Executive Corner – Damien Ross
Executive Corner
May 7, 2019
The Executive Corner is a new weekly feature of the Addiction/Recovery eBulletin. We send our participants forty questions and ask them to choose twenty they would like to answer. It includes a short profile and a link to their website. We hope you enjoy it.
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PROFILE
My name is Damien Ross and I’m the founder of Pocket Rehab. I struggled with addiction for a long time and that continued when I came out of treatment. This was not only due to the stigma and shame associated with addiction, but also due to lack of support systems in place upon exiting treatment. There were times when I needed someone to talk with and share things that only people in recovery would understand. Now that I’ve been in recovery since August 10, 2012, I want to help as many people as possible receive the support that they need.
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Q. If you are in recovery, what was your DOC and when did you discontinue its use?
A. My DOC … Listing one simply isn’t possible. OxyContin, Heroin and Cocaine were the big 3. I found freedom from these substances August 10, 2012.
Q. At which of the schools you attended did you learn the most?
A. I attended college and I guess you could say it was a good time, but nothing taught me more than the school of Hard Knocks.
Q. Which film have you watched the most?
A. Goodfellas – I’m from New Jersey, don’t hold it against me.
Q. Who is your favorite celebrity in recovery?
A. Any celebrity in recovery that uses their star power to promote recovery and hope. Jodie Sweetin at the Experience, Strength and Hope awards was amazing so I would say Jodie.
Q. If you ever retire, would you prefer to live by the ocean, lake, river, or mountaintop, or penthouse?
A. To retire would mean I actually had to work. I don’t consider what I do work. I also would never stop doing it because I’m a firm believer that in order to keep my recovery I have to give it away.
Q. Where do you go to “get away”?
A. My car. I love cars and I love driving. There is nothing better than listening to my favorite music and going for a cruise.
Q. What is your biggest or littlest pet peeve?
A. At this point in life and sticking to recovery here … When someone criticizes another for the way they
Q. Who was your biggest influence throughout your life?
A. My grandfather. He was the male figure in my life and helped mold me into the man I am today.
Q. What is your FAVORITE APP, or Podcast?
A. I may be biased, but the Pocket Rehab app.
Q. What is your FAVORITE TV/cable/digital series?
A. The Wire is my all time favorite show.
Q. What is your FAVORITE Museum?
A. Museum of Natural History
Q. What is your FAVORITE Sport to watch? To play?
A. Baseball has always been my favorite to watch and play. I’m a diehard Yankees fan.
Q. What is your FAVORITE Snack?
A. Snyder’s Honey Mustard and Onion Pretzels
Q. What is your FAVORITE Cuisine?
A. I’ll try anything once, but I love Italian food.
Q. Have you ever been arrested and, if so, what for?
A. Like so many of us, Possession.
Q. Do you have any children?
A. Yes, one boy.
Q. Do you take work home with you?
A. Yes, 24/7/365 and my wife hates it.
Q. What is the proudest moment in your life?
A. My proudest moment was when my son was born. I’ve always wanted a family of my own and without recovery that never would have been possible.
Q. Is there a favorite “Quote” you would like to share?
A. “Sometimes you have to get knocked down lower than you’ve ever been, to stand up taller than you ever were”
Q. What is your favorite Weekly News Bulletin?
A. Addiction Recovery eBulletin, of course!