A second life based on responsibility and recovery
The story of John Joseph Cardwell does not begin in a clinic. It starts with loss.
He grew up in Christchurch, New Zealand, in a large family with strong roots. His father was New Zealander. His mother was Samoan. He was the oldest of five siblings. As a young person, life was active and structured. He played rugby, football, cricket and rugby league at representative level.
But over time this structure collapsed.
“My journey through addiction to alcohol and numerous illicit substances and denial of the impact I had on those around me, especially my family, cost me everything,” says Cardwell. “My identity, my relationships and my sense of purpose.”
This time would mark the turning point of his life.
Hitting rock bottom and facing public failure
Cardwell doesn’t avoid talking about his lowest moments. In fact, he leans into her.
“I was put on public display for the whole world to see because of my behavior in active addiction,” he says. “It was a huge failure in my life.”
This revelation forced a decision. Stay the same or rebuild.
For Cardwell, reconstruction meant full responsibility.
“Success was recognizing it, taking responsibility and committing to change,” he explains.
This mindset became the foundation for everything that followed. Not just recovery, but leadership.
The recovery process that changed everything
Cardwell has been clean and sober since October 2021. But he is aware that recovery was not immediate.
“The recovery wasn’t immediate,” he says. “It was built through pain, honesty and resilience.”
He cites structure and community as key factors. He leaned on mentors who had already built stable lives.
“Two men in particular had what I couldn’t get,” he says. “A stable job, studying at university, having your own apartment, relationships, family back in your life, the fact that they could commit to each other over a long period of time amazed me. They reminded me of how much effort I would put into evaluating my substances, I could do the same to live a different way of life.” He thought it was too long a journey to achieve everything he thought was impossible at the time.
He followed her example step by step.
“I found and surrounded myself with people who had walked in my shoes before,” he says. “They modeled a better way of life.”
Faith also played a role.
“I have overcome obstacles with my faith in God,” he adds.
These influences helped him rebuild not only habits but also his identity.
From lived experience to clinical practice
After stabilizing his life, Cardwell made a decision that would shape his career. He chose to formalize his experiences through education.
He studied at the Auckland University of Technology. There he completed his studies in health sciences with a focus on mental health and addiction. He continued his lecturer-supported study path towards postgraduate study and became registered with DAPAANZ (Drug and Alcohol Practitioner’s Association of Aotearoa New Zealand).
Today he works in the healthcare sector as a clinician and consultant.
His work includes individual sessions, couples counseling and group facilitation. His focus is on alcohol and drug detoxification, often referred to as AOD counseling. Co-existing problems (CEP) are often highlighted alongside other addictions such as gambling, internet and gaming.
What sets him apart is not just the training. It is a lived experience.
“I stand not only as someone who has survived addiction,” he says, “but as someone who has found meaning in it.”
A Culturally Informed Approach to Mental Health
Cardwell’s work is shaped by the communities he serves. He works closely with the Māori and Pasifika populations.
He uses culturally anchored modalities such as:
- The Tapa Wha House
- Phonofale model
These frameworks focus on the whole person. Not just symptoms, but also family, culture and environment.
“I use a culturally informed approach,” he explains. “It’s about holistic, whānau-centred wellbeing.”
This approach allows him to address deeper issues. This includes intergenerational trauma and systemic barriers.
He focuses first on building trust.
“Cultural safety is key,” he says. “Without that, there is no real progress.”
Leadership through service and community impact
Cardwell doesn’t describe himself as a traditional business leader. But his work shows clear leadership characteristics.
He is a communicator. A problem solver. And someone who leads by example.
He is also active in the recovery community. He participates in a number of 12-step recovery programs and has performed his story publicly in the theater, including in a production called “Recovery Street.”
“Shame and guilt are one of my strengths today,” he says. “Because I can talk about it openly and honestly.”
This openness helps others connect with him. It also creates credibility.
He doesn’t talk about theory. He speaks from experience.
Building up to the next phase
Looking ahead, Cardwell is focused on growth. Not just personal growth, but impact.
He is working on opening a private counseling practice and the larger goal of establishing a detox/rehabilitation center with his partner in the Christchurch/Mid Canterbury area.
The goal is clear.
“To help the addict who is still suffering,” he says.
His approach to goals is structured but simple.
“Set goals. Break them down into small steps. Be consistent,” he says. “Know your why.”
For him, that “why” is rooted in family, community and service.
A story that is constantly evolving
Today, Cardwell describes his life in simple terms.
“I have peace and freedom from active addiction,” he says.
But he doesn’t position himself as finished. His story is still evolving.
His journey from addict to clinician is not just a personal one. It reflects a broader change. One where lived experiences become an important part of mental health leadership.
And in this area, Cardwell is building a role that is both practical and impactful.
“My story is no longer about struggle,” he says. “It’s about giving something back.”
