Corey Warren’s Path From Addiction to Advocacy: 10+ Lessons for Sobriety

3. The Body’s Alarm Bells: Recognizing the Physical and Behavioral Warning Signs

Corey’s rapid descent into severe alcohol dependence saw him consuming “two fifths of vodka every single day” by the age of 21. His body, in turn, began to sound urgent alarms. “My skin was kind of turning yellow. I could feel like my kidneys, my liver, I could feel my body kind of shutting down.” These are classic signs of severe alcoholic liver disease and organ damage, indicating the devastating toll chronic heavy drinking takes on the body. Beyond the physical deterioration, Corey also recognized the behavioral and social indicators of his deepening addiction. He was “drunk by 10 o’clock in the morning,” his “life’s just tanking in all areas,” and he was “putting distance between the people that really care about you.” He found himself in “sticky situations, drinking and driving, being places you shouldn’t be,” and “doing things that are against your character,” all while justifying his actions.

Recognizing these physical and behavioral signs is paramount for intervention and seeking help. The body often provides clear warnings before catastrophic events occur, such as Corey’s alcohol-induced seizure. Similarly, changes in social circles, isolation from supportive relationships, and engagement in risky or out-of-character behaviors are strong indicators that a person’s substance use has become problematic. Early recognition of these signs, both by the individual and their loved ones, can be life-saving.

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4. The Alcohol-Induced Seizure: A Rock Bottom Moment and a Call to Action

Corey’s attempt to quit drinking cold turkey by watching Finding Nemo on repeat tragically culminated in an alcohol-induced seizure. Waking up to a team of EMTs and being told, “Corey, don’t try to talk. Don’t try to move. You just had an alcohol induced seizure,” marked a terrifying turning point. Despite the severity of the situation and his mother’s plea to go to rehab, his immediate, mumbled response was, “I don’t need rehab. I’m fine.” This denial, even in the face of life-threatening consequences, powerfully illustrates the grip of addiction. “That’s the stronghold that substances in general, but let alone alcohol has on somebody. It’s really hard to say. I know I use a little bit of cocaine. I know I use a little bit of heroin, but I don’t have a problem. That’s an awkward statement to make. But it’s so easy with alcohol. Yeah. Because again, it’s so normalized.”

Alcohol withdrawal seizures are a severe and potentially fatal complication of alcohol dependence. They can occur when individuals with a history of heavy, prolonged alcohol use suddenly reduce or stop their consumption. This acute withdrawal can lead to a range of symptoms, including tremors, hallucinations, and seizures, as the brain struggles to rebalance itself after prolonged exposure to alcohol. Corey’s experience underscores the danger of attempting to detox from severe alcohol dependence without medical supervision. Medically assisted detox is often necessary to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent life-threatening complications.

5. The Transformative Power of Self-Reflection: “Corey, You’re the Problem”

Corey’s third attempt at rehab, a brief but impactful 14-day stay, proved to be the catalyst for genuine change. It was there that a therapist delivered a jarring but ultimately liberating truth: “Cory, alcohol’s not the problem. Cory drugs are not the problem. Corey, you’re the problem.” This direct challenge forced Corey to confront the uncomfortable reality that his struggles weren’t merely external (the substances) but internal (his own behaviors, beliefs, and unaddressed emotional needs). This moment of radical self-honesty, while initially difficult to accept, marked the true beginning of his recovery journey.

This concept, that the individual, rather than the substance, is the “problem,” is central to many recovery philosophies. It shifts the focus from external blame to internal responsibility and empowerment. It recognizes that addiction is often a symptom of deeper issues, such as low self-esteem, trauma, mental health disorders, or dysfunctional coping mechanisms. True recovery involves a journey of self-discovery, introspection, and healing these underlying wounds. It requires individuals to take ownership of their choices and actively work on developing healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. This process is rarely quick; as Corey notes, “It took years to figure that out.”

6. Community Over Isolation: Finding Belonging in Recovery

Upon leaving rehab, with his mother unwilling to let him return home, Corey found himself living with his alcoholic father. The constant presence of alcohol, with his father cracking a beer at 6 AM, was a painful reminder of his past. This challenging environment propelled him to seek out Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings and volunteer at the central AA office in Lansing, Michigan. He was drawn to the “sense of peace” and “fellowship” he observed in others. “I was looking for that validation in high school. Yeah. I was looking for that validation in college and now I’m seeing that they have this group that seems to have that.”

This discovery of a supportive community was a pivotal moment. The shared experience of not wanting to drink, regardless of age, background, or substance of choice, created a powerful bond. His anecdote about reluctantly going bowling with a group of older AA members, only to experience “some of the first like heartfelt laugh” and “genuine happiness,” perfectly illustrates the transformative power of connection in recovery. This fellowship provides a sense of belonging, reduces feelings of isolation, and offers a safe space for individuals to share their struggles and triumphs without judgment. Peer support groups like AA and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are cornerstones of recovery for millions worldwide, offering ongoing support, guidance, and accountability.

7. Beyond the Walls of Treatment: The “Rubber Meets the Road” in Real Life

Corey offers a controversial but insightful perspective on the role of inpatient treatment. While acknowledging its vital function in breaking the cycle of active addiction and providing a safe detox environment, he questions the long-term efficacy of extended stays. “I don’t find value in much more than 30 days of rehab. I just don’t… You gotta get on the streets. You can’t be sheltered for that long. Or else it becomes custom, it becomes too comfortable.” His argument is that true learning and sustained recovery occur when individuals re-enter the “real world” and learn to navigate triggers and challenges outside of a controlled environment. “That’s when the rubber beats the road. That’s when you start to… In a confined area, we do great. When we are out in the real world. Yeah. That’s a whole different ball game.”

This perspective emphasizes the critical importance of aftercare planning and continuum of care in recovery. While inpatient treatment provides a necessary foundation, it is the ongoing support, skill-building, and integration into a sober lifestyle that ultimately determine long-term success. This includes participation in outpatient programs, therapy, peer support groups, and, as Corey discovered, recovery housing. Learning to cope with cravings, manage triggers, and deal with life’s inevitable stressors without resorting to substances are skills best developed through real-world application and consistent support.

8. Rise Recovery Community: Turning Pain into Purpose

Driven by his own experiences and the recognized gap in post-treatment support, Corey, with the invaluable help of his mother, founded Rise Recovery Community in 2014 or 2015. Starting with a small apartment and a vision for a “clubhouse” where sober individuals could connect and find fellowship, Rise quickly blossomed. His mother, an accomplished financial officer, took a “gamble” on her son’s dream, eventually leaving her corporate job to become the executive director. “She really took a gamble on us. It was like me and a bunch of other alcoholics, and we’re like, we want, can you start a business with us? And she’s like, why not? Okay, yeah. Here we go.”

Today, Rise Recovery Community boasts over 70 beds, offering various levels of recovery housing, including long-term sober living apartments. They’ve established a 3000-square-foot clubhouse with amenities like pool tables, TVs, and even a “sober bar” where individuals can socialize in a safe, substance-free environment. Rise’s success is not only measured by its expansion but by its impact on the recovery landscape in Michigan, having secured one of the first recovery housing contracts with the regional Medicaid distributor. This innovative approach to providing affordable, community-based sober living environments addresses the vital need for a supportive bridge between intensive treatment and independent living.

9. “Straight Talk”: Prevention and Connection in Schools

Beyond recovery housing, Corey and Rise Recovery Community are actively involved in prevention through their “Straight Talk” program. This initiative takes them into high schools and middle schools to engage with students about real-life experiences with addiction. Rather than simply delivering a “just say no” message, Corey shares his personal story, aiming to foster connection and understanding. “Not like, Hey, drugs are bad. Don’t drink. Don’t use drugs. But it’s like, yeah, this is what I went through. I’m gonna tell you my story. If you can connect with it, then great.”

This approach to prevention is highly effective because it moves beyond didactic warnings and instead offers relatable narratives. By sharing their vulnerabilities and triumphs, individuals like Corey can demystify addiction, reduce stigma, and create a space for open dialogue with young people. It allows students to see the human face of addiction and understand the complex factors that can lead to substance use, empowering them to make informed choices and seek help if needed. Early intervention and comprehensive prevention programs are crucial for mitigating the impact of addiction on future generations.

10. The Enduring Message: Never Give Up on Recovery

Corey Warren’s journey is a powerful testament to the enduring message of hope and resilience in recovery. Despite multiple relapses, jail time, and life-threatening health complications, he never gave up. “Just never given up. I’ve had so many slips, so many relapses, so many issues along the way. I think a lot of people think that when you get in this recovery process, put a couple months a year behind you and life just smooths out. Yeah. And everything’s good. And that is so far from true.”

His honesty about the bumps in the road is vital. Recovery is not a destination but an ongoing process that requires continuous effort, self-awareness, and a strong support system. Life’s challenges don’t cease simply because one gets sober; instead, individuals learn to navigate them without the crutch of substances. Corey’s story exemplifies that even after significant setbacks, it is always possible to find a path to lasting sobriety and a life filled with purpose and joy. His work with Rise Recovery Community and the “Straight Talk” program serves as a living embodiment of turning personal pain into a powerful force for good, reminding us that at the heart of real recovery lies the profound act of helping others.