Dopey: How Drug Stories Sparked a Recovery Community

The Dopey podcast, created by Mountainside alumni Dave and Chris, provides a raw, unfiltered, and often hilarious take on addiction and recovery, initially focusing on “war stories” but evolving into the supportive “Dopey Nation” community. The podcast resonates with thousands who feel isolated by traditional methods by embracing dark comedy and honest storytelling, proving that life in recovery can be better and enjoyable. The community has continued to thrive, even after co-creator Chris’s tragic overdose, offering a powerful sense of belonging and support to its members.

Recovery from drug and alcohol addiction is a lifelong journey, not a destination. While traditional methods like yoga, meditation, and 12-step programs offer solace to many, they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. What happens when you feel isolated, struggling to find what keeps you grounded in your sobriety? For thousands, the answer lies in tuning into the Dopey podcast.

Far from the serene sounds of meditation, the Dopey podcast offers a raw, unfiltered, and often hilarious take on addiction and recovery. This sobriety podcast, created by Mountainside alumni Dave and Chris, began as a platform for sharing wild addiction stories. Little did they know that their creative outlet would blossom into a supportive recovery community, now known as Dopey Nation, that many credit with saving their sobriety.

From War Stories to Recovery: The Evolution of Dopey

In January 2016, Dave, with four months of sobriety, and Chris, with two and a half years, embarked on their podcasting journey. Their initial plan was simple: to talk about drugs and addiction. As Dave himself admitted, “In the beginning, recovery was kind of on the back burner, so to speak.” However, over time, the show has evolved, balancing the dark comedy and war stories that initially drew listeners with a powerful reminder of the joys of sober living.

The concept of sharing war stories in recovery isn’t new. Twelve-step programs have long incorporated personal testimony as a mechanism for building connection and demonstrating that recovery is possible. However, the Dopey approach differentiated itself by rejecting the traditional narrative arc of “rock bottom and recovery.” Instead, Dave and Chris focused almost exclusively on the debauchery, the near-death experiences, the criminal behavior, and the sheer absurdity of their addiction. It might seem counterintuitive to celebrate stories of destruction, but it actually aligns with emerging research on the therapeutic benefits of addiction storytelling. 

A comprehensive review published in academic literature demonstrates that sharing personal narratives about addiction serves multiple psychological functions: it enables self-exploration and sense-making, provides opportunities for cathartic emotional release, and creates bridges of empathy that reduce the profound isolation addiction breeds.

The Tragedy and Triumph of Dopey Nation

Tragedy struck the recovery community when Chris tragically passed away from a fatal overdose in July 2018. The loss sent shockwaves through Dopey Nation. Yet, Dave, with incredible strength, continued the podcast the following week, unintentionally offering courage and support to listeners grappling with grief in their own recoveries.

Dave now uses his platform to connect with others, providing a supportive recovery community for those who might otherwise feel alone. While entertainment remains a key element, the takeaway message of Dopey is clear: life is better in recovery. The podcast’s success lies in its ability to entertain without being preachy. Dave and Chris shied away from traditional recovery talk, preferring to show, not tell, that sobriety can be enjoyable. He wants to make one thing clear to Dopey Nation: he loves being in recovery.

Finding Your Tribe: Is Dopey Right for You?

The Dopey podcast isn’t for everyone. Its raw honesty, dark comedy, and explicit addiction stories can be jarring. But for those who resonate with its approach, Dopey Nation offers a powerful sense of belonging and a reminder that recovery is possible, even amidst the chaos.

It’s important to recognize all routes to recovery. The opioid crisis continues to impact communities across the US, though there was a nearly 24 percent decline in drug overdose deaths in 2024 compared to the previous year, with approximately 87,000 overdose deaths reported. The need for accessible and relatable recovery resources like the Dopey podcast remains crucial.

DopeyCon, live convention events bringing together listeners from across the country, are held annually in major cities, and function as in-person expressions of the community that has existed primarily online and through the audio medium. DopeyCon attendees report profound feelings of belonging, citing the opportunity to meet others who “get it” as transformative.

If you’re seeking a supportive recovery community that embraces raw honesty, dark comedy, and the power of shared experience, Dopey might be your tribe. Tune in, listen to some war stories, and discover the strength and connection within Dopey Nation.

To learn more about Dave’s journey on Dopey and how Dopey Nation came to be, listen to Mountainside’s full podcast interview.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, Mountainside can help. We offer individualized and comprehensive treatment that meets people where they are. Speak with an admissions specialist today to discover your options!