Anyone else starting to question Scott Freda and his whole sobriety coaching business?

I’ve been following this guy for years, and I’m genuinely starting to wonder what the hell his end game is anymore. I’m seven years sober myself, so I have a ton of respect for anyone who’s overcome addiction and wants to help others do the same. That’s why I started following him in the first place. But somewhere along the way, his content went from sharing his recovery story to some of the most bizarre engagement bait I’ve seen. The ridiculous eating videos, over-the-top drinking reenactments, fearmongering, constant self-promotion, and his absolutely strange behavior in the Instagram comments. It’s gotten to the point where I can’t tell if he’s actually trying to help people or just figured out how to make a living getting everyone worked up.

What’s interesting is that he’s openly admitted to deliberately exaggerating his behavior for engagement. He even claimed he intentionally gained nearly 40 pounds to film drinking reenactments and picked up a million followers from it. Think about that. A guy preaching sobriety and healthy living intentionally gaining weight to manufacture content because it brings in views. And then there’s his attitude toward anyone who questions him. From what I’ve seen, criticism doesn’t exactly go over well. Comments disappear, people get blocked, and some of his responses are downright unhinged. I’ve seen other people describe the same experiences. For someone who’s supposedly helping people develop healthier habits and accountability, he sure seems to struggle with being questioned about his own.

Then there’s the cirrhosis story. He claims to have completely reversed his liver damage and has even credited his diet system with reversing the scar tissue. Now, I’m no doctor, and I understand the liver can recover significantly after quitting alcohol, but that’s a pretty extraordinary claim. Has anyone actually seen independent medical evidence supporting the extent of his recovery or proving his specific diet was responsible? I’m not questioning whether he got sober or improved his health. I’m questioning the way these claims are presented when there’s a paid coaching business attached to them.

I also came across a federal CFPB case from 2020 involving a Scott Freda and a student-loan debt-relief marketing business. The case resulted in a substantial civil judgment and business restrictions. I haven’t confirmed whether that’s the same individual, and the settlement wasn’t a criminal conviction, so I’m not presenting it as proof of anything about this coach. But I’d be interested if anyone has reliable information establishing whether there’s a connection.

Here’s what really bothers me. We’re talking about addiction, not some guy selling a workout program. There are people following him who are genuinely desperate to get sober, scared about their health, and willing to spend money because they believe someone can help them. I have absolutely no problem with someone making a living helping others. But when your entire social media presence revolves around deliberately provoking people, making bold medical claims, pushing paid services, and seemingly shutting down criticism, I think it’s fair to question the motivation.

Maybe I’m completely wrong about the guy. Maybe he’s helped thousands of people and his coaching is worth every penny. I’d actually love to hear from anyone who’s paid him. What exactly are you getting? Is there a legitimate structured program, actual accountability, and meaningful support? What qualifications does he have beyond his own sobriety experience? And has anyone else noticed how bizarrely defensive he gets when someone questions him?

I respect anyone who gets sober, including Scott. But being sober doesn’t automatically make you an addiction expert, and having a million followers sure as hell doesn’t make you credible. After watching this guy for years, I’m starting to feel like I’m watching a professional engagement farmer who figured out that addiction recovery was a profitable niche.

There’s a big difference between making money helpings people and making money off people who need help. I’m genuinely starting to wonder which one Scott Freda is doing. Anyone else getting the same impression?