Description

Join host Heather Venegas on King County Recovery Conversations for an inspiring journey of redemption with guest Ryan Orrison. Ryan is the executive director of Bridges, a youth peer support group for adolescents in recovery from addiction serving the greater Seattle area. His story is a poignant narrative of a troubled past of substance use disorder and prison, reshaped into a future filled with purpose and service to youth facing similar struggles.  

Discover how alternative peer groups not only mend young lives but also provide vital support to families. Uncover personal stories that highlight the resilience of the human spirit when supported by a nurturing environment. And delve into the magic of belonging shared by Heather, Ryan, and many other listeners.  

Filled with hope and practical advice, this episode is an essential listen for those touched by substance use disorder. Learn how Ryan Orrison and his team at Bridges build strong foundations for young people to reinvent themselves and how families can navigate the recovery process together. Tune in to a story about redemption, transformation, and the unyielding power of support systems. 

Resources from the episode:

1. Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn.
2. Learn more about Bridges and the work they do here.
3. Connect with show host Heather Venegas on LinkedIn.
4. Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do here. To become a volunteer, a member, an advocate, or an event guest, visit their website. 
5. The King County Recovery Coalition is a regional coalition of the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA). Learn more about the WRA and the work they do here. Want to find a way to get involved? Click here to become a member, volunteer, or donate to help change hearts and minds around mental health and substance use disorder in Washington state.
6. If you are experiencing substance use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge, please visit the Washington Recovery Helpline for resources and a 24-hour helpline. 

King County Recovery Conversations is a podcast on a mission to celebrate recovery and help break the stigma of addiction and mental health. In each episode, policy experts, program professionals, and those with lived experience join host Heather Venegas to share stories of hope, resilience, and healing in our community. Together, we’ll learn about the various pathways to recovery – and the services and support systems available to anyone impacted by addiction and mental health. Whether you're someone seeking recovery, someone in recovery, a family member or friend, or a healthcare professional, this podcast is for you.  

Connect with King County Recovery Coalition online, on Facebook (@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition), or on YouTube (@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition). 

If you have feedback or show ideas, contact host Heather Venegas at heather@kcrecovery.org.