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Writer's pictureMitchell O'Brien

Rich Mahogany




So, earlier this summer I got the opportunity to do a small interview on a web magazine, Voyage Michigan Mag. It wasn't a huge feature. They run a series about influential, creative, or inspirational individuals in the communities of Northern Michigan that runs off of referrals from people they've already featured in the series. And, I promise I'm not here to brag today, it was a huge honor, especially knowing that a mere 4 years ago I was literally dying from health complications that were severely amplified by my decade and a half of substance use. So, today is more about progress than showboating.



Long story short, they've asked me back to talk more about what I do, what 217 Recovery does, and a little bit of a deep dive into why we all be doin' what we be doin'. The honor of being considered flooded back in. Forget 4 years ago when I was on the edge of beginning my recovery journey, 2 years ago I was about 1.5 years sober and never in my life believed that I, out of all the people out there, could be doing some of the things that I get to do today. Being involved in not 1 but 4 podcasts, being a part of multiple boards and committees in the community, being trusted with things like hosting recovery stories events and representing the organization on live TV, and getting to provide safe transportation for people looking for substance use disorder treatment themselves.


"I don't know how to put this, but I'm kind of a big deal, really" —Ron Burgundy

The real reason I bring this up is because in December 2020, I was a different person 180° in the opposite direction. I was suicidal, detached from every relationship in my life, I couldn't walk, I was on 11 different prescribed medications to keep me alive, and in the middle of congestive heart failure. The way that my life has turned around in less than 4 years blows my mind. These last 4 years have seemed like an entire lifetime. I got to talk with some people about that recently and we concluded that when you're not drowning out reality with alcohol...you actually feel the things. You actually get to perceive the time that passes, and if you're lucky enough to have gotten the mental health counseling that I did...you're lucky enough to enjoy yourself along the way.



I really want this blog to be light on a path. The only way I could repair things my addiction destroyed was a measurable and tangible change in my behavior. The only way I could sustain these changes was by prioritizing my mental health, taking accountability for myself in that moment, and structuring a life that supported the changes I needed to make. If you have any questions or want details on things I did to cultivate this personally leave a comment below or hit me up at mitchell@217recovery.com.


Until next time.



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