From Cocaine to Marathons: How He Took His Life Back

Michael Hurd never thought he had a problem… until he couldn’t stop. In this powerful episode of Ask Dr. Dora, Michael shares his journey from casual drug use to a severe cocaine use disorder—and the moment he realized he was losing control. What followed wasn’t just recovery… it was transformation. From addiction to running 18 marathons, Michael’s story is proof that change is possible—with the right mindset, support, and purpose. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: How addiction can sneak up slowly The warning signs of losing control Why environment matters (people, places, things) The role of faith, discipline, and community in recovery How replacing habits can save your life 🔔 Subscribe for more real stories + medical insight: 👉 Ask Dr. Dora Podcast 📍 Need help now? Treatment is available: 👉 https://findtreatment.gov 📩 Want to share your story? Email: [email protected] 00:00 Intro – Dr. Dora welcomes Michael 01:05 Meet Michael (AT&T career, pickleball, life overview) 02:30 First exposure to drugs & alcohol 04:20 When cocaine entered his life 06:30 Weekend use → habit formation 09:10 When things started going wrong 11:00 Losing control & using alone 13:30 Throwing drugs away (turning point behavior) 15:00 Impact on relationships & divorce 17:20 Physical effects (alopecia, stress, anxiety) 19:10 EAP intervention & realization 21:30 “Am I addicted?” moment 23:00 Faith enters the picture (church experience) 25:30 Brotherhood & accountability group 28:00 Replacing addiction with discipline 30:00 Running, fitness & transformation 33:00 Quitting smoking (process breakdown) 36:00 First marathon → new identity 39:00 Addiction replaced with purpose 41:30 Life today: deacon, service, giving back 44:00 Advice for others struggling 46:00 Final thoughts + where to get help #transformation #mentalhealth #healing #podcast #interview #cocaineaddiction #video #viral