In this episode of the Kreatures of Habit podcast, Michael Chernow shares his deeply personal story of addiction, recovery, and transformation. Growing up in Manhattan, Michael turned to drugs and alcohol at a young age while trying to cope with childhood trauma and instability at home. What began as experimentation quickly escalated into selling drugs, struggling with addiction, and entering rehab by the age of sixteen.

Michael reflects on losing friends as opioids and fentanyl spread, and recounts the near-fatal heroin overdose that almost ended his life in 2004. After hitting rock bottom and being fired by a restaurant owner he saw as a father figure, he finally made the life-changing decision to ask for help.

With the guidance of his mentor Marcus, Michael adopted a disciplined plan centered on faith, AA, Muay Thai training, healthy habits, and personal accountability principles he still follows today. He also shares lessons about recovery, relationships, and how structure and humility helped him rebuild his life and dedicate himself to helping others.

TIME STAMPS

01:44 Home Life and Upbringing

07:37 Self Harm and Survival

10:58 Parenting and Attention

18:04 Early Rehab at Sixteen

22:18 Heroin Overdose Story

25:24 Rock Bottom and Mirror Moment

30:25 Fired and Final Wake Up34:21 Marcus Plan for Sobriety

40:33 Addiction Misconceptions

46:45 Meeting His Future Wife

58:35 Learning Self Love01:03:48 Advice for Getting Sober

01:09:27 Protein Bar Taste Test

01:12:06 Final Thanks and Wrap

The Daily Routine That Helped Me Stay Sober for 21 Years | Kreatures of Habit