May 15, 2019
“Community heals addiction… addiction hates community.” -Michele Ryan
The pain when you see your loved ones suffer from addiction is indescribable. The pain when you can’t help them because you are going through it yourself is even worse. While you have exhausted all your means and energy to get rid of your situation, you seem to be digging deeper down that abyss. The problem? You were fighting the battle alone. But you don’t have to. Michele Ryan, the Program Director at Behavioral Health Group in Longmont, learned that from experience. Tied up in the chains of addiction for many years and eventually watching her son fall into the same trap, made her feel like she was in a dense, dark forest with no way out. Allow her to share her own recovery journey and how the community has helped her along the way.
“Addiction is not a moral failing… it's a brain disease.” (Jeff Jones) The problem sometimes, is when people think that it isn’t. Then, medication is left out of the picture. This becomes problematic soon when overconfidence takes over, leading the person to believe the greatest lie: One won’t hurt- one drink, one pill. And then eventually, you’re caught in the same trap again. But, all of these can be avoided with the right perspective and a healthy dose of medication. Learn more about Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) and its benefits as opposed to Abstinence-based Approach. Many are skeptical about this but it’s also good to know the common misconceptions on MAT before disregarding it entirely. Also, consider the factors that contribute to its effectiveness. There is however, one area which MAT cannot reach yet: the Meth epidemic. Known by many names, Meth is spreading like a wildfire and is affecting many people at any age, anywhere around the globe. Get a hint on this deathly plague from today’s podcast. The truth however is, it’s not only Meth or any other drugs or alcohol. There are a lot, in fact, anything can be addictive to a person overwhelmed with pain and sorrows. You were alone when your problems drowned you down. But this time, it’s up to you to reach your hand out. This episode can be your guide on how to do that. Surely a good pair of sympathetic ears and a warm pair of hands can lift you up.
Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at
http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/
Highlights:
02:38 Medicating Addiction
04:23 Michele: 20 Years in Recovery
06:29 Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT)
09:21 Misconceptions on MAT
13:01 Factors for Efficacy of MAT
16:26 Finding Help
20:04 The Biggest Lie: One Won’t Hurt
22:44 The Meth Epidemic