366: From Hollywood to Recovery: Former Talent Agent Elisa Hallerman on Getting Sober, Why Habits Turn into Addictions and What Makes a True Alcoholic
Dec 18, 2024
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Elisa Hallerman, an attorney, former talent agent, and author of "Soulbriety," shares her inspiring journey from Hollywood to sobriety. She discusses how to recognize problematic drinking versus true addiction and the significance of early intervention. The conversation dives into the complexities of the 'California sober' movement, the risks of psychedelic use for some individuals, and how trauma manifests in the body. Her insights emphasize the connection between mental health, addiction, and the path to healing through self-awareness.
Dr. Elisa Hallerman emphasizes the necessity of self-awareness to differentiate between problem drinking and true addiction, urging proactive reflection on drinking habits.
The podcast discusses the impact of unresolved trauma on addiction, highlighting the importance of addressing painful experiences for effective recovery and healing.
Deep dives
Journey to Sobriety
Dr. Elisa Hallerman shares her transformative journey from being a high-powered talent agent to achieving sobriety and becoming a voice in addiction counseling. Her experiences with addiction were triggered by personal trauma, including the loss of a friend to suicide, leading her to turn to drugs as a means of coping. This journey compelled her to study drug and alcohol counseling at UCLA while she worked in the entertainment industry. Ultimately, her passion for helping others find their best path to healing emerged from her own challenges and the realization that the field of addiction was in dire need of more understanding and compassion.
Understanding Problem Drinking
The discussion highlights the difference between alcoholism and binge drinking, emphasizing the need for self-awareness in identifying problematic drinking behaviors. Dr. Hallerman suggests that individuals should pay attention to any feelings of concern regarding their drinking, as even without severe consequences, it is essential to examine the reasons behind their urge to drink. By encouraging listeners to engage in reflections such as 'getting off at the fifth floor like a lady,' she urges those unsure about their drinking habits to evaluate their relationship with alcohol before it potentially spirals out of control. This proactive approach promotes early intervention and self-reflection as effective methods to address drinking problems.
The Impact of Trauma
The conversation delves into the complex relationship between addiction and trauma, explaining how unresolved trauma can lead individuals to seek external solutions for internal pain. Both speakers share personal experiences where trauma influenced their drinking behaviors, demonstrating that understanding one’s trauma is crucial for healing. Dr. Hallerman discusses the concept of functional freeze, where individuals might appear to go through life normally while being internally stuck due to past traumas. This notion underscores the importance of addressing trauma in recovery, highlighting that healing requires integrating our painful experiences rather than simply pushing them aside.
Navigating Modern Recovery
The discussion addresses contemporary recovery trends, including the concept of being 'California sober,' where individuals may use substances like marijuana in lieu of alcohol. Dr. Hallerman warns against normalizing the consumption of other substances while claiming sobriety, as this can complicate one’s recovery journey. There is an acknowledgment of the increasing challenges posed by social media and instant gratification, which can distract and numb individuals rather than facilitate genuine healing. This conversation urges listeners to examine their motivations behind substance use and emphasizes the need for personalized approaches in one's healing process, reflecting the complexities of individual experiences.
Dr. Elisa Hallerman, PhD, JD is an attorney, former talent agent, drug and alcohol counselor, author of Soulbriety and founder of the Recovery Management Agency. She joins the show to discuss her journey from working in Hollywood to getting sober, how to differentiate problem drinking or drug use from true addiction, how to stop before hitting rock bottom, the “California sober” movement and grey area between total abstinence and moderate use, why psychedelic use could be detrimental for certain people , where trauma gets stored in the body and so much more.
This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.
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