Carrie Bates: From Olympic Glory to Battling Alcoholism and Finding Hope
If there are people that are listening to this, that are still active in addiction or newly sober, and you are feeling every ounce of that stigma against addicts and alcoholics and the shame, don't listen to it.
Imagine standing on an Olympic podium, gold medal around your neck, only to later find yourself battling the dark depths of alcoholism. That's the gripping story of Carrie Bates, a three-time Olympic champion whose life took a drastic turn. In this episode of 'The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return', Carrie opens up about her journey from the heights of athletic success to the struggles of addiction and, ultimately, her road to recovery.
Growing up in Northern California, Carrie’s passion for swimming propelled her to elite status. She won gold medals at just 15 years old, but behind the scenes, she was dealing with immense pressure and isolation. The constant demand to perform took a toll on her mental health, leading her to seek solace in alcohol. Her addiction spiraled out of control, affecting her family and nearly erasing her monumental achievements.
Carrie candidly discusses how she hit rock bottom, losing custody of her children and facing public humiliation. But her story doesn't end there. With therapy, treatment, and unwavering support from her sponsor, Carrie found the strength to reclaim her life. Now sober, she dedicates herself to helping others navigate their own battles with addiction. Her message is clear: no matter how far you’ve fallen, there is always a path to recovery.
Carrie's story is a beacon of hope for anyone struggling with addiction or supporting a loved one through it. Tune in to hear how she turned her life around and continues to inspire others with her journey.