World and international boxing champion Mia St. John on the isolation of relapse, recovery as connection and her fight through grief and loss

Heart of the Matter

A fighter in every sense of the word, boxing champion Mia St. John encountered addiction from a young age, growing up with a father who struggled with drinking and attending her first Alcoholics Anonymous group when she was just twelve years old. Years later, she witnessed her son's struggle with mental illness and a cycle of substance use as self-medication.

Tune in as Mia opens up to Elizabeth about enduring the loneliness of relapse, finding a home in Alcoholics Anonymous and weathering the losses of her son, Julian, and her former husband, Kristoff St. John.

Content warning: This episode discusses topics of suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at [phone] or text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Both programs provide free, confidential support 24/7. You are not alone.

Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode:

• Grief Resources for Families
• Recovery Support Groups for Addiction: One Size Does Not Fit All
• Does Relapse Mean Failure?

To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
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