Episode #24: Using God Instead of Drugs | From Cult Upbringing to Presence and Recovery

In this episode of The Man in the Back Podcast, I sit down with Patrick—two years sober, a SOAR alum, and a powerful example of practicing being the observer (the man in the back). Patrick grew up in Alaska in a religious cult called The Move, living off the grid with no electricity or running water until the age of 21. After leaving, he turned to alcohol and marijuana, chasing the “shoulder drop” that once felt like peace and even felt like God. We talk about his recovery journey, becoming the man in the back—the observer of his thoughts—and learning how to capture the mind of Christ through presence. Patrick shares how replacing substances with daily spiritual practice has completely changed his life, and how getting present is the key to living intentionally and free. This conversation goes deep into recovery, faith, and what it really means to use God instead of drugs.