March 10, 2025
Friendship in Recovery: Nico Doorn & Dr. Nick Hayes
Episode 32
In this inspiring episode of Conversations with Cumberland Heights, Dr. Nick Hayes, Chief Science Officer at Cumberland Heights, and Nico Doorn, Executive Director and Co-founder of Alpha Behavioral Health explore the powerful role of friendship in recovery. Their friendship began while in residential addiction treatment at Cumberland Heights and has since been a constant throughout their college and professional journeys. They discuss how meaningful connections in recovery can foster growth, healing, and a lasting commitment to helping others in the addiction treatment community.
About Our Guest
Nico Doorn is the Executive Director and Co-founder of Alpha Behavioral Health, where he is dedicated to creating healing communities. With over 12 years of experience in mental health and addiction recovery, Nico believes in the power of friendship in recovery to foster long-term healing and personal growth.
Born in the Netherlands and raised in North Carolina, Nico overcame severe addiction and mental health struggles as a teen. After finding recovery at age 20, he pursued education, earning a BA in Psychology from Lipscomb University and an M.Ed. in Human Development Studies from Vanderbilt University. He has since held leadership roles in developing programs for residential and outpatient treatment centers.
Nico is passionate about supporting young adults in recovery and serves on several industry boards, including the Young Adult Transition Association. He has also given a TEDx talk on addiction and recovery.
Outside of work, Nico is a dedicated father of three and an avid runner, having completed multiple marathons and ultramarathons. He leads The Outliers, a run club that promotes mental health and recovery. Nico’s journey demonstrates that true happiness comes from pushing yourself to be your best, surrounded by supportive relationships and friendships in recovery.
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