Homeless, then jailed, then pardoned

Today I sit down with Steve Kapela, a man whose life is proof that recovery can take you further than you ever imagined. Steve has been free from gambling, alcohol, and drugs since May 12, 2008, and in the years since, he’s not only rebuilt his own life but dedicated himself to helping others do the same. He’s become a trailblazer in peer recovery, a licensed social worker, and one of the earliest certified gambling counselors in Ohio, eventually earning international recognition through the ICGC II and BACC credentials. Soon, he’ll be licensed as a Master Clinical Social Worker in five different states. But titles and degrees don’t tell the whole story. Steve’s journey took him through homelessness and two years in jail before he received a full pardon from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a powerful symbol of how far he’s come. With more than three decades of lived experience combined with professional expertise, Steve knows addiction from the inside out, and he’s made it his mission to show others that change is always possible. Our paths crossed in a way I don’t think was an accident, through one of his clients, who also happens to be my sponsee. I believe there are no coincidences in life, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring you this conversation.