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Richard Galvan

Richard Galvan Profile Photo

Author of The Addict

Richard Galvan overcame early alcohol use, heroin addiction, homelessness, and arrests to achieve sobriety at 22 via Prop 36 rehab—now 21 years clean.

Former owner of Casablanca Outpatient and Essence Healthcare, he sold due to ethical issues and moved to Barcelona from LA.

Today, he promotes his book The Addict, runs a 12-step sobriety program, and advocates recovery through AA, speaking, and social media.

Life After 5 Years on Skid Row, Owning a Treatment Center & Realizing the Industry is Built on Lies
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Feb. 7, 2026

Life After 5 Years on Skid Row, Owning a Treatment Center & Realizing the Industry is Built on Lies

Richard Galvan began stealing, getting arrested and drinking vodka alone in sixth grade. He snorted and sold his Ritalin, stole his mother’s pills and drank cough syrup. By his early teens, he was selling pills, using meth, and became well known to the police. Born in 1982 in the San Fernando Valley, by 10th grade, he started using heroin and spending time downtown near Skid Row. He was kicked out by both parents, lived with relatives, friends, and on the street, and entered juvenile hall at 16....