Nick Padlo's Journey From Veteran of Combat to Compassionate Recovery

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

Nick Padlo, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, has spent his life walking diverse paths—from military service in Afghanistan and Iraq to leading a successful business, and now, guiding others through the darkness of substance use and mental health disorders. Nick's story is one of perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to helping others find their way back to a life of purpose and fulfillment. As the founder of Sophros Recovery, he draws on his experiences to offer a unique approach to addiction treatment that prioritizes empathy, connection, and holistic healing.

Nick’s background is as compelling as it is diverse. He attended the United States Military Academy (West Point), where he served as the Chairman of the Honor Committee, a prestigious role that prepared him for the high-stakes challenges he would later face. After graduating, he served in the U.S. Army for five years, spending 27 months in combat between Afghanistan and Iraq. His service earned him accolades, including the Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge, but it also left him grappling with the invisible wounds of war—depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder.

Following his military service, Nick pursued a business degree from Stanford University and became the CEO of a rapidly growing company. Despite professional success, he struggled internally, turning to alcohol and drugs to cope with his mental health challenges. It was only after seeking treatment that Nick found his true calling: to help others navigate their own struggles with substance use and mental health disorders. This led him to launch Sophros Recovery, an addiction recovery center that offers outpatient services and a compassionate, holistic approach to healing.

“I launched a business that was doing well, but I wasn’t,” Nick shares candidly. “I was dealing with alcohol and drugs, using these things to work on my depression and mental health.” His personal battle and eventual recovery inspired him to create a space where others could seek help. “I knew that my fellow soldiers and others would need these services, so I launched Sophros Recovery.”

Based in Jacksonville, Sophros Recovery provides partial hospitalization and outpatient treatment, with an emphasis on giving clients the tools they need to overcome life’s challenges without succumbing to vices. Nick explains, “Our clients work with us but do not live here. What we learn here is how to recover when we do have the option to make bad choices.”

A key aspect of Sophros Recovery’s philosophy is that recovery is not just about abstaining from harmful substances but about building a comprehensive toolkit for life. “We offer the full tool kit, not just one that focuses on a single issue,” Nick says. This holistic approach includes individual and group therapy, medical care, and case management to address all aspects of a client’s life, from physical health to job support. “If we are unemployed and homeless, it’s hard to stay sober,” Nick notes, emphasizing the importance of addressing the broader challenges that can undermine recovery efforts.

Nick’s dedication to veterans is particularly close to his heart. “I have a big heart for veterans, and I’ve lost more veterans to suicide than I have from war actions,” he says, underscoring the urgent need for mental health support for those who have served. He aims to connect with organizations, non-profits, and the VA to build trust and ensure veterans feel comfortable seeking help at Sophros Recovery.

As Sophros Recovery continues to grow, Nick remains focused on expanding access to care. The center recently opened a second location in Tampa Bay and plans to launch a virtual treatment center to reach even more individuals in need. However, Nick is clear that growth will not come at the expense of the center’s core values. “The challenge with this kind of treatment is that you can have the best processes and philosophies, but if you don’t have the right culture, people, empathy, and care, it won’t help people.”

Nick’s journey from military service to entrepreneurship and now to compassionate care provider is a testament to his resilience and desire to make a meaningful impact on others' lives. His message is clear: “Everyone can find their way back, regain their lives, and live a life free of suffering.” At Sophros Recovery, Nick and his team are making that a reality for countless individuals across North Florida.

You can also watch Nick’s TEDx talk, where he shares more about his journey and the importance of mental health awareness, here.