On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we sat down with functional health recovery coach Samantha Lander—whose story proves that radical transformation is possible, no matter where you start. From addiction and incarceration to relapse and full-body healing, Samantha’s journey is both bold and inspiring.

A “Normal” Start with an Early Turn Toward Alcohol

Unlike many stories, Samantha didn’t grow up around addiction. She had a “normal” family life. Yet by middle school, she was drinking to blackout. The signs were there, even if no one saw them.

High Functioning and Secretly Spiraling

In college, Samantha discovered drugs—and her productivity skyrocketed. Meth and ketamine fueled her hustle. She appeared successful, but the damage was mounting. Eventually, she began selling drugs to sustain her lifestyle, and success turned into survival.

The SWAT Raid That Changed Her Life

Everything came crashing down when a SWAT team raided her apartment. Facing federal prison, Samantha had a moment of clarity. “I think I need to go to rehab,” she told her parents. It wasn’t a visible rock bottom—but it was a turning point.

Prison as a Place of Reflection and Growth

Samantha describes her 27-month prison sentence as one of the most healing times in her life. Stripped of distractions, she began the inner work. She emerged grounded, clear, and committed to rebuilding her life.

Life After Incarceration: Relapse and Reality

After prison, Samantha built a business, got married, and started a family. But sobriety is ongoing. After 13 years alcohol-free, she relapsed. It didn’t take long for alcohol to pull her back into a downward spiral. That relapse became a new turning point.

Discovering Functional Health and True Healing

Even after getting sober again in 2012, Samantha didn’t feel well. Fatigue, brain fog, and chronic symptoms lingered. Traditional doctors had no answers—until she found functional nutrition testing. These insights helped her identify the long-term impact of addiction on her body and create a healing plan.

“All the things I used alcohol to chase—clarity, energy, focus—I now get through nutrition and fitness,” she said.

Coaching Others Back to Wellness

Today, Samantha is a functional health recovery coach helping clients uncover the root causes of feeling “off” and guiding them toward physical and emotional healing. Whether in recovery or not, her work focuses on restoring balance from the inside out.

Owning Her Story, Loud and Proud

Samantha never hid her past. She started sharing her story while still in prison and hasn’t stopped. Her radical honesty inspires clients and reminds them that healing starts with truth—not perfection.

Advice on Sharing Your Sober Journey

Her advice? Start small. “Try saying ‘I’m in recovery’ to a stranger. It doesn’t have to be your full story. Just take one step at a time.”

Final Thoughts: Healing Is an Inside Job

Samantha’s journey is living proof that transformation is possible—even when the path is messy. She’s built a life rooted in integrity, service, and full-body wellness. Through functional health, fitness, and authenticity, she’s helping others find their own way back to health and hope.

Resources:

• Follow Samantha on Instagram: @seefitliving
• Work with Samantha: Functional Health Coaching via www.seefitliving.com

The post Episode 60: Functional Health Recovery Coach Samantha Lander: From Prison to Purpose first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.