Scott Cochran, renowned for his tenure as a strength and conditioning coach at the University of Alabama and later as the special teams coordinator at the University of Georgia, has transitioned into a pivotal role as an addiction recovery advocate. His personal battle with opioid addiction, which began in 2012 due to debilitating migraines, has fueled his commitment to supporting others facing similar challenges.
In June 2024, Cochran co-founded the American Addiction Recovery Association (AARA) alongside Jeff Breedlove, a former Georgia political staffer and person in long-term recovery. The organization’s mission is to “save lives, restore families, and strengthen communities” by eliminating the stigma surrounding addiction and promoting recovery resources. AARA aims to emulate the impactful advocacy of the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer, focusing on widespread education and support initiatives.
A key initiative of AARA is the “Eliminate the Whisper” campaign, which seeks to eradicate the stigma associated with addiction. Cochran emphasizes the importance of open dialogue, stating, “Why not stand up and say, ‘Hey, let’s come together.’ Let’s talk about addiction for what it is, and not, ‘Because you’re an addict, we don’t want you around.’ The opposite of addiction is connection.”
Cochran has been actively sharing his story to inspire and educate others. He has spoken to football teams at institutions such as Ole Miss, Maryland, Oregon, Florida, Clemson, and Marshall, as well as at fraternities and industry conventions. During these engagements, he provides his personal contact information, encouraging individuals struggling with substance abuse to reach out. He averages a couple of text messages a day and has assisted individuals, including a 52-year-old man, in accessing treatment and beginning their recovery journeys.
In his advocacy efforts, Cochran has also collaborated with political leaders to address the addiction epidemic. In October 2024, he participated in a panel discussion hosted by AARA, which included U.S. Senator Katie Britt. The panel focused on comprehensive strategies to combat addiction, highlighting the importance of bipartisan legislative cooperation, funding for treatment programs, and preventive measures to curb drug distribution.
Through his work with AARA and the “Eliminate the Whisper” campaign, Cochran is leveraging his personal experiences and public platform to foster a culture of openness and support around addiction and recovery. His efforts aim to connect individuals to the help they need, ultimately saving lives and strengthening communities.
