Addiction is a journey that profoundly impacts not only the person struggling but also their families and loved ones. At Mothers Against Addiction, we aim to shed light on the stories of resilience, strength, and hope. Today, we are honored to share the inspiring story of Willard Barth, a professional speaker, author, and business consultant, who has transformed his life from the depths of addiction to a place of empowerment and purpose.
Connect with Willard Barth
- Website: www.willardbarthenterprises.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/willardbarth
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/willardbarth
- YouTube: youtube.com/thewarriorsage
Want to learn more about Willard’s work, journey, and insights? Follow the links above and explore his resources!
Q&A with Willard Barth
Q: Can you start by telling us a little about yourself? (Background, profession, personal journey)
A: I was born and raised in a very rural community in North Central Pennsylvania. When I was eight years old, I lost my left leg to bone cancer in 1973. That experience set me on two very diverse paths. On one hand, I became an overachiever, determined to prove to everyone that I was no different than they were. On the other hand, I harbored a lot of anger and low self-worth.
These two opposing forces led to both great achievements and a path of self-destruction. By the time I was 24, I found a way to turn my life around. It’s been 35 amazing years since. Today, I am an author, professional speaker, and business consultant.
Q: Could you share how addiction has personally impacted your life or the life of someone close to you?
A: Because of the choices I made in my addiction, I destroyed myself mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically, and financially. I ruined every friendship and relationship I had. At one point, I was homeless and $250,000 in debt. Addiction didn’t just affect me—it left destruction in its wake for everyone around me.
Q: What advice would you give to mothers who are struggling with their own addiction or are supporting a loved one through theirs?
A: For mothers struggling with addiction: The journey of recovery is one that only you can take. You can’t change for your family, friends, or job. You have to take full responsibility for your life. If you don’t like the way things are, you need to stop blaming others and make the choice to change.
For mothers dealing with a loved one’s addiction: Learn the importance of tough love. Bailing someone out of their mistakes or enabling their destructive behavior prevents them from taking responsibility for their actions. My mother almost “loved me to death” by paying my fines, bailing me out of jail, and making excuses for me. I only began to take accountability when I no longer had those safety nets.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your journey with addiction, either personally or as a supporter?
A: The biggest challenge was not being aware of the insanity I was creating in my life. People would tell me, but when you’re in the grips of addiction, you can justify or make excuses for anything. It’s a form of denial that’s incredibly difficult to overcome.
Q: How did you find the strength and resources to keep going during the toughest moments?
A: That strength came entirely from leaning on others. Having conversations, seeking guidance, and being open to help was critical for me. I learned the hard way that I couldn’t do it alone, and recovery was only possible with the support of others.
Q: What message would you like to share with mothers who feel isolated or hopeless in their battle against addiction?
A: I want to tell you: I believe in you. When you feel like no one cares or no one understands, remember that there is someone out here who still has faith in you. You’re not alone in this, even if it feels that way.
Q: Are there any specific resources, programs, or strategies that you found particularly helpful in dealing with addiction?
A: Early in my recovery, a drug and alcohol rehab program helped set the foundation for change. I did two months of treatment back-to-back when most people were doing 28-day programs. Following that, I attended 12-step meetings and worked through the 12 steps for the first eight years of my recovery.
In the beginning, it’s crucial to have people around you who know what you’re going through and can guide you. However, I also believe there comes a point in recovery where you need to move past those meetings to grow further. But in the early stages, they’re invaluable.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience with addiction or your journey through recovery?
A: I am not a religious person, but I am deeply spiritual. That can be a hard distinction for some people to understand. To me, spirituality is the foundation that connects us all. Developing my understanding of this helped me see that everything—good or bad—happens for a reason. Even the most traumatic experiences can hold value and teach us lessons if we choose to see them that way.
A Final Message of Hope
Willard Barth’s story is one of resilience, accountability, and hope. His journey reminds us that even in the darkest moments, recovery is possible when we take responsibility for our lives and lean on the strength of others.
Whether you’re a mother struggling with addiction or a loved one’s supporter, remember that you’re not alone. There is always help, hope, and a brighter future waiting for you.
