#46 - Breaking the Cycle of Addiction & Crime with Mark Cowan

Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, we sit down with Mark Cowan, a former inmate who spent 20 years in and out of prison due to his struggles with addiction. Today, Mark is on the other side of the prison walls as an addictions counsellor, using his personal experiences to help incarcerated individuals break the cycle of addiction and crime. Mark shares his journey from a life of crime to becoming a present father, a role model, and a community asset. He opens up about the turning points in his life, the impact of drug court, and his mission to give hope to those who feel trapped in the same cycle he once knew all too well.
Key Topics Covered:
Mark’s Journey: Mark talks about his life from ages 17 to 37, when prison was a second home due to his addiction to various substances and a lifestyle of crime, primarily burglary.
Life Behind Bars: Mark describes how he navigated prison life, finding some comfort in a familiar environment, but also the monotony and the endless cycle of getting locked up, released, and re-offending.
Breaking the Cycle: Mark shares the moment that changed everything-his introduction to drug court, which focuses on treatment for offenders. He discusses how getting clean ended his need to steal and allowed him to rebuild his life, becoming a father and a role model.
Transition to Counselling: Mark discusses his journey from inmate to counsellor, his motivation to help others, and how his personal story shapes his work with incarcerated addicts today.
Giving Hope: Mark explains his approach to counselling, which centres on giving hope to those who are still struggling. He shares some of the techniques and strategies he uses to connect with clients and inspire them to change.
Challenges and Reflections: Mark reflects on the challenges he faces as a counsellor, the misconceptions about addiction and crime, and how he deals with setbacks both personally and professionally.
Community and Cultural Influence: Mark speaks about the importance of being a role model in his community and how his Samoan/Cook Island heritage informs his work and helps him connect with clients on a deeper level.
Future Hopes: Mark talks about his hopes for the future, both for himself and the people he works with, and shares advice for those currently in the position he once was or those considering a career in addiction counselling.
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