Many Roads to Recovery: Celebrating Individual Paths This Recovery Month

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 

Guest: Alex Elswick, PhD Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Season 8, Episode 13

In this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley talks with Dr. Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, about the many pathways to recovery. They discuss why recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process and how individual factors—like mental health, trauma, family, work, and values—shape different routes to healing.

Topics covered include common and lesser-known recovery pathways (from abstinence and 12-step programs to SMART recovery, faith-based approaches, medically assisted treatment, and informal recovery without formal help), the stigma surrounding certain treatments, and the importance of matching pathways to a person’s goals and life circumstances. Dr. Elswick emphasizes trial-and-error, the role of support systems, and the need to validate all recovery experiences.

Listeners will gain practical insight into how to support loved ones in recovery and why celebrating all recovery journeys strengthens families and communities.

Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.

Kentucky Extension Offices

UK FCS Extension

          Website

          Facebook

          Instagram

          FCS Learning Channel