Level UP IOP
Level UP IOP

Clay Josewski, The Other Side Academy and LT Weaver from Recovering Addict Speaks to Our SUDC Group

Meet Clay Josewski from The Other Side Academy and LT Weaver from Recovering Addict. These amazing individuals joined our group to share their story of recovery, providing hope, and healing for our students.

Below the video is a summary of the video you’re about to watch to meet these amazing individuals.

Table of Contents

LT, is a former alcoholic and addict. He’s turned his life around and now runs a nonprofit focused on recovery.

The Other Side Academy isn’t a typical company; they address healing the body, mind, relationships—and yes—spiritual aspects too.

Recovery is free at their center. However; they won’t sugarcoat things but will call out behaviors honestly because peer support is incredibly effective for recovery.

Group feedback changes everything since you can’t fool fellow recovering addicts who see through manipulation tactics common elsewhere.

Clay Josewski

Clay Josewski 
Clay Josewski

 

Now meet Clay: working with The Other Side Academy and seven years into long-term recovery—a journey he never thought possible but has been transformative thanks to the friendships he’s developed.

As for me? I grew up playing sports despite an unusual condition causing early puberty at five years old—leading initially to bullying others then being bullied myself later on—but always striving academically while hiding mischievous tendencies behind good grades until addiction took hold…

Fast forward ten-plus years after hitting rock bottom: living without basics amidst crime before landing back home via cop car where newfound faith led toward successful rehab experiences ultimately shaping today’s perspective beyond material wealth alone towards meaningful connections built over time instead…

Change is demanding and elusive. If it were simple, everyone would achieve sobriety effortlessly. Yet, many fall victim to substances like Fentanyl because transformation requires resilience and strength.

Every time I got out of jail, I’d promise myself to stick with weed or beer and avoid hard drugs. Yet, inevitably, I’d end up with a needle in my neck. The issue wasn’t the substances; it was my choices and behaviors leading me back to jail or rehab. 

Traditional rehabs focused on removing drugs but not on changing behavior.

Collin Cooper

Collin Cooper  Collin Cooper

 

Colin joined The Other Side Academy in 2019 when his life was chaotic.

Collin Cooper also reflects on his journey at The Other Side Academy, starting with an intense interview process led by Dave and two silent students. They probed deeply into his life—family, medical history, criminal past—seeking the truth beyond words. This rigorous examination aims to discern genuine commitment from those seeking a mere handout.

The academy demands hard work across all aspects of life: relationships, fitness, personal growth. Participants meet thrice weekly for rigorous sessions that foster change through group dynamics and shared experiences.

Colin’s first day was emotional; he faced questions without resistance for the first time in his life. After 30 days of silence towards family—a conscious choice to focus on himself—he reconnected differently than before.

His mother later witnessed profound changes in him after 14 months at the academy. She felt relief knowing her son had returned to being someone she could trust and no longer worried about nightly news reports signaling danger or death.

Discipline remains crucial throughout recovery; it’s about making consistent choices toward better outcomes over time rather than seeking instant gratification promised by society’s quick fixes.

Ultimately, The Other Side Academy instills values that become ingrained over years—not just memorized but lived authentically every day—to ensure lasting transformation beyond its walls.

The Other Side Academy is different because it emphasizes choices over relapse prevention plans. On arrival, you’re placed in groups where your true nature—be it laziness or deceit—emerges naturally. This approach helped me realize that my problems started long ago when I would steal toys as a child.

Changing behavior is crucial for everyone—not just addicts—to break free from mediocrity and live fully without being trapped by routine dissatisfaction.

The Other Side Academy

At the academy, I’m part of the legal team handling letters from prisoners seeking help. We conduct interviews to understand their intentions before they join us.

Our students often have unresolved legal issues upon arrival due to neglected responsibilities like unpaid fines or missed court dates. However, completing our program can lead judges to clear these records if they stay committed for two-and-a-half years.

Watching people transform at the academy is rewarding: seeing them evolve from troubled individuals into mentors who pass on wisdom they’ve gained here.

Personally, I’ve learned that life isn’t defined by one moment but consists of seasons that will pass—good or bad—which helps make better decisions rather than acting impulsively based on emotions alone.

Working at The Other Side Academy doesn’t feel like work because I’m surrounded by inspiring people striving for self-improvement every day—a truly fulfilling experience akin to witnessing Michael Jordan’s greatness in basketball history unfold firsthand!

I’ve had my own epiphanies—after an accident involving my son and facing alcoholism in my mid-forties, I sought change. This journey led me to start companies and nonprofits while studying leadership deeply. Visiting places like Delancey Street and learning from leaders at The Other Side Academy has been transformative.

The Other Side Academy is unmatched, thanks to their leaders. Their approach isn’t just about success; it’s about recognizing what’s not working and fixing it without fear of quitting where necessary.

Leadership means making tough calls but also knowing when you need help—a lesson reinforced by tragic losses we’ve faced recently within our team. We must prioritize wisely: family first before broader missions because if we can’t manage home base rightfully how can we lead others?

Asking for Help

Asking for help doesn’t show weakness; it shows strength—even as leaders or parents dealing with personal struggles daily yet committed continually towards improvement together here today sharing these stories openly among friends…

What’s up with our generation’s grandparents? My grandpa, who I adored, passed away about a month and a half ago. He loved going to buffets in Vegas, especially the hometown buffet from my childhood memories.

If you or someone you know is struggling and needs help, The Other Side Academy offers free assistance nationwide. Reach out at 801-953-0409.

In September’s Recovery Month, LT will be cycling 420 miles to raise awareness about therapeutic communities’ power—because genuine help comes from those unafraid to speak truths that spur change.

Get Help

We are so grateful to have had Clay and LT in our group and to share their story. 

If you’re looking for help and Level Up IOP isn’t a good fit, contact TOSA and get the help you need.