John West: Person of the Week
John West has built an impressive career over the past 20 years in mental health and addiction treatment. As an international interventionist, crisis manager, and sober companion, he has supported a wide range of clients, including high-profile individuals like celebrities, executives, and politicians. John co-founded The Guest House Ocala, a premier center for trauma and addiction recovery, and serves as Chairman of the Board at High Watch Recovery Center, the world’s first 12-Step treatment center. His work, inspired by his own journey, has been instrumental in guiding individuals and families through complex recovery and healing processes.
Q. If you are in recovery, what was your drug(s) of choice and when is your sobriety date?
A. Anything you have, May 17, 2004.
Q. What do you like most about 12-step meetings?
A. Every meeting is like listening to the greatest stories ever told. The humor and heartbreak are truly miraculous on any given day, time, or place in the world where two or more are gathered.
Q. Do you think addiction is an illness, disease, a choice, or a wicked twist of fate?
A. I believe it to be a disease that can be arrested indefinitely.
Q. Who is your favorite celebrity in recovery?
A. Marty Mann.
Q. If you ever retire, would you prefer to live by the ocean, lake, river, mountaintop, desert, or penthouse?
A. Ocean for summer and mountaintop for winter.
A. A person that I trust with my life to give me guidance.
Q. How do you measure success?
A. With coins, chips, and birthday cakes.
Q. What is your biggest pet peeve?
A. When there is no coffee at a meeting.
A. National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA).
Q. Who has been the biggest influence throughout your life?
A. My mother and grandmother.
Q. From what school of thought or teacher did you learn the most from?
A. I’d have to say the Socratic method shaped my thinking the most. Socrates’ approach was all about asking the right questions instead of just dishing out answers. He believed that real understanding comes from digging deeper and challenging assumptions, which has a way of turning even the simplest conversations into something meaningful. Another big influence is Stoic philosophy, especially through people like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus. They taught that while we can’t control everything, we can choose our responses and focus on what we actually have power over. It’s such a practical, calming way to handle life’s ups and downs, and it’s a perspective that sticks with you. These two—Socratic questioning and Stoic resilience—kind of work like a one-two punch. They keep things curious, honest, and steady, which feels like the best way to really grow and understand life.
Q. Where are you from and where do you reside now?
A. Born in Rhode Island and living in Florida.
Q. If you were giving a dinner party for your 3 favorite authors, living or dead, who would they be?
A. Oscar Wilde – With his wit, humor, and flair for conversation, Wilde would bring unforgettable charm to the table. His insights on art, society, and human nature would keep everyone entertained. Maya Angelou – Her wisdom, warmth, and rich experiences would bring depth and beauty to the evening. Her voice and presence could inspire meaningful discussions about resilience, creativity, and humanity. Gabriel García Márquez – His gift for magical realism would add a mystical layer to the gathering, with stories that blur the lines between the real and the fantastical. His storytelling would make the dinner feel almost otherworldly. And as a backup (in case Wilde gets a bit too… spirited): Hunter S. Thompson – Thompson’s wild stories and no-holds-barred perspectives would add a dash of chaos and unpredictability to the mix, creating an unforgettable atmosphere—if he could make it to the table!
Q. What’s your concept of a Higher Power?
A. My concept of a Higher Power is a bit like a blend of nature, interconnectedness, and a sense of wisdom that’s greater than any one individual. It’s not necessarily a personified god but more of an underlying force or presence that binds everything together—like an energy or consciousness that’s woven into life itself. I see it as a source of balance, guidance, and even humility, reminding us that we’re part of something larger. This Higher Power might show up in the quiet moments of clarity, in nature’s cycles, or even in the connections we have with others. It’s a kind of grounding presence that encourages growth, kindness, and compassion, and it reminds us that we’re not alone in the journey, even when things feel chaotic. So, in essence, it’s the part of life that connects us all, that points us toward our best selves, and that offers a sense of purpose or direction, especially in times of struggle or uncertainty.
Q. What book(s) have you read more than once?
A. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho – This one’s like a guide for anyone on a personal journey. It’s simplicity and wisdom feel like a gentle reminder to trust in the process and follow what calls you, no matter how uncertain things seem.
Q. Which film have you watched the most?
A. Once Were Warriors.
Q. Who is your favorite film director?
A. Michael Haneke.
Q. What surprised you most about living sober?
A. The way in which life always works out. If the ending isn’t a happy one, then the story isn’t over.
Q. If you could give advice to your younger self what would it be?
A. Enjoy the present moment – You’ll never get these days back, so take a breath, look around, and savor where you are, even if it’s not where you ultimately want to be. Life is happening right now, not just in the future.
Q. What books are you reading now?
A. “Be Here Now” by Ram Dass.
Q. What is your favorite App?
A. WAZE.
Q. Are you binge watching any TV series?
A. Slow Horses.
Q. What is your favorite play or musical?
A. Once.
A. Robin Williams.
Q. What is your favorite musician and or band?
A. Anyone who can move me.
Q. What is one word you would use to describe yourself?
A. Curiosity drives me to explore, learn, and dig deeper into things, whether it’s a new concept, an old book, or just understanding what makes people tick. It’s what keeps life interesting and pushes me to grow.
Q. What is your favorite city?
A. Machu Picchu.
Q. What sport(s) do you like to play or watch?
A. Tennis and Skiing.
Q. What is your favorite restaurant?
A. San Matteo Pizza & Espresso Bar UES.
Q. What is your favorite cuisine?
A. Italian.
Q. What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?
A. Focus on what you can control and let go of what you can’t.
Q. What is the best piece of advice you’ve given someone else?
A. Hang in there just a little longer.
Q. What is one thing that always makes you smile?
A. My wife.
Q. What was the proudest moment in your life?
A. Helping someone realize their dream.
Q. What is a style trend you wish would come back?
A. Rocking a Sony Sports Yellow Walkman (1983).
Q. What do you love most about yourself?
A. Inspired creativity when I can access it quickly.
Q. What are five things you always carry with you?
A. A watch from my father, a scarf, OURA ring, sunglasses, and a baseball hat.
Q. What is your biggest fear?
A. My biggest fear is stagnation—the idea of getting stuck in one place, not growing, or evolving. It’s easy to feel comfortable or fall into routines, but something is unsettling about never pushing beyond what feels safe. Life is filled with so much to learn, experience, and understand, and not moving forward or taking risks feels like a missed opportunity.
Q. Where do you go when you want to be alone?
A. Daydreams.
Q. What is your biggest regret?
A. Not buying google when it first went public.
Q. What is the greatest risk you’ve ever taken?
A. Fatherhood.
Q. What is something you are currently curious about?
A. Longevity.