EP 169 - A Doctor’s Prescription Became My Prison: A Conversation with Brad McCorkle

What happens when a doctor's prescription becomes your prison? Former all-American quarterback Brad McCorkle thought he had the perfect life—until a sports injury led to a medical crisis that changed everything. When doctors prescribed opioids for excruciating pain without an exit strategy, Brad discovered the terrifying moment every person in recovery recognizes: waking up in withdrawal, his brain instantly calculating not how to get help, but how to get more pills.

If you're struggling with addiction or watching someone you love disappear into it, this conversation will give you the clarity you've been searching for.

Brad doesn't sugarcoat the progression from prescribed medications to creating fake prescriptions, buying pills off Craigslist, and ultimately shooting heroin—all while maintaining the facade of a functioning adult. His rock bottom moment came looking in his rearview mirror, uttering the words: "I guess we're just going to do this forever." But more importantly, he reveals the specific interventions that failed and the one that finally worked.

What You'll Learn:

• The exact moment you'll recognize if you're physically dependent
• How addiction transforms decision-making in someone with no criminal background
• Why multiple treatment attempts failed including a chaotic sober living house where roommates used openly
• How families can intervene effectively (his grandfather's "work gloves" approach that saved his life)
• The mindset shifts that turn external motivation into internal drive
• How to find your path when conventional recovery fails you
• Why shame dies when shared in truly safe spaces

Unlike typical recovery stories, Brad's path included finding purpose through entrepreneurship and accountability through business groups rather than traditional programs. Now 14 years clean, he's built multiple businesses and treasures simple moments with his daughters—moments addiction would have stolen forever.

For anyone struggling: Brad's message is clear—reach out today. Your recovery journey starts with a single conversation, and transformation is possible even in your darkest moments.

For families: Learn the difference between enabling and the tough love that actually works.

This isn't just another recovery story—it's a roadmap for anyone who feels trapped and doesn't know where to turn.