P2R Episode 5 | Faith-Based Recovery: Pastor Carlos Rivera on Long-Term Treatment & Breaking Addiction

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Pastor Carlos Rivera, Executive Director of New Life For Adults and Youth in Richmond, Virginia. With over 38 years of experience in faith-based addiction recovery, Pastor Carlos shares his own journey from addiction to purpose and how his program has transformed over 25,000 lives since 1971.

We discuss:

• The power of long-term residential treatment (9-12 months vs. 30-day programs)
• How faith integrates with evidence-based clinical practices
• The challenges of treating fentanyl and synthetic drug addiction
• Why families are often part of the problem AND the solution
• Vocational training and workforce development for sustainable recovery
• The truth about enabling vs. tough love
• Breaking free from guilt and manipulation in family dynamics

Pastor Carlos runs a holistic program that addresses spiritual, mental, AND physical health - including fitness training, job placement (100% employment rate!), and family counseling. Their program accepts Medicaid and helps people from all backgrounds recover completely drug-free.

This is a must-listen for anyone struggling with addiction, families seeking help for loved ones, or professionals in the recovery field.

New Life For Adults and Youth: https://www.newlife.center/