About Michael J. Wilson
Author, Interventionist, and Family Recovery Specialist helping families navigate addiction with hope, practical guidance, and proven strategies.
From Personal Struggle to Professional Mission
Michael's journey from addiction to recovery specialist has shaped his unique approach to family healing.
Michael Wilson was born in Brunswick, Maine in 1976. He currently works and resides in his life-long hometown of Beverly, Massachusetts with his amazing children and his extended family.
Michael spent many of his younger and more formative years in active addiction - struggling with his various unsuccessful attempts at "sobriety". His experiences throughout those years, and the recovery process that eventually led him to get well and change his life, has become the foundation for his work with families in the community and nationwide.
Michael's service work in his hometown of Beverly began in 2008, and includes various supportive and leadership roles in coalitions and a local substance abuse task force. His passion for helping families drove him to carve out a new set of services for families in his area, paving the way for more family-focused work to be available regarding addiction and recovery.
"The personal touch that he provides for each family is often met with a sigh of relief that someone is listening and finally understands what is happening to them. The services that he has created and provided are often seen as a beacon of hope for families who had previously been left feeling hopeless and confused."
Michael found a way to bridge that gap, and fill that void. He offers his insights and experience through a variety of mediums, including support groups and speaking engagements. He is always looking for new ways to be involved with, and be a part of, the solution!
He continues to expand that work today — founding the vProGo platform to build technology for behavioral-health providers, and co-hosting the Collateral Damage podcast on addiction and its impact on families.
Professional Background
Over 15 years of dedicated service to families struggling with addiction across New England and beyond.
Renewed Hope Project
2009 - 2014
Michael was the founder and executive director of Renewed Hope Project, a local non-profit organization geared toward providing services and community supports for families struggling with addiction.
East Point Behavioral Health
2014 - Present
In 2014 he transitioned to Co-Owner and Director of Family Services for Baystate Recovery Services, now East Point Recovery Centers LLC. His company currently operates across New England and provides a variety of family-focused and individual services.
Visit East Point Behavioral Health →Credable Learning
2018 - Present
Michael is the founder and owner of Credable Learning, a NAADAC-approved professional education platform (Provider #185919). Since 2018 it has delivered continuing education and his Certified Family-Focused Interventions (CFI) training to professionals nationwide.
Visit Credable Learning →About "Loving Lions"
In Loving Lions, author, Interventionist and family-recovery specialist Michael Wilson takes readers on a candid journey through the chaos of addiction, revealing both the addict's inner turmoil and the heartbreak families endure.
Drawing on his own life story of active addiction and eventual recovery, Wilson exposes the emotional complexities that keep loved ones trapped in confusion, fear, and denial.
What You'll Find Inside:
- A fresh perspective on how families can effectively intervene
- Concrete tools to replace enabling with sustainable, boundary-driven support
- Emotional insights that bridge the gap between empathy and proactive change
CFI Training Program
Michael is also the creator of the Certified Family-Focused Interventions (CFI) model, which he now teaches to new and seasoned professionals nationwide through Credable Learning — his NAADAC-approved education platform (Provider #185919). The 3-day live training prepares professionals for the family-systems needs of this growing epidemic, with a path to CIP certification.
Media, Speaking & Training
Michael speaks and trains nationwide, and has carried the family-recovery message across podcasts and recovery media.
Collateral Damage — podcast co-host (2019–2021)
Co-hosted 40+ episodes on addiction and its impact on families with author Maureen Cavanagh.
CFI Training Program
Creator and lead instructor — NAADAC-approved training for professionals nationwide.
Recovery podcast appearances
Guest on Friends In Recovery, Why Intervention, and Courage to Hope (WMEX Boston).
Goodreads author profile
Follow the book, ratings, and reviews on Goodreads.
What Families Are Saying
Real reviews from families who found hope and healing through Michael's work and the Loving Lions methodology.
"I was fortunate to hear Michael speak about his story... By that time I had gotten the book and couldn't put it down. It has definitely changed my direction in my thoughts about helping my adult son in his bipolar depression and addiction."
"Loving Lions is by far the most thorough guide for families struggling with their loved one's addiction that I have read. Mike has the broad perspective of having lived through years of active addiction, numerous attempts at various types of treatment, recovery, and many years of helping countless families."
Get Professional Help
If you would like to contact Michael Wilson to help you or a loved one struggling with addiction or behavior related issues, professional support is available.