In this powerful episode of Rise Above, Kevin Lanning sits down with John Valerio, a man whose journey from suburban normalcy to addiction, crime, and near-death survival is nothing short of jaw-dropping.
John opens up about how a tragic turn of events spiraled his life out of control—starting with his father’s sudden abandonment, a painkiller prescription after a quad accident, and how it all led to full-blown heroin addiction. As his need for the next fix grew, so did the chaos: robberies, gun violence, and prison time became his reality.
But John's story didn’t end there.
In one of the most shocking moments of his life, John survived a suicide attempt that should have killed him. Instead, it became his turning point. Now, he’s not only clean and sober but also a dedicated father, family man, and successful business owner.
00:00:00 Impact of Family Dynamics on Personal Choices
00:03:41 Overcoming Family Struggles and Reuniting with My Father
00:07:16 Struggle with Addiction in High School
00:10:52 Trust Issues and Family Dynamics
00:14:29 Gunslinger Stories: A Life on the Edge
00:17:57 Overcoming Addiction: A Journey with Suboxone
00:21:35 Experiencing Overdose and Narcan Resuscitation
00:25:00 Surreal Jail Stories: Samurai Sword Incident
00:28:25 Struggles with Heroin Addiction and Family Efforts to Quit
00:32:14 Cocaine Deals and Debt Conflicts in the Drug Trade
00:35:50 How Jail Saved My Life
00:39:16 Overcoming Addiction and Finding Purpose
00:42:54 Surviving a Near-Fatal Jaw Injury and Coma
00:46:41 Overcoming Addiction: A Personal Story of Strength
00:50:47 Journey to Sobriety: Tools and Strategies
00:54:00 Struggling with Faith and Religion
00:57:33 The Joy of Daily Happiness
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✅ About Rise Above with Kevin Lanning:
Rise Above: Stories of Resilience with Kevin Lanning
Welcome to Rise Above with Kevin Lanning, where resilience finds its voice. Join Kevin Lanning, a former Google Executive in sobriety, as he brings you powerful stories of individuals who have navigated life's greatest challenges and emerged victorious.
About Kevin:
Kevin Lanning personifies resilience. From overcoming addiction to conquering childhood trauma, his journey mirrors the triumph of the human spirit. Now, he's dedicated to sharing stories that uplift, educate, and ignite the spark within you. Join us on this journey to rise above adversity and thrive.
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