How One Couple Is Helping Others Break the Silence on Addiction and Mental Health

A Story of Trauma, Recovery, and Redemption

Addiction often carries a stigma that prevents people from seeking the help they need. For Damian Bloss, alcoholism became a way to numb the pain of guilt and past trauma—until one fateful phone call changed everything. In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich and co-host Wendy Beck sit down with Damian & Alicia Bloss to discuss the hardships of addiction, the emotional weight of guilt, and the long road to recovery.

Damian shares the deeply personal story of how he turned to alcohol to escape his past, while Alicia offers insight into the struggles of loving someone in active addiction. Together, they now help others find healing through their support group, Breaking the Silence, and Damian’s newly published memoir.

Whether you or someone you love is battling addiction, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for hope, healing, and second chances.

Breaking the Silence on Addiction

For years, Damian lived with the guilt of knowing a loved one was struggling—but feeling powerless to stop what came next. That trauma, combined with the pressures of life, led him down a destructive path of alcoholism and self-destruction.

"I wasn’t drinking to have fun—I was drinking to survive," Damian says in the interview.

For Alicia, watching the man she loved struggle with addiction wasn’t easy. She opens up about the mental, emotional, and physical toll that addiction takes on not just the individual, but also their loved ones.

Despite the challenges, Damian eventually found the strength to seek help, and through his journey to sobriety, he and Alicia discovered a shared purpose—helping others break the silence on addiction and mental health.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ How unresolved guilt and trauma can fuel addiction
✅ The moment Damian knew he needed to seek help
✅ Alicia’s perspective on supporting a loved one through addiction
✅ How their support group, Breaking the Silence, is making a difference
✅ The power of storytelling in addiction recovery
✅ Why mental health and addiction should be talked about more openly

Breaking the Silence: A Support Group for Healing

Recognizing the lack of community resources for those battling addiction and mental health issues, Damian and Alicia founded Breaking the Silence—a safe space for those in recovery and their loved ones.

The group meets every Friday at Town Baptist Church in Joppatowne, MD, and also offers virtual support through Zoom for those unable to attend in person.

Damian and Alicia emphasize that the group is not just for those struggling with addiction—it’s for anyone affected by substance abuse, mental health struggles, or the emotional toll of supporting a loved one through recovery.

"Our goal isn’t to fix people—we just want to be there for them," Damian explains. "If we can help even one person, then we’ve done what we set out to do."

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Breaking the Silence Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/527672853142206
• Breaking the Silence Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/breaking._.the._.silence/?__pwa=1
• Damian Bloss’ Book – https://amzn.to/3XrAMOw
• Rage Against Addiction – https://www.rageagainstaddiction.org/
• Town Baptist Church (Meeting Location for Breaking the Silence) – http://www.townebaptist.org/

Final Thoughts

Addiction can feel like an isolating and never-ending battle, but recovery is possible with the right support, faith, and determination. Damian & Alicia Bloss are living proof that second chances exist—and that no one has to suffer in silence.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, reach out, find support, and remember that healing is always possible.

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