In a world where the journey towards sobriety is often challenging and deeply personal, understanding the pathways and strategies for achieving and maintaining sobriety is crucial. This series aims to provide insight, encouragement, and practical advice for those who are on the road to recovery, as well as for their loved ones and support networks. As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Mike Diamond.
Mike Diamond is a Certified Addiction Recovery Expert, Interventionist on A&E’s Intervention, and the Author of A Dose of Positivity. He is also a Nationally Certified Interventionist Professional (NCIP), a National Certified Case Manager (NCCM), a Nationally Certified Recovery Coach (NCRC) and a breath coach.
Thank you so much for joining us! Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’?
Myname is Mike Diamond and I am a Certified Addiction Recovery Expert, Interventionist on A&E’s Intervention, and the Author of A Dose of Positivity. I am also a Nationally Certified Interventionist Professional (NCIP), a National Certified Case Manager (NCCM), a Nationally Certified Recovery Coach (NCRC) and a breath coach. I am originally from Perth, Australia. I battled undiagnosed dyslexia, suffered abuse at a young age, started using drugs and alcohol at 12, and have battled cocaine and alcohol addiction for most of my life. After winning the Green Card lottery and moving to America, I landed several acting roles, including a guest spot on HBO’s Sex and the City, and built a career in entertainment. I appeared in Miami Ink, NY Ink, and later directed, produced, and starred in Bondi Ink Tattoo Crew. Splitting my time between NYC, Miami and Los Angeles, I worked in the NYC nightclub industry and had regular gigs performing stand up, but the late-night lifestyle took a toll on me. At the height of my career, while shooting a TV show for VH1, I realized that I needed to turn my life around or risk losing everything. On April 16, 2006, I made the decision to get sober. Since then, I have dedicated my life to helping thousands of individuals and their families navigate the challenges of addiction and help guide them on the road to recovery. Years later, after becoming a father, I cured myself of ulcerative colitis naturally. Defeating all odds after my appendix burst, I went on to set a Guinness World Record by running 30 half marathons in 30 days to raise money and awareness for the daughter of a family friend suffering from a rare, incurable disease.
Can you share with us the most interesting story from your career? Can you tell us what lessons or ‘takeaways’ you learned from that?
The most interesting story of my career as an interventionist, author and sober coach would have to be the fact that I now get people sober for a living. Why is that interesting you may wonder? Well, from 1998 to 2006 before I chose to get sober, I used to throw some of the biggest events and celebrity parties in NYC and Miami. Now, I help some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry get sober. The biggest lesson I learned was that our network can actually help us from one industry to the next so it’s imperative that we are good to anyone we come in contact with.
You are a successful individual. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
The three character traits that I believe have helped me become successful are:
- Self-discipline
If I wasn’t self-disciplined, I never would have been able to stay sober and work in the nightlife and entertainment industry over the years and heal myself from Ulcerative Colitis, nor would I have been able to run 30 half marathons in 30 days after my appendix burst. Self-discipline is the key to living a successful life.
2. Courage
Without courage, I would have never had left my hometown of Perth, Western Australia after barely graduating high school. Being dyslexic has been very challenging but by having courage and self-discipline, I pushed through and went on to write two books and appear on tv shows. I now read a book a week to stay educated and sharp.
3. Agency
Having self-discipline and courage is amazing but if we don’t have agency and learn to advocate for ourselves daily, we cannot face adversity when life throws us curve balls. I have learned to advocate for myself over the years as no one really showed up for me when I needed them to. I was able to land several reality TV shows without ever using an agent. I have always put myself in front of people and am always prepared to do whatever it takes to make things happen.
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that might help people?
I’m currently involved in a new TV project which would have families reunite with estranged loved ones. We recently shot a pilot and will see if the networks are keen to jump on it.
Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s shift to the main focus of our interview. How would you advise individuals who are contemplating the journey to sobriety but might be hesitant or unsure about taking the first step? Are there key considerations or strategies that can make this initial phase more manageable?
The first thing I tell people is that being sober isn’t as scary as people make it out to be. I challenge them to give up a substance for 30 days and see how they feel. I recommend keeping it very simple and taking it one day at a time.
Sobriety often comes with its unique set of challenges. Can you share insights on how individuals can effectively navigate obstacles or triggers that may arise during their journey? Are there specific tools or support systems that you find particularly helpful in overcoming these challenges?
Life is very complicated, complex and challenging, so for me the most important thing is being mindful. We all get triggered so it’s important we learn to practice mindfulness and practice breath work. It’s been proven scientifically that breathing helps us regulate our nervous system. Techniques like box breathing and 4,7,8 breathing are very beneficial practices that anyone can incorporate into their lives to help them manage their emotions when they are faced with adverse situations.
Maintaining sobriety is a long-term commitment. From your experience, what are the essential factors that contribute to the sustained success of individuals on this journey? Are there lifestyle adjustments or mindset shifts that prove crucial for the ongoing pursuit of sobriety?
Anyone who really wants to maintain their sobriety over the long haul must admit they have a problem with the substance or substances they are using. If you can make that commitment, that’s a great start. Once you make that commitment, you then need to find other people who are sober. I was able to connect with other sober individuals through the 12 step meetings I attended. Other people have remained sober by doing yoga and cognitive behavioral therapy. I know of other people who have done EMDR work and trauma-based therapy, Today, those people are happily living a sober life. You will also need to set up your environment to succeed. Remove any substances from your home that can cause you to relapse. If you live with people who use and feel you may be triggered to use, you may have to speak to them or find a new place to live. I know that may be difficult but trying to be sober in a toxic environment is nearly impossible. I would suggest eating clean nutrition-based foods. Get in the habit of journaling your thoughts. Read something positive and inspiring every day. Set some goals. Work on your skills and find some hobbies you enjoy that will provide you with some meaning and purpose in your life. As humans we all have two motivations that never go away. We want to gain pleasure and avoid pain. So, the key to living our potential and a happy fulfilled life is to find empowering ways to enjoy it.
Based on your research or experience, can you please share your “5 Things You Need To Begin, Navigate, & Sustain Sobriety”?
- The first thing you need to do is find a sober mentor or someone who has walked the walk not just talked the talk. When I first made the decision to get sober, I had three friends who were all 15 years clean and sober. We are still friends today. They helped me see what life could be like being sober.
- We all crave community and connection and it’s important that you find a community that can support you on your mission. During the COVID pandemic, a lot of people relapsed and suffered because they couldn’t connect with others in person. Seeing people on Zoom is great and it helps but actually spending time with people in person is completely different.
- You need to find a program to help you stay disciplined, structured and accountable. Like I said earlier, I found the 12-step meetings very beneficial to me. I also practice yoga, meditation, and use Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy to help me think rationally. Do some research and go with your intuition.
- Movement is medicine. Start working out every day. Even walking is great. It’s been proven that as little as ten minutes of walking can boost your testosterone and reduce your cortisol levels. I like to walk for ten minutes after I eat, and it does wonders for my digestive system and my mental health. If you can add in a workout routine you will benefit greatly. I would suggest cutting down on junk food and processed food.
- Sleep is essential. No matter how much work we do during the day, we will never feel restored, recharged or rejuvenated without a good night’s rest. If you have trouble sleeping, here are a few suggestions:
- Turn off your devices and hour before bed
- Try not to eat anything heavy two hours before you sleep
- Take a warm bath 30 minutes before bed
- Play some calming music
- Read a book
- Refrain from watching action movies or the news late at night
- Try a soothing warm drink like chamomile tea
- Consider taking Valerian root, Melatonin, or Magnesium. These are some supplements that I have found beneficial for me but as a reminder, these are merely suggestions since I am not a doctor. When taking any supplements, be sure to first consult your primary care physician.
Community support plays a vital role in the journey to sobriety. How can individuals find and engage with supportive communities or resources that align with their specific needs and goals? Are there online platforms, local groups, or initiatives that you recommend for fostering a sense of connection and understanding during this process?
Community plays a huge part in keeping us happy and healthy. We are all different and have different interests, hobbies and goals. If you like pickleball then find a pickleball community. Bowling can be great, hiking, swimming, spin classes, yoga as great activities that foster a sense of community. When I work with people, I don’t tell them what to do or who to be. I meet everyone where they are in life and make suggestions about what they might find interesting. I have clients who do CrossFit. I have two clients that are part of an improv class. I have one client who loves to paint. I personally love martial arts, yoga, meditation, reading, and writing. Take part in an activity or join a group that feels right to you and makes you feel connected. If you or others try to force you to be part of something you don’t vibe with, you will end up relapsing from stress. Just be you and follow your intuition.
What is the best way for our readers to continue to follow your work online?
You can check out my web-site (https://themikediamond.com/) and follow me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/officialmikediamond/), IG (https://www.instagram.com/themike_diamond/), X (https://x.com/themike_diamond), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7X0YHhvpviavB1B6V-mkHw).
You can also check out my book, A DOSE of Positivity, Tools, Techniques, and Strategies to Live Life on Your Terms.
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.
