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Skateboard legend Brandon Turner is turning his personal struggles into a force for good through his work with Westside Recovery, a rehabilitation center that offers a supportive community for individuals 18 and older facing challenges with substance abuse or mental health.
Located in the laid-back, picturesque neighborhood of Pacific Beach in San Diego, California, Westside Recovery provides a compassionate, multifaceted approach to healing. The center’s programs combine group therapy, one-on-one counseling, and experiential therapies to help clients not just recover, but truly thrive.
Turner’s connection to addiction is deeply personal. Having earned his first skateboarding sponsorship with Voice Skateboarders at just 13 years old in the ‘90s, he was quickly thrust into the fast-paced world of pro skating. Thanks to the mentorship of industry legends like Tomonari Hongo and Peter Smolik, Turner found himself traveling the world, competing at the highest levels, and making a substantial income. But as his career soared, so did the temptation of the party-heavy lifestyle that often accompanies fame. It wasn’t long before alcohol began to take a toll on his life, showing Turner firsthand just how difficult it can be to navigate addiction without the right support.
“I started drinking, traveling the world when I was 17, being in different countries where the [drinking] age wasn’t 21. At first, it was just all fun, and then it started becoming a problem,” Turner told NewsOne in an exclusive interview.
“I just realized some of the traumas that I had when I was little would come out, and I didn’t know then, but a lot of that stuff was coming out, like, externally. I thought I was just drinking to have fun. But the reason why I changed into a different person is because I had stepped very deep down inside my childhood, something that I never got a chance to work through.”
Turner’s struggles with alcohol eventually caught up with him, leading to multiple DUIs and even time behind bars. But the hardest part of his battle wasn’t just the consequences—it was the isolation he felt, unable to find anyone to turn to for help. The stigma he faced from family and friends only made things worse. They would often tell him to toughen up and get his “sh*t together.” At the time, therapy was seen as a sign of weakness, something only “rich white people” did, and not something people like him could rely on. The idea of seeking help felt out of reach.
That’s why community is at the heart of Westside Recovery—a core principle Turner prioritized when creating the center. He wanted to build a place where people could “relate to someone” and “open up” about their struggles, knowing they’re not alone in their recovery journey. Westside welcomes a diverse range of individuals—from musicians and skaters to business professionals and blue-collar workers—creating a supportive environment where everyone can connect and heal together.
The center offers a wide range of programs designed to meet each individual’s unique needs, interests, and goals. From art and music to yoga, Pilates, and surfing, Westside’s offerings encourage personal expression and help participants rediscover joy throughout their recovery. In addition, Turner leads a weekly skateboarding session for both beginners and experienced skaters. Held twice a week, these sessions provide an opportunity for participants to learn the sport directly from the pro himself, blending fitness, fun, and a sense of community into the recovery process.
“It’s amazing to see people who never thought they could hop on a board actually do it,” Turner said.
Another standout feature of Westside Recovery is its intensive outpatient program (IOP), which is flexible and designed to fit into the busy lives of individuals with work, family, or other commitments. Notably, the program allows clients to get the support they need without interrupting their daily lives, giving them the freedom to heal on their terms.
Turner has his eyes on expansion for 2025. He hopes to create a space in the second phase of Westside Recovery that not only provides therapy but also serves as a community resource hub — a “fun” zone where people can access support and engage in activities all in one place. According to Turner, past graduates of Westside Recovery have deeply appreciated the center’s ability to foster connections, and he shares that sentiment, recognizing the power of community in the recovery process.
“Having that community of support and connection is really important, and I think we need to keep that alive with all facets of our lives,” he added.
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