SHOWS + PODCASTS

Utah actor and producer discusses addiction recovery

Jul 21, 2020, 1:37 PM | Updated: 2:54 pm

recovery...

Casey Scott and Dr. Matt are joined by Michael Birkeland (actor and producer, known for Phobic [2020], The Singles Ward [2002], and Everything You Want [2005]) to talk about his experience working in the film industry and his work with LDS comedies. We also dive into his experience with using cocaine to stay focused in the 90s and how abusing drugs caused him to spiral into addiction.

(actor and producer, known for Phobic [2020], The Singles Ward [2002], and Everything You Want [2005])

SALT LAKE CITY — Thirteen years have passed since Utah actor and producer Michael Birkeland hit his “rock bottom” and now he’s using his past to help others start their own road to recovery.

He recently joined the Project Recovery podcast to tell his story of substance abuse and how he was able to curb his addiction.

From actor to addict

Birkeland, known for Phobic [2020], The Singles Ward [2002] and Everything You Want [2005], has an interesting relationship with comedy. While he is predominantly known in the LDS comedy world, his use of laughter and joy was often masking a tumultuous past. 

“I completely hid behind comedy. I could not turn it off because I thought if I turn it off … They’ll see all of my imperfections if I’m not funny,” Birkeland said.

Birkeland realized that his portrayal of himself to those around him required him to be funny all of the time. His drive to constantly be “on” slowly began to deteriorate his mental health. In his mind, people had expectations of him that he had to meet, but he just needed someone to talk to.

“I didn’t want to be funny all the time anymore,” he said. “I realized no one cared. They only wanted the funny Michael B.” 

Cocaine abuse

Constantly battling with himself ultimately led Birkeland to begin abusing cocaine to always have the energy to please everyone. His drug use got so out of control that he started to rely on the illegal substance every day. Instead of talking to someone about his issues, he was destroying every aspect of his life — until it all came crumbling down.

On the morning of June 1, 2007, Birkeland woke up looking up at a blue sky. He was naked in a field with his car running next to him completely confused about how he got there in the first place. After partying all night, Birkeland had passed out and realized he had missed his son’s birthday.

After pulling himself together, he knew he had to make a change. He vowed to get help and begin his road to recovery. Looking back, Birkeland realizes how fortunate he was to hit rock bottom and be able to pull out of his addiction.

“I was really fortunate. It had affected me so strongly. Something about missing my son’s birthday, it really bothered me,” he said.

Road to recovery

Birkeland found help through two separate treatment facilities, one in Utah. With the help of medical professionals, he began to learn the benefits of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) treatment, which is a psychotherapy treatment that was originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. 

“Seven years ago, I couldn’t see today. I couldn’t see myself being a father again … being happy,” Birkeland said. “The second you turn that next corner, there’s something else. It’s not over. It’s not done. There is hope.”

Listen to the podcast to learn more about substance abuse awareness and recovery

For more information on addiction or if you or someone you know is struggling, you can find more information on Facebook, KSL TV, or from Use Only as Directed. To hear more from Casey Scott and Dr. Matt Woolley, you can listen below or subscribe to the ‘Project Recovery’ podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get major podcasts.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Shows + Podcasts

utah valley university sign pictured, uvu freshman housing now available for first time...

Simone Seikaly

‘Don’t listen to the nos’ UVU commencement speaker tells students

UVU grads were just as inspiring to speaker Jamie Kern Lima as she hoped to be for them, she said of her 2024 commencement speech.

1 day ago

'The Old Oak' might have a few f-bombs, but it's worth your time to see....

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: ‘The Old Oak’ lays a roadmap for reconnecting communities

'The Old Oak' might have some f-bombs but it's worth your time, telling a tale of reconstructing country and our relationships with neighbors.

1 day ago

...

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: Get ready to laugh and get excited with ‘The Fall Guy’

In this KSL Movie Show review, dive into "The Fall Guy," where a stuntman goes above and beyond to prove himself.

1 day ago

Although the seed heads of bur buttercup look soft at first, they will stiffen up as they dry down,...

Michelle Lee

How to prevent bur buttercup from taking over your lawn

When you hear the phrase “bur buttercup,” you might think it sounds delightful and completely harmless. However, it can be one of the most rapidly-growing lawn weeds.

2 days ago

Officer Trenton Halladay pictured, he'll be added to the state's fallen officers memorial...

Caitlyn Johnston

LISTEN: In the line of duty

On Thursday, Provo Police Officer Trenton Halladay was given a place on Utah's memorial for fallen officers.

2 days ago

A bee arrives at a hive on the roof of the Warren Rudman U.S. Court House, Friday, May 5, 2023, in ...

Jeff Caplan

Jeff Caplan’s Minute of News: The New Honeybee Census

Is the honeybee still disappearing?

3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

a doctor putting her hand on the chest of her patient...

Intermountain Health

Intermountain nurse-midwives launch new gynecology access clinic

An access clinic launched by Intermountain nurse-midwives provides women with comprehensive gynecology care.

Young couple hugging while a realtor in a suit hands them keys in a new home...

Utah Association of Realtors

Buying a home this spring? Avoid these 5 costly pitfalls

By avoiding these pitfalls when buying a home this spring, you can ensure your investment will be long-lasting and secure.

a person dressed up as a nordic viking in a dragon boat resembling the bear lake monster...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Legend of the Bear Lake Monster

The Bear Lake monster has captivated people in the region for centuries, with tales that range from the believable to the bizarre.

...

Live Nation Concerts

All the artists coming to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre (formerly USANA Amp) this summer

Summer concerts are more than just entertainment; they’re a celebration of life, love, and connection.

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

Utah actor and producer discusses addiction recovery