Contact Andrew: [email protected] Piece of Recovery Advice: One day at a timeSong recommendation: Not Afraid by Eminem - https://youtu.be/j5-yKhDd64sCheck out Mercado Media on YouTube Mercado Media – https://www.youtube.com/@mercadomediaTakeawaysAndrew Mercado shares his journey from addiction to recovery.He emphasizes the importance of community and sharing one's story.Recovery is a personal journey that varies for everyone.The military provided structure that helped him avoid addiction during service.Addiction can manifest in various forms, even for those with supportive backgrounds.Cocaine addiction led to reckless behavior and near-miss encounters with law enforcement.Treatment experiences can differ greatly, and not all programs work for everyone.Andrew highlights the need for more veteran-focused recovery resources.He reflects on the importance of living recovery out loud to help others.The conversation underscores that addiction does not discriminate based on background. Surrendering control is essential for recovery.Hyper-focusing on recovery can lead to success.Quitting smoking is a personal journey with challenges.Mercado Media was born out of a desire for unfiltered news.COVID-19 changed the landscape of media reporting.Engaging with the community is vital for media success.War journalism presents unique challenges and experiences.Recovery is a continuous journey with ups and downs.Forgiveness is a crucial part of healing.Music can be a powerful symbol of recovery.SummaryIn this episode, Andrew Mercado shares his personal journey from being a cocaine addict to finding recovery and purpose. He discusses the impact of his military background, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and the importance of community in recovery. Andrew reflects on his experiences with addiction, the consequences he faced, and the wake-up calls that led him to seek help. He emphasizes the need for more veteran-focused recovery resources and the significance of living recovery out loud to inspire others. In this conversation, Andrew Mercado shares his journey from addiction to recovery and the founding of Mercado Media. He discusses the importance of surrendering control in recovery, the challenges of quitting smoking, and the impact of COVID-19 on media reporting. Andrew highlights the significance of engaging with the community and the unique experiences of war journalism. He emphasizes the continuous nature of recovery, the importance of forgiveness, and the power of music as a symbol of recovery. Throughout the discussion, Andrew offers encouragement to those struggling with addiction, reminding them that recovery is a personal journey that can lead to success and fulfillment.Don’t forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” availableonly on Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com?episode/07lvzwUq1L6VQGnZuH6OLz?si=3eyd3PxVRWCKz4pTurLcmA (c) 2015 - 2025 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved.Theme Music: “all clear” (⁠⁠⁠https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/)byKetsa (https://ketsa.uk⁠⁠⁠) licensed underCCBY-NC-ND4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd)

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