In this latest episode of the Calltime Mental Health Podcast, Gregg Taylor sits down with the amazing Dr. Ray Baker, a specialist in addiction medicine and recovery coaching. Their conversation is full of hope, real stories, and practical advice for anyone facing addiction or supporting someone through it. You won’t want to miss it!
Meet Dr. Ray Baker
Dr. Baker has had a long and impressive career helping people with addiction. He’s assessed thousands of individuals, developed an addiction medicine program at UBC, and worked with employers and unions to create better support systems for workers struggling with substance use. His work has earned him a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine.
These days, Dr. Baker has shifted his focus to recovery management, helping people not just quit substances but live truly fulfilling lives. He’s all about recovery-oriented care—creating recovery-ready workplaces and offering tools like recovery coaching. This fresh, positive approach is full of optimism for those facing addiction and the workplaces that support them.
The Good News: Recovery is Possible
One of the most important messages from Dr. Baker is that recovery is possible for most people. He shares, "75% of people with addiction recover, and many do it without formal treatment." This challenges the idea that addiction is hopeless.
Recovery isn’t just about stopping the substance use—it’s about building a life that supports staying well. Dr. Baker talks about the importance of community support and recovery-ready workplaces that help people thrive, not just survive.
Real Stories, Real Hope
Both Gregg and Dr. Baker open up about their personal recovery journeys. Gregg shares how participating in Dr. Baker’s program over 25 years ago helped him achieve long-term sobriety. Dr. Baker, too, reflects on his own recovery, which began 38 years ago, showing that recovery isn’t just possible—it can lead to a richer, fuller life.
Their personal stories bring genuine insight and honesty to the conversation. As Gregg puts it, reaching out for help was "the worst moment and the best moment" of his life. Their experiences serve as reminders that no matter where you are in your journey, recovery is always within reach.
Why You Should Listen
This episode is full of insights for individuals in recovery, their loved ones, and professionals in the entertainment industry. Here are a few highlights:
Recovery Capital: Learn how to build the personal and social resources needed to maintain long-term recovery.
Recovery-Ready Workplaces: Discover how employers and coworkers can create environments that support recovery and well-being.
Recovery Coaching: Find out how recovery coaches help bridge the gap between treatment and community reintegration.
If you or someone you know is navigating recovery, this episode provides practical advice, encouragement, and a sense of hope that things can get better.
Listen Now
Catch the full episode for more from Dr. Ray Baker and Gregg Taylor on how recovery can transform lives and workplaces. This conversation is filled with actionable insights that can make a real difference. Don’t miss it!
Listen to the full podcast now and take that next step toward recovery and mental well-being.
Calltime Podcast
The Calltime Mental Health podcast aims to create a safe space for open conversations, amplify important voices, and provide valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by those working in our industry.
Season 2 of the Calltime Mental Health Podcast is your beacon of support, guiding you through the maze of seeking help and offering support to those in need.
Finding help for your mental health shouldn't feel like wandering in the dark. Whether it's therapy, medical support, or self-care practices, we'll explore the various avenues to getting the help you deserve.
The Calltime Mental Health Podcast will release a new episode throughout the fall until December. The Podcast will be accessible on popular platforms such as:
Links mentioned in the Podcast:
Resouces mentioned in the podcast (for the blog post or show notes)
Recovery Coaches and Programs:
Dr. Ray Baker
email: healthquest@shaw.ca
Dr Bakers book Recovery Coaching Knowledge and Skills https://a.co/d/4q1Tcjt If your goal is to become a Recovery Coach the material in this manual will serve as an excellent start for your new career
Provincial Mental Health and Addiction Phone Lines:
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous are a good start for many, even in small towns. https://bcyukonaa.org/ https://canaacna.org/?category=meetings&province=BC&province_name=British%20Columbia
Here to Help is BC’s mental health & substance use resource hub https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/workbook/you-and-substance-use
BC Alcohol and Drug Information Referral Service: 1-800-663-1441. Provides free, confidential, multilingual information and referral services for people in B.C. in need of support with any kind of substance use issue, including alcohol or other drugs. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
BC Addiction Services: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/overdose/what-you-need-to-know/recovery-services-treatment-support
Employee Assistance And Substance Use Programs
Your union or employer health benefit plans offer counselling, assessment and addiction treatment and support. Check your benefits here.
Comments