Episode 34: Men’s mental health, alcohol and porn addiction and wellness tips from recovery coach Caleb Harris
This episode features a compelling and inspiring conversation with recovery coach Caleb Harris. Joining host Ray Donovan Caleb share’s his history of alcohol starting aged 10, feeling too black for the white kids and too white for the black kids, pornography addiction and navigating the difference between spirituality and organized religion.
Early Introduction to Alcohol
Caleb opens up about his early encounter with alcohol at the tender age of 10, highlighting how it became a coping mechanism for him. As a young black boy, he shares his struggles of not feeling like he fit in anywhere, setting the stage for increased drinking during his formative teenage years and college.
Impact on Relationships and Well-Being
Caleb reflects on the profound impact his alcohol use had on various aspects of his life, from relationships to education and overall well-being. Caleb bravely shares the turning point in his life when he decided to quit drinking on January 2, 2019, emphasizing the importance of taking the recovery process one day at a time.
Faith and Addiction
As the son of a pastor, Caleb explores the challenges of reconciling his faith with the struggles of addiction. He sheds light on the lack of support and understanding within the church regarding addiction and mental health issues within the black community.
Porn Addiction
Caleb started to notice similar patterns in how he treated porn to how he treated alcohol. He saw it as another way of escaping the real world for a fantasy world.
Recovery Program
Caleb attended a faith based recovery program called Celebrate Recovery by the Church of Nazarene. He said that while it is faith based it was not judgemental in any way.
Becoming a Recovery Coach
Today, Caleb is a recovery coach and life coach, dedicating his efforts to helping black men navigate their journeys to sobriety and mental well-being. He discusses the significance of community, vulnerability, and self-care in the recovery process, drawing attention to faith-based programs like Celibate Recovery and other resources that provide safe spaces for open and honest conversations.
Tools for Managing Mental Health
Caleb shares the tools he uses in his own life, including prayer, meditation, physical exercise, and positive self-talk, as effective means of managing depression, anxiety, and stress. He encourages black men to break the cycle of silence and seek help when needed.
The Larger Message
Caleb's story illuminates the challenges faced by black men in addressing addiction and mental health issues within the context of their communities and faith. He provides hope and encouragement to those struggling, reminding them that they are not alone and that there is a path to recovery and healing.
Caleb’s details
Instagram: @amannamedcaleb
Website: https://linktr.ee/charr8
Connect with the show
Website: https://www.stackndays.com/
Apply to be a guest: https://www.stackndays.com/rsvp-1
Instagram and Tiktok: @stackndays
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC-IqvFJ2SlufC6KuyiztjQ
Resources
https://www.samhsa.gov/
https://www.joinreframeapp.com/
https://www.theluckiestclub.com/
Add Stack’n’days to your calendar:
https://id.podcal.app/1668847465.ics
Instructions:
Apple Calendar (iOS): Click “Calendars” > “Add Calendar” > “Add Subscription Calendar,” then provide the URL above Apple Calendar (macOS): File > “New Calendar Subscription,” then provide the URL above.
Google Calendar: Go to calendar.google.com > “Other calendars” > “+” > “From URL,” then provide the URL above