In this powerful episode, B. Reeves and Justin McClendon sit down with Brian Hughes, Regional Resource Director at Caron Treatment Centers. Brian shares his jaw-dropping story—rising through the beer industry at Sam Adams, spiraling into addiction, landing in federal prison, and ultimately finding purpose through recovery.
Today, Brian helps others find their way out of the darkness. He walks us through Caron’s legacy, his work across the Northeast and Southeast, and how addiction doesn’t discriminate—whether you’re homeless or a CEO. This is a raw, redemptive conversation about second chances, humility, and the power of recovery.
Follow Caron & Contact Brian Hughes
Website: https://www.caron.org
Email: bhughes@caron.org
Follow Finding New Waters & New Waters Recovery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newwatersrecovery
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newwatersrecovery
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recovery
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_nc
Podcast Website: https://www.findingnewwaters.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5Gjw
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXw
YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn
Timestamps
00:00 – Meet Brian Hughes from Caron Treatment Centers
01:15 – Caron’s legacy and history in addiction treatment
03:00 – Brian’s background: Sam Adams, alcohol industry, and addiction
05:00 – His rock bottom: FBI arrest and federal prison
07:00 – First nudge from a judge: 40 days in prison
08:30 – Starting an AA group while incarcerated
09:30 – Why humility was the key to getting free
11:30 – Re-entering the world and recovery work post-prison
13:00 – Landing his first recovery job—while pleading guilty
14:00 – Why his record is now his greatest asset
16:30 – Sitting with people in crisis and offering hope
18:00 – Getting hired by Caron and learning from leaders
19:30 – Why lived experience matters in this field
21:00 – The importance of dignity and respect in recovery
23:00 – What Brian’s job looks like today: family navigation & advocacy
25:00 – How collaboration beats competition in addiction treatment
26:30 – Overview of Caron’s programs and campuses
28:30 – Signature programs: Grandview, Monarch, and Ocean Drive
30:00 – Caron’s neurocognitive treatment approach
31:00 – Admitting younger clients (as young as 17)
32:00 – Final thoughts on humility, service, and second chances
33:00 – How to connect with Brian and learn more about Caron
Hashtags
#BrianHughes #CaronTreatmentCenters #AddictionRecovery
#FindingNewWatersPodcast #RecoveryStory #SecondChances
#FromPrisonToPurpose #NeurocognitiveTherapy #SubstanceUseHelp
#ReentrySupport #SoberLeadership #MentalHealthAwareness
#AlcoholRecovery #12StepRecovery #RedemptionThroughService
