Veteran crime reporter Beth McDonough built a career on relentless pursuit—until life hit hard. After her mother’s sudden passing, a breakup, and her father’s emergency heart surgery, alcohol became her coping mechanism. Two DUIs and a lost dream job later, Beth faced a choice: go home or go to treatment. She chose recovery.

Now 16 years sober and the author of Standby, Beth shares a raw, unflinching conversation about losing everything—and rebuilding with honesty, humility, and hope. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol, this story offers practical insight and proof that long-term recovery is possible.

In this interview, Beth discusses:

How high-achiever “grit” can hide a growing alcohol problem

The breaking point that led her to treatment

Early sobriety: shame, repair, and rebuilding trust

Tools that sustain long-term recovery (community, routine, service)

Writing Standby and turning pain into purpose

About Beth:
Beth McDonough is a former crime reporter and the author of Standby, a memoir about addiction, loss, and the everyday work of recovery.

Addiction Talk is brought to you by American Addiction Centers, a leading provider of addiction and mental health services.

Addiction Talk is brought to you by American Addiction Centers. Looking for more addiction-related content? Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok @americanaddictioncenters!

Addiction Talk is brought to you by American Addiction Centers, if you or someone know needs help, call 866-244-1070 or visit our website at americanaddictioncenters.org

Paramedic and author Peter Canning has witnessed the opioid epidemic from the frontlines, responding to over a thousand overdoses. In this episode of Addiction Talk, Canning—author of Killing Season: A Paramedic's Dispatches from the Front Lines of the Opioid Epidemic—returns with insights from his new book written for families and loved ones impacted by addiction. He shares his powerful perspective on the overdose crisis, why addiction is not a character flaw, and what every parent, friend, and family member should know to help save a life.

Addiction Talk is brought to you by American Addiction Centers, a leading provider of addiction and mental health services.

Addiction Talk is brought to you by American Addiction Centers. Looking for more addiction-related content? Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok @americanaddictioncenters!

Addiction Talk is brought to you by American Addiction Centers, if you or someone know needs help, call 866-244-1070 or visit our website at americanaddictioncenters.org