Lecture by Brandon Novak

Introduction

• Speaker: Brandon Novak
• Background: Known from Jackass, former professional skateboarder, TV shows like Viva La Bam, author of "Dreamseller."
• Current Status: In long-term sobriety, prioritizing recovery.

Personal Story

Early Life and Career

• Family Background:
  • Mother: Nuclear physicist, board member at Mercy Hospital.
  • Brother: Attorney at the White House.
  • Father: Died due to addiction.
• Skateboarding Success:
  • Started skateboarding at 7, turned professional by 15.
  • First skateboarder endorsed by Gatorade.
  • Traveled with Tony Hawk.

Struggle with Addiction

• Addiction History:
  • 21 years as an IV heroin user, involved with multiple substances.
  • Experienced homelessness and severe consequences.
• Health and Legal Consequences:
  • 13 inpatient treatment centers, life support for seven days.
  • Family distanced, restraining orders imposed.

Realizations and Turning Points

• Denial and Delusion:
  • Despite achievements, suffered from addiction and denial.
  • Attempts to manage addiction failed repeatedly.
• Impact of Addiction:
  • Loss of career, relationships, and material possessions.
  • Lived with constant internal void, externally unfulfilled.

Insights into Addiction

Nature of the Disease

• Characteristics of Addiction:
  • Described as cunning, baffling, and powerful.
  • Impacts thinking, attitude, and behavior.
• Misguided Solutions:
  • Attempts to fill the internal void with external solutions.

Recovery Journey

• Sobriety Milestones:
  • No desire for drugs/alcohol for over two and a half years.
  • Significant personal and professional recovery.
• Contributions to Recovery Community:
  • Works in the treatment industry.
  • Engages in writing and media projects to aid addiction recovery.

Conclusion

• Key Messages:
  • Together we stand, divided we die.
  • Emphasized the importance of putting oneself together to impact the world positively.
  • Story highlights the transformative power of recovery.