Laura Cathcart-Robbins, host of "The Only One in the Room" and author, shares her personal journey through addiction and recovery. Carl Erik Fisher, an addiction specialist from Columbia University, offers a bioethical perspective on recovery pathways. Holly Whitaker, author of "Quit Like a Woman," discusses women's unique experiences with alcohol. Together, they explore the differences between sobriety and recovery, the significance of community support, and the implications of Dry January, challenging traditional views on relapse and medication-assisted treatment.
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Sobriety vs. Recovery
Laura Cathcart-Robbins shares her experience of 15 years of sobriety.
Initially, sobriety meant abstinence, which was excruciating, but engaging in a 12-step program brought relief and recovery.
insights INSIGHT
Diverse Paths to Recovery
Recovery is a personal journey with diverse paths, not just about stopping substance use.
Definitions of recovery can be used for gatekeeping and judging, especially within medical and recovery communities.
insights INSIGHT
Recovery as Growth
Sobriety, as abstinence, was important for Eric Zimmer but not the only goal.
Recovery isn't going back but becoming something new, focusing on personal growth and emotional maturity.
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The Urge: Our History of Addiction is a deeply humane exploration of addiction, tracing its history from ancient civilizations to the present. The book combines historical research with personal narratives, offering a nuanced view of addiction as a societal challenge. It argues that understanding the history of addiction is crucial for developing effective treatments and fostering compassion for those affected.
Quit Like a Woman
The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol
Holly Whitaker
In 'Quit Like a Woman,' Holly Whitaker presents a fresh and feminist perspective on sobriety. The book is part memoir, part self-help, and critiques the alcohol industry and traditional recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous. Whitaker argues that sobriety is a radical choice, especially for women, and proposes a holistic approach to recovery that includes mindfulness, self-love, and addressing the root causes of addiction. She also highlights the societal and cultural factors that contribute to women's drinking habits and advocates for a more inclusive and empowering recovery process.
Stash
My Life in Hiding
Laura Cathcart Robbins
In 'Stash: My Life in Hiding,' Laura Cathcart Robbins candidly recounts her life as a high-profile Hollywood wife and mother struggling with addiction. The book delves into her experiences of hiding her addiction while navigating PTA meetings, baby showers, and tennis matches. It explores themes of privilege, internalized racism, and the challenges faced by Black women in a predominantly white world. Robbins describes her journey towards sobriety, her divorce, and the process of dismantling the facade she built around herself. The memoir is praised for its raw, finely crafted prose and its ability to address the paradoxes of addiction, race, family, class, and gender[3][5].
In this special episode, Eric is joined by Laura Cathcart Robbins, Carl Erik Fisher, and Holly Whitaker to share their personal experiences with addiction and recovery. Their discussion explores the complex definitions of recovery, challenging the conventional norms and emphasizing the need for a broader and more inclusive approach.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Explore the distinction between sobriety and recovery for a more holistic approach to healing
Understand the personal experiences with addiction and recovery to broaden your perspective
Learn how to measure progress in recovery, empowering yourself with tools to track personal growth
Explore diverse perspectives on the use of medications in addiction treatment for a more informed understanding
Gain understanding of Dry January in the recovery journey, uncovering potential benefits and insights
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