Angela Mallette: From Civil Engineer to Advocate for Systemic Change in Addiction Recovery
What it really boils down to is it's unresolved trauma that thinks that we hide away inside of ourselves and we don't ever want to deal with, like coming back and manifesting itself at just the most inopportune damn time.
Imagine having a thriving career in civil engineering, only to have it upended by a severe medical issue that spirals into an opioid use disorder. That's the reality Angela Mallette faced. In this eye-opening episode of the 'Recovery Matters! Podcast', Angela takes us through her remarkable journey from designing highways and bridges to becoming a fierce advocate for systemic change within the addiction recovery community. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to inclusive community engagement.
After her life was turned upside down, Angela spent five years grappling with the harsh realities of addiction and witnessing firsthand how the criminal justice system often fails those it aims to help. Now, as the director of outreach for End It For Good, she’s on a mission to foster understanding and respect for everyone affected by addiction, regardless of their stance on drug policy.
Angela’s work ranges from hosting community meetings to training law enforcement and first responders in trauma-informed care. One of the most compelling parts of this episode is Angela's discussion on the link between unresolved trauma and substance use disorders. She emphasizes that many of the harms we see in society today are rooted in flawed drug policies and a lack of systemic support for those struggling with addiction.
Her insights offer hope and practical advice for anyone affected by addiction or working towards change in this challenging field. Tune in to hear Angela's inspiring story and learn how you can be part of the movement for systemic change in addiction recovery.