL return to using.” So I was on a mission—I read book after book, listened to tapes, went to hundreds of meetings, attended seminars, and allowed my sanity to be restored (soundness of mind). Furthermore, I was challenged with being a victim. I’m not sure when I shifted from victim to victor, but it’s a much better place to live!
How did you find the strength and resources to keep going during the toughest moments?
I discovered in my journey that illness begins with “I” and wellness begins with “WE”—having people who are on the same or similar path as me was essential. Like-minded people accomplish like-minded goals—together we can and will make our dreams come true!
What message would you like to share with mothers who feel isolated or hopeless in their battle against addiction?
I’m known as the Acronym Guy—I love acronyms, so here is what I have to offer: HOPE (Hang On, Pain Ends) so that we can HOPE (Help Other People Everyday). Having FAITH (Finding Answers In The Heart) will bring a SMILE (Seeing Miracles In Life Everywhere), and if you give HUGS (Helping Us Grow Spiritually), you will realize why we have a SOUL (Share Our Unconditional Love)!
Are there any specific resources, programs, or strategies that you found particularly helpful in dealing with addiction?
I asked God to give me a map, a blueprint, some kind of extra help on my journey, and this is what He gave me—utilizing a pen, a piece of paper, and my hand, this is what we wrote:
“You are so special, one-of-a-kind,
a living miracle, give yourself time,
to work on you and you alone,
because until you do, you’ll never be shown,
what a great miracle you can be,
living life and living free,
so let yourself grow because unless you do,
you’ll never know what’s in store for you.
I have a plan, one that’s so great,
but until you let me in, you’ll never escape,
the bondage of self, the hell that you’ve made,
so allow me to do what I have deemed,
so you might enjoy life BEYOND YOUR WILDEST DREAMS!”
— God & Todd
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience with addiction or your journey through recovery?
I remember my mother struggling with me and my addiction, not knowing what else to do—after 3 overdoses, 5 treatment centers, and the fact that her baby boy, who she loved and adored, was dying. I weighed 108 lbs at 5’11 1/2” tall. Even after all the pain and suffering I caused her, the sleepless nights, the pain of watching me wither away, she told me she turned me over to God. She let go; her prayer was simply this: “God, please show him his need for YOU in his life.”
