In this episode of Finding New Waters, hosts B. Reeves and Justin McClendon sit down with Dan Gilmer, Director of Clinical Outreach for TNR Recovery Group, which operates programs including Cypress Lake Recovery and Origins in Texas.
Dan shares his powerful story of getting sober at just 20 years old after years of addiction that began when he was 13. He opens up about discovering Oxycontin as a teenager, chasing that first feeling for years, and finally finding peace through treatment, faith, and service.
From relapsing to rebuilding, Dan’s honesty and humility shine through as he reflects on what it means to truly trust God, maintain a daily reprieve, and find joy in helping others. He also shares how his journey led him to a meaningful career in recovery outreach and how accountability, family, and faith continue to shape his life today.
Learn more about Dan’s work and TNR Recovery Group: www.tnrrecoverygroup.com
Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Dan Gilmer
01:00 – Dan’s role at TNR Recovery Group
03:00 – Discovering Oxycontin at age 13
05:00 – Getting sober at 20 after multiple treatment attempts
06:00 – Starting sober living homes in Baton Rouge
08:00 – What it’s like to get sober young in Louisiana
10:00 – Learning to trust God and rely on faith
13:00 – The difference between believing in God and trusting God
15:00 – Learning when to “end the day and go to sleep”
17:00 – Daily reprieve and spiritual maintenance
20:00 – Life in early sobriety and the power of community
23:00 – Family, honesty, and doing a fearless inventory
25:00 – Marriage, fatherhood, and trusting God’s plan
28:00 – The gift of helping others in recovery
31:00 – The power of accountability and service
34:00 – Overview of TNR Recovery Group programs
37:00 – What is the Wellbriety track?
39:00 – How to connect with TNR Recovery and Dan Gilmer
Powerful Quote
“The best things in my life are the ones I never planned. God’s plan is always better than mine.” – Dan Gilmer
Guest Bio
Dan Gilmer
Director of Clinical Outreach, TNR Recovery Group
Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Dan Gilmer serves as the Director of Clinical Outreach for TNR Recovery Group’s Texas programs, including Cypress Lake Recovery and Origins. He oversees outreach, alumni, and aftercare operations, connecting individuals with life-changing recovery services.
Having found sobriety at 20, Dan uses his personal experience to inspire others—especially young people struggling with addiction—to seek help and find purpose through recovery. A husband, father, and devoted member of his recovery community, Dan believes in living a life rooted in faith, service, and accountability.
Website: www.tnrrecoverygroup.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dan-gilmer
Resources Mentioned
• TNR Recovery Group – www.tnrrecoverygroup.com
• Cypress Lake Recovery – www.cypresslakerecovery.com
• Origins Behavioral HealthCare – www.originsrecovery.com
• Sabino Recovery – www.sabinorecovery.com
• Wellbriety Movement – www.whitebison.org
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