Vital Voyage
Author of the Month: John Makohen
Author of the Month is a spotlight series honoring one standout contributor whose voice, expertise, and impact have made a significant difference in mental health education and recovery awareness. Each month, we feature one author’s most powerful articles, insights, and personal story.
A Conversation With John
Providence does not move you.
Your decisions do.
Faith without action is fantasy.
Survival without direction is stagnation.
When you choose discipline over chaos
and responsibility over blame,
that is when your life changes.
— unknown
Visit Wes on his website www.wesarnett.com
Publishers Note
John Makohen has established himself as a dedicated advocate for substance use disorder recovery. Having overcome two decades of personal challenges with addiction, John now uses his lived experience and professional training to empower individuals throughout their recovery journeys. With 16 years of experience, John has extensive expertise as a certified recovery coach, peer advocate, educator, substance use disorder counselor, and harm reduction specialist. He is the co-founder and COO of Educational Enhancement, an online program that provides comprehensive CASAC training and renewal hours for addiction counseling professionals.
As the publisher of Vital Voyage Blog, I am honored that such an accomplished writer and SUD expert has decided to join us. John has written many articles for us and on his Medium platform and has also published several books. He is also a highly involved member of our editorial board and a valuable subject-matter expert. I am proud to introduce him as Vital Voyage Blog's Author of the Month.
~Tom O'Connor Publisher
About John Makohen
John Makohen is not a theorist of substance use disorder. He survived it.
He spent nearly two decades navigating childhood rape, heroin, alcohol, and poly-substance use disorder, homelessness, sex work, violence, and systemic neglect. He understands stigma from the inside. He knows what it means to be dismissed, labeled, and written off, and what it takes to rebuild when most expect you not to.
Today, John is an Advanced CASAC, Certified Recovery Coach, Peer Advocate, harm reduction advocate, and author. He is the co-founder of Educational Enhancement CASAC Online, an OASAS-approved training platform preparing future substance use counselors across multiple states.
His work bridges lived experience with clinical rigor. He advocates for trauma-informed, evidence-based, dignity-centered care and specializes in counselor education, crisis intervention, harm reduction strategies, and professional development.
He believes substance use disorder is not a moral failure. It is an adaptation. And adaptations can be understood, treated, and reshaped.
Note: This video was made 16 years ago
John James Makoken was nice enough to let me interview him so that others might know his plight and his struggles trying to make it in this world. He tells where he has come from, and tells where he hopes to go. He is a humble man. He is a gentleman! Faisal Khan
Why This Series Matters
This series reflects Vital Voyage’s mission to tell recovery stories that matter. Through Belinda's deeply human voice, readers see how compassion, accountability, and resilience can rebuild a life — and inspire others to do the same.”
⚠️ If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — U.S.)