A mother overcomes addiction while raising an autistic child - Episode 28 - The Addict's Advocate

Katie shares her journey of addiction and recovery, starting with her early experiences with drinking and how it escalated after the birth of her son. She opens up about her traumatic birth experience and the postpartum mental health issues she faced. Katie discusses how she used alcohol as a coping mechanism for her anxiety and stress, and how it affected her relationships and overall well-being. She talks about hitting rock bottom and making the decision to seek help through AA meetings. Katie emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health alongside addiction recovery and the challenges she faced during her detox and withdrawal process. In this conversation, Katie and Dusty discuss the challenges and experiences of being sober. They talk about the frustration of constantly seeking a sweet spot in recovery and the fear of relapse. Katie shares her journey of attending therapy and trying to quit drinking, including her experiences with AA meetings and relapses. They discuss the importance of finding a supportive community and the need to let go of toxic relationships. They also touch on the realization of how alcohol consumption was ingrained in their lives and the process of learning to be present and take care of themselves.

 

Takeaways

• Addiction can escalate quickly, especially when used as a coping mechanism for trauma and stress.
• Addressing mental health is crucial in addiction recovery.
• Support from loved ones and seeking professional help are important steps in the recovery process.
• Recognizing the need for change and making the decision to seek help is a powerful and courageous step towards a better life. Finding a sweet spot in recovery is a constant challenge, and the fear of relapse is always present.
• Attending therapy and joining a supportive community like AA can be helpful in the journey to sobriety.
• Letting go of toxic relationships and surrounding oneself with understanding and empathetic people is important.
• Recognizing the signs of alcohol addiction and seeking help is crucial.
• Being present and taking care of oneself is a key aspect of sobriety.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background 04:15 Escalation of Drinking and Coping with Trauma 08:17 Hitting a Breaking Point and Seeking Recovery 11:46 The Impact of Recovery on Personal Growth 15:36 Recognizing the Need for Help and Seeking Treatment 23:14 Challenges of Hiding Addiction and Accountability 28:27 Therapy and Support Groups in Recovery 31:22 Prioritizing Self-Care and Mental Health 31:43 The Power of Addiction and the Importance of Community 41:11 Finding Support in Sobriety 42:34 The Role of Self-Care in Recovery 47:04 Recognizing the Signs of Addiction 49:32 The Journey of Recovery: Positive Changes in Sobriety