There’s something about music that cuts deeper than words alone. A single lyric, a familiar melody, or even the rhythm of a beat can stir memories we thought were long forgotten and awaken parts of ourselves we may have buried. It reminds us of who we were before the chaos, before the pain, before substances clouded our vision. Pursuing our favorite hobbies before substance use can be a lifeline back to our core, a way of reclaiming the truest version of ourselves.
It’s in rediscovering our greatest joys and passions in recovery that we begin breaking the stigma and showing what healing truly looks like. Our latest guest on Positive Recovery MD, Skyler Ray, shares how he transformed his lifelong passion into a purpose and found his way back home to himself. Here’s how he’s breaking the stigma of addiction by using his gifts of music and wordplay.
Breaking the Stigma, One Conversation at a Time
In this conversation, Host Jamie Demeris and Skyler Ray discuss what it really takes to rebuild a life after addiction. Skyler shares how music became both his therapy and his message, and why vulnerability and self-respect are the foundation of lasting recovery.
Throughout their conversation, Skyler and Jamie discuss breaking the stigma of addiction and why conversations like this instill hope in others who may be struggling. Together, they explore the mindset shifts that turn relapse into resilience, why consistency and small steps matter more than giant leaps, and how reconnecting with your passions can anchor you in sobriety.
Whether you’re in recovery, supporting a loved one, or just searching for hope, this conversation will remind you that transformation is always possible.
Tap the link below to listen on Spotify!
Meet Our Guest, Skyler Ray
Skyler Ray was born on November 28, 1990, in San Jose, California. He grew up in foster homes and spent multiple years homeless, going from being locked up to sleeping on the sidewalks of downtown Portland.
His music is deeply rooted in his life experiences, including addiction, incarceration, and homelessness. He is a firm believer in spreading hope and giving back to the community he once helped destroy.
Since being released from prison on November 30, 2018, Skyler has refocused on his music and is determined to share his message with the world. Today, he remains sober and continues to live in Portland, Oregon, and travels for his Road to Recovery Tour.
His story shows that recovery isn’t always a straight line, though with every step, even the setbacks, sobriety builds toward something stronger. That’s why he speaks so openly about the realities of relapse and resilience, reminding others that the tools gained in recovery are never lost.
From Relapse to Resilience
Relapse is often viewed as a moral failure. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, relapse is a lot more common than one might think and can be a powerful turning point in the recovery process.
As Skyler shares, “I try to remind people, even if they relapse or take a step back, that you don’t lose the tools in your belt that you gained along the way in recovery.”
This reminder teaches us that each moment in recovery builds strength, awareness, and coping strategies that don’t disappear when setbacks happen. Instead, those tools are still there.
It’s essential to remember that resilience stems from acknowledging that relapse doesn’t erase progress; it refocuses it. It offers a chance to learn more about triggers, to lean on support systems, and to grow stronger than before.
“It is possible to break down the generational chains,” Skyler says. “I like to show people what’s possible.” The beautiful thing about recovery is that it’s not about chasing perfection; it’s about the progress we make over time. Every time someone chooses to stand back up, they prove that resilience is stronger than relapse.
Coming Back Home to Yourself
For Skyler, resilience also means reconnecting with your “why” and remembering the person you were before substances took hold. The power of wordplay and music became his way back to himself, giving him a voice to inspire others and share hope.
“What I do nowadays is I use my music in a positive way. I use my voice to be able to help others out and try to inspire them,” he explains.
Recovery is a return to identity and purpose. It’s about peeling back the layers of addiction to rediscover who you are at your core. We saw that passion come to life firsthand when he performed alongside Kala Mulcahy at our International Overdose Awareness Day event at PRC – Garden Oaks, a moment that reflected both his artistry and his commitment to breaking cycles through hope
As Skyler reminds us, “Remember who you were before the drugs kicked in.” That reconnection becomes the foundation for lasting healing.
Small Steps, Big Impact
The road to recovery isn’t built on giant leaps, but on small, consistent steps that accumulate over time. Skyler’s journey reflects this truth: “Don’t undervalue the power of consistency and small steps. Remember to keep going. Never give up, keep one foot in front of another, and be kind and patient with yourself.”
When motivation runs low, it’s often hunger for the next goal that carries you forward. “When you don’t feel like going, you have to be hungry for that next goal and that next challenge,” he says.
That persistence, coupled with vulnerability, is where true transformation takes root. When we put ourselves out there, both our strengths and weaknesses, we can take an honest look at who we are and identify areas for growth, ultimately becoming the best version of ourselves.
To Skyler, he’s a firm believer in putting his weaknesses out there, being vulnerable, and truly rounding those edges. This vulnerability shows that we are a work in progress and that there is beauty in new beginnings. In his words, “It’s crucial to never stop working on yourself. I believe the power comes from being able to shift the narrative and work on those things that drag you down.”
Enjoyed This Conversation About Breaking the Stigma of Addiction?
If you loved this conversation about rediscovering who you are at your core, overcoming challenges in recovery, and the power of resilience and bouncing back from substance use, you can listen to the full episode with Skyler Ray and Jamie Demeris here.
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