In this compelling episode, the Food Shrinks team tackles one of the most used—and deeply harmful—labels in recovery spaces: “chronic relapser.” With both fire and tenderness, the Shrinks dismantle this shame-based term and offer a new way to understand recurrence through the lens of chronic ambivalence, self-compassion, and trauma-informed care.
You’ll hear why language matters, how shame can block healing, and why we must stop reducing people to their most painful patterns. Instead, the team explores what it means to stay curious, build emotional safety, and make your recovery as big as your disease. Whether you’ve struggled with “starting over” or have judged yourself harshly for returning to food, this episode will offer relief, insight, and a powerful reframe.
🔑 Topics We Cover:
- Why “chronic relapser” is a harmful, moralizing label
- The power of reframing: from chronic relapse to chronic ambivalence
- Understanding recurrence as part of a chronic condition
- The trap of perfectionism and diet culture in recovery
- How confirmation bias reinforces addiction
- When you’ve “tried everything” but nothing sticks
- Recovery as practice—not performance
- Why your recovery must be as big as your disorder
- Meeting recurrence with curiosity, not shame
💬 Quotes Worth Sharing:
“Please don’t say that about my friend.”
“Chronic ambivalence is a sign of your complexity—not your failure.”
“Your addiction doesn’t get a seat at the table if you want to build traction in recovery.”
“One bad moment doesn’t define your recovery. It’s just a single patch in the quilt.”
“You haven’t failed. You’re still practicing. You’re still learning.”
🛎️ Call to Action:
Love what we’re doing on Food Shrinks? Do us a big favor:
📱 Subscribe
⭐ Leave a rating
💬 Drop a comment
🧡 Share with someone who needs to hear this!
Your support helps us grow—and helps others find compassionate, shame-free recovery conversations.
📢 Follow Us:
📽 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FoodShrinks
📱 Instagram: @FoodShrinks
📧 Email: AskTheShrinks@foodshrinks.com
🌐 Website: foodshrinks.com
The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or
Popular Podcasts
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.