AAC Thrive: Doing Life in Recovery

How to Stay Sober This Summer

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 16:00:00 -0400

Can you enjoy summer without putting your recovery at risk?

In this episode of AAC Thrive, we talk about navigating vacations, barbecues, weddings, and other summer events without losing sight of your recovery. Melina, one of our alumni coordinators who is in long-term recovery herself, shares practical advice for planning, setting boundaries, handling social pressure, and remembering that protecting your recovery is never something you have to apologize for.

AAC Thrive: Doing Life in Recovery is a podcast from American Addiction Centers' Alumni Community, where we have honest conversations about what recovery really looks like after treatment. Subscribe for new episodes and share this one with someone who could use the reminder that recovery doesn't take a vacation.

The Secret to Recovery? It Has Nothing To Do Luck

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AAC Thrive, Mike Diamond explores the role of gratitude, resilience, and intentional action in recovery. He challenges the idea of “luck” and explains why lasting growth comes from consistent daily choices, self-awareness, and connection with others.

Listeners will learn practical strategies for cultivating emotional resilience, celebrating small wins, and using gratitude to stay grounded while navigating life’s challenges. Whether you’re new to recovery or have years of sobriety, this episode offers insights for building a strong, sustainable, and fulfilling life.

Recovery Means Learning to Love Yourself Again

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:00:00 -0500

What does self-love really mean in recovery? In this episode, we explore the differences among self-love, selfishness, and self-sabotage, and why caring for yourself is essential to protecting your sobriety.

We discuss the honesty and accountability recovery requires, the discomfort many people feel when they hear the word "self-love," and how setting healthy boundaries can help you break patterns such as people-pleasing and negative self-talk. From small daily acts of self-care to choosing your healing one decision at a time, this conversation is a reminder that recovery isn’t about perfection; it’s about learning to value yourself and your future.

If you’ve ever struggled to believe you’re worthy of recovery, this episode is for you.

The Intention Shift: Tools for Real Change in Recovery

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 19:00:00 -0500

Resolutions can feel exciting… until they fail. In this episode of AAC Thrive, Mike Diamond explains why setting intentions—rather than resolutions—can transform your recovery journey.

Discover how to:

Set purpose-driven intentions that guide your actions every day.
Navigate obstacles without shame or guilt.
Avoid the “destination disease” of chasing results instead of growth.
Align daily actions with your values and why.

Recovery isn’t about starting over; it helps you move forward with direction, flexibility, and self-compassion. Learn how to create meaningful, lasting change in your life and your recovery.

Download, listen, and find a new way to approach your goals this year because intentions empower progress, not pressure.

Sober & Steady This Holiday

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0500

The holidays can be joyful but also stressful, emotional, and full of triggers. In this episode of AAC Thrive, Mike Diamond shares practical tips for staying grounded, protecting your peace, and maintaining sobriety through the season. From setting boundaries and planning to leaning on your support system, this episode helps you navigate the holidays with intention, gratitude, and connection.

Stronger Together: How Community Fuels Lasting Recovery

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Mike Diamond dives into why recovery can’t happen alone. Addiction isolates, but connection rebuilds. Community gives you support, accountability, and people who truly understand your journey. One bad meeting doesn’t mean the whole system is broken. It means you haven’t found your people yet.

He highlights the power of mentors (both direct and indirect), reminding us that “success leaves clues” and that modeling healthy behavior creates a roadmap for growth. He also shares how unexpected moments—even online connections—can become lifelines.

Keep showing up, stay open, and let community carry you when you can’t carry yourself. Recovery is built one day at a time, and the right people make the path possible.

Boundaries: The Real Recovery Superpower

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AAC Thrive with Mike and Friends, Mike Diamond dives into the crucial topic of setting and maintaining boundaries in recovery. As the second episode in this series, Mike shares practical tools and techniques you can apply in your daily life to protect your sobriety, safeguard your mental health, and strengthen your relationships. Whether you’re new in recovery or looking to reinforce your progress, this conversation offers actionable guidance for staying firm, compassionate, and resilient.

Resilience Reset: Small Steps That Make You Stronger in Recovery

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 17:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AAC Thrive with Mike and Friends, Mike Diamond, Director of Engagement and Intervention Services, dives into the crucial role of resilience in the recovery journey. Recovery isn’t a destination but a daily practice of bouncing back from setbacks, building empowering habits, and leaning on a supportive community.

Mike shares practical strategies for strengthening your “resilience muscle,” including journaling, mindfulness, exercise, and surrounding yourself with the right people. He also emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, preparation, and committing to the recovery process every day.

Whether you’re in early recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to cultivate resilience in your life, this episode is packed with insights to help you adapt, grow, and thrive.