Michael Leach

Michael Leach is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and certified member of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) with nearly a decade of experience in addiction treatment and recovery services. As founder and CEO of Recovery Begins, he brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to help Canadians find effective treatment options.

Professional Background

Michael's career in addiction services spans multiple roles across clinical care, program administration, and patient advocacy. He has worked directly with individuals during medical detoxification, served in leadership positions overseeing treatment programs, and developed expertise in matching patients with appropriate levels of care. His clinical training includes certification as a Clinical Medical Assistant and specialized education in substance use disorders.

Personal Journey

Michael's commitment to helping others stems from his own recovery experience. Having navigated the challenges of finding effective treatment firsthand, he understands that recovery is not one-size-fits-all. This dual perspective—both as someone who has lived through addiction and as a trained professional—allows him to approach treatment recommendations with empathy and clinical knowledge.

Why Recovery Begins

After years working within treatment facilities, Michael recognized a critical gap: people struggling with addiction often don't know how to identify quality programs or which approach might work best for their unique situation. Recovery Begins was created to bridge that gap—providing Canadians with comprehensive, accessible information about treatment options across the country, with no financial incentive to recommend one center over another.

Verifiable Credentials

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Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

Issued by National Healthcareer Association - NHA

Valid: March 2019 - March 2029

The earner of this badge has been certified as a Clinical Medical Assistant and has passed the accredited, high-stakes certification examination through the National Healthcareer Association. The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is the largest allied health certification agency in the United States, with over 1.25 million certifications awarded since 1989.

Verify Credential

ID: 1250555381

Publications & Contributions

• Co-author: "Inside the World of Substance Use: A Professional's Perspective" (2023)
• Contributing writer on addiction treatment policy and access to care