Episode 03: Reframing Recovery with Bryce Givens - Part I
A top college football prospect’s fall from grace and battle with addiction
In Episode 3, Natalie and Chelsea sit down with Bryce Givens, former football star, recovering addict, and founder of Elevate Recovery Homes, to discuss how he lost his promising football career to addiction, what led to his demise, and his multiple failed recovery attempts. If Episode 3 is about a series of life-defining setbacks, Episode 4 captures the comeback of a lifetime.
Show Notes:
Hosts:
Natalie M.
Chelsea M.
Timestamps:
**00:00** - Intro & Trigger Warning
**02:34** - Natalie takes us back to Mullen High School, who Bryce was then, and the promising football career he had before him
**04:00** - Bryce talks about who he was as a kid, what his goals and aspirations were, and what his life was like before he started down the road of addiction.
**05:30** - Bryce explores how it started: Sophomore year of high school, dabbling in drugs, and a sense of entitlement.
**14:07** - Why Bryce started using drugs and alcohol; the inability to deal with discomfort or emotions.
**19:00** - Bryce dives into college, his decision to play football for University of Colorado, and how his community played a role in his increased substance abuse.
**25:10** - Bryce recognizes he has a problem, tells his coaches, and goes to rehab for the first time.
**34:00** - Birthday celebrations go south. Bryce and his best friends get arrested for assault and robbery.
**39:00** - Bryce catches a case. Gets his “Last Chance U” shot. Does he take it?
**43:52**- Bryce enters his 4th year of NCAA eligibility. He’s using but talking with NFL agents. Round 1 or 2 NFL Draft Pick is on the horizon, if he could keep his addiction in check.
**47:00-53:00** - NCAA surprise urine test. Loss of a life-long dream and identity. Bryce dives in head-first into the world of drugs, selling, and starts using thousands of dollars worth of drugs a day, and stops talking to his family.
**58:00-01:03** - “It was a set up.” Bryce gets pinched with 5 lbs. of Meth, $70,000, pills, and more. After getting charged with possession and intent to distribute, he convinces his family to bail him out. But he can’t let the game go. His addiction became what football was to him – his soul focus.
**01:04-01:12** - Bryce gets flagged by drug dogs while smuggling meth and heroin across the border. Bryce’s soul focus is “becoming well” (i.e., getting his fix), until he gets sentenced to eight (8) years in the Department of Corrections.
**01:12:12** - Bryce gets sentenced to a behavioral modification program. Will it work this time? Stay tuned for Episode 4 and the reframe of a lifetime.
****
Key Takeaways:
1. “Fixed Mindset”: Belief that abilities, talents, and traits are fixed or inherent and cannot be significantly changed.
Example: Avoiding challenges for fear of failure.
2. “Growth Mindset”: Belief that abilities, talents, and traits can be developed and improved through effort and learning.
Example: Embracing challenges as opportunities to grow.
3. **Tips for Cultivating a Growth Mindset**
Self-Awareness
Identify Your Fixed Mindset Triggers: Recognize the situations that trigger a fixed mindset (e.g., challenges, setbacks, or criticism).
Reflect: Make it a habit to reflect on your thoughts and feelings regularly, identifying instances where a fixed mindset held you back.
Change Your Language
Switch Your Language: Instead of saying “I can’t do this” or “I’ll never…” say “I can’t do this yet,” or “I am moving towards . . . .”
Embrace Constructive Feedback: When you or others fail, #failforward by focusing on what can be learned from the experience.
Reframe Challenges and Setbacks
Stretch Goals: Set an objective that pushes you out of your comfort zone.
Reframe Failures: View setbacks as opportunities for growth, not as a validation of an inability or shortcoming.
Embrace Feedback and Prioritize Learning Over Validation
Constructive Criticism: Actively seek out feedback that helps you improve or refine your skills.
Encourage Open Dialogue: Create an environment or cultivate relationships where open and constructive feedback is welcomed and regular.
Value the Process: Prioritize learning and improving over success or perfection.
Focus on Yourself: Prioritize yourself, focus on your personal development, and celebrate your achievements. Avoid seeking approval or validation from others.
Learn More About Bryce’s Recovery Programs/Services
Thriving in Recovery (Podcast)
Additional Resources:
Book: "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol Dweck
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline
Connect with Us:
- TikTok
- Threads
---
Thank you for tuning in!