I Lost Everything to Alcohol | Homeless, Addicted & My Journey to Recovery

In this raw and honest interview, Riley Whelan opens up about her battle with addiction, multiple relapses, and how she’s found a new life in sobriety.

Riley shares about her upbringing, her early exposure to prescription drugs, the spiraling path through college and substance abuse, hitting rock bottom, and the pivotal moments that pushed her toward recovery. She also discusses how she handles ego, vulnerability, and purpose now — especially as a voice helping others.

💬 What you’ll hear:
• Riley’s first memory of addiction and the role of ADHD in her life
• How her substance use progressed from prescription misuse to harder drugs
• Her experience with arrests, hiding it from her family, and running away
• The turning point: entering rehab, embracing the recovery community, and doing real work
• What she’s doing differently this time (amends, service, humility)
• How she stays grounded while speaking publicly and helping others

If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone. There is hope, and listeners like you have the power to heal and rebuild.

Follow Riley on TikTok: @riwhey_orthehighway

#AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #RecoveryStory #RileyWhelan #RiseAbovePodcast #Sobriety #Healing #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionAwareness #AlcoholismRecovery #DrugAddiction #RelapseAndRecovery #RecoveryCommunity #OvercomingAddiction #RecoveryIsPossible #CleanAndSober #SoberLife #SoberLiving #YouAreNotAlone #Inspiration

00:00 Introduction & Riley's Story Begins
02:00 Growing Up and Early ADHD Diagnosis
06:00 ADHD Medication and School Struggles
12:00 Adderall Abuse and High School Challenges
16:00 Experimenting with Alcohol and Weed
21:00 Consequences in High School & Graduation
24:00 College Parties and Academic Deception
30:00 Spiraling Out: Arrests and Job Loss
36:00 Escalating Addiction & Family Impact
41:00 Running Away and Rock Bottom
47:00 Cross-Country Escape & Hitting Spiritual Low
54:00 Return Home, Camper Isolation, and Ultimatum
01:00:00 First Rehab Experience & Early Recovery
01:07:00 Relapse: Losing Recovery and Isolation
01:13:00 Breaking Through Shame & Getting Honest
01:17:00 Second Chance at Sobriety & Making Amends
01:22:00 Growth, Service, and Spreading the Message
01:24:00 Reflections, Social Media, and Final Thoughts

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✅ About Rise Above with Kevin Lanning:


Rise Above: Stories of Resilience with Kevin Lanning


Welcome to Rise Above with Kevin Lanning, where resilience finds its voice. Join Kevin Lanning, a former Google Executive in sobriety, as he brings you powerful stories of individuals who have navigated life's greatest challenges and emerged victorious.

About Kevin:
Kevin Lanning personifies resilience. From overcoming addiction to conquering childhood trauma, his journey mirrors the triumph of the human spirit. Now, he's dedicated to sharing stories that uplift, educate, and ignite the spark within you. Join us on this journey to rise above adversity and thrive.

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📩 Email: riseabovewithk@gmail.com

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