Introduction

Vanessa Crites, founder of Sobriety of the Soul, joins Paul F. Austin to discuss the intersection of recovery and psychedelics.

Find episode links, summary, and transcript here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-235-vanessa-crites/

Vanessa shares her personal journey of recovery and how she became interested in psychedelic medicine. She explores the intersection of recovery and psychedelics, highlighting the spiritual principles of the 12-step program and the history of psychedelics in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Vanessa unpacks her educational program, Sobriety of the Soul, which provides resources and support for individuals in recovery interested in working with psychedelics. She discusses the unique challenges faced by people in recovery, and the need to normalize the conversation around psychedelics within that group. She also emphasizes the importance of discernment when it comes to the intentional and responsible application of psychedelics in recovery.

Vanessa closes with resources and recommendations and shares her vision of sobriety of the soul as the next frontier for those in recovery.

Vanessa Crites

Vanessa Crites is a recovery strategist and educator dedicated to the thoughtful integration of psychedelics into sober living. She guides individuals towards profound healing and personal growth through mentorship and her flagship program Sobriety of the Soul. Drawing from a wealth of professional experience and personal recovery since 2005, Vanessa blends the rigor of evidence-based practices with the depth of spiritual wisdom to offer a safe and responsible pathway for those in recovery.

Rooted in 12-Step principles, Vanessa’s approach bridges the gaps between traditional recovery models and the expansive potential of psychedelics, delivering a holistic understanding that encompasses spiritual, emotional, and psychological well-being. She is devoted to debunking misconceptions while championing harm reduction, prioritizing both personal and public well-being. Through her work, Vanessa illuminates a path beyond the confines of traditional sobriety approaches, guiding those in active recovery towards the empowerment of an awakened, authentic existence—what she calls “Soulful Sobriety.”

Highlights:

Vanessa’s recovery journey and path to psychedelics

The spiritual and psychedelic origins of AA and the 12 Steps of Recovery

How Bill Wilson’s LSD experiences impacted his recovery

Vanessa’s journey incorporating psychedelics into her recovery

Sobriety of the Soul’s origin story and programming

Synthetic vs. plant medicines for recovery

The discernment needed to avoid reliance on psychedelic experiences

Normalizing conversations about psychedelics in addiction recovery communities

Resources for psychedelics and recovery

Links:

Sobriety of the Soul: https://sobrietyofthesoul.com/join-sos961348?am_id=paul179

Vanessa’s free Recovery-Informed Microdose Guide: https://bit.ly/45FgylL

Bill Wilson’s article, “The Next Frontier: Emotional Sobriety”: https://silkworth.net/alcoholics-anonymous/the-next-frontier-emotional-sobriety/

Episode Sponsors:

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