Arlina Allen: Embracing Recovery and Breaking the Silence
The more of us that recover out loud, that don't look like the man under the bridge with the brown paper bag, the less stigma will be around this topic.
Arlina Allen's journey to recovery is nothing short of inspiring. As a Certified Life and Recovery Coach, Teacher, and host of the award-winning ODAAT Chat Podcast, Arlina has been free from addiction for over 26 years. In this episode, she opens up about her path to sobriety and the pivotal moments that shaped her recovery.
Growing up in a religious household with a mother who lacked coping skills, Arlina turned to alcohol at a young age to escape feelings of guilt and shame. The thrill of doing something 'bad' provided a temporary escape, but it also led her down a dangerous path of addiction and obsession. Arlina's story is one of resilience and determination. She faced her trauma head-on, processing her emotions of sadness, fear, and anxiety.
Through this journey, she learned the importance of acknowledging and working through these feelings to heal. Arlina emphasizes the need for self-esteem and support in recovery, and she has created the Brainwashers Club, a membership site offering ongoing support for those on their recovery journey. A key takeaway from Arlina's story is the power of 'recovering out loud'. By sharing her experiences openly, she aims to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and encourage others to do the same.
Her belief is simple: the more people who speak out about their recovery, the less stigma there will be. This episode is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of community in healing.