Meet Ricky Byrd
Ricky Byrd is a rock and roll guitar player, singer, songwriter, and music producer. For more than a decade, he was a member of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, where he contributed background vocals and music to many albums, including two platinum albums and one gold album. His most famous song might be “I Love Rock and Roll,” which was released in 1981. For many years, Ricky lived what might be the “typical” musician lifestyle. He drank, used drugs, and partied hard as he toured around the world alongside other famous musicians like Paul McCartney, Alice Cooper, Bruce Springstein, and Stevie Wonder. He’s become a certified recovery coach and drug and alcohol counselor. He frequently leads recovery music groups at treatment facilities around the United States.
Why Ricky Byrd Is Mentally Strong
Now that Ricky is in recovery, he chooses to spend a lot of his time and talent helping others who are struggling with an addiction.
What You’ll Hear on the Show
How Ricky developed a substance abuse problem How his denial and self-punishment kept his substance abuse going The one thing that inspired him to get help How people had tried to tell him about AA and why it didn’t work at first Why he loves 12-step meetings so much The link between addiction and isolation Why Ricky thinks helping other people helps him stay in recovery Why 12-step meetings don’t work for everyone How to talk to someone if you’re concerned about their substance use Alternative options for 12-step meetings The resources Ricky wants people to use to get help
What You’ll Learn About Mental Health and Mental Strength
Sometimes people think addiction is a sign of weakness. But, it’s not. A substance abuse problem doesn’t mean you lack willpower or that you don’t have mental strength. Some addictions have a genetic component. Other addictions occur alongside mental health issues. Over time, substances can change the chemistry of the brain, making it very difficult to quit.
Quotes From Ricky Byrd
“I was hating myself that I couldn’t stop. You punish yourself by doing more which is a whole therapy thing.” “What I try to do in recovery is plant seeds. You can’t get anybody clean, but you could plant seeds and point them in the right direction and help them through the journey.” “If you’re in recovery, reach out to other people that are struggling. Talk to your friends that are in recovery, [and] keep that dialogue going.” “I’m not here to sell you on 12-step groups. That’s just the way I did it. There [are] other recovery [programs] out there. Whatever makes you feel, whatever keeps you on the right side of the grass. That’s what you should do.”
More About the Podcast
The Verywell Mind Podcast is available across all streaming platforms. If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Reviews and ratings are a great way to encourage other people to listen and help them prioritize their mental health too. If You Liked This Episode, You Might Also Like These Episodes For media or public speaking inquiries, contact Amy here.
Rewire Your Brain for Recovery With Addiction Specialist Erica Spiegelman How to Get Help That Actually Works With Multi-Platinum Singer Bryan Abrams Secrets to Stopping Alcohol Cravings With Dr. John Umhau
