Alex Elswick: Breaking Down Stigma and Shame in Addiction Recovery
I was Seven Years sober, Seven Years recovered and smoked some legal cannabis in a different country where it was legal and it was farm grown and organic, and it was beautiful and it was cool. You know, you find out in recovery, it's not true.
Ever wondered how stigma and shame impact recovery from substance use disorder? In this episode of 'Challenging Pathos', Alex Elswick, PhD, dives deep into these pressing issues. With a Master's Degree in Family Science and personal experience in long-term recovery, Alex brings a unique perspective to the table.
As a cofounder of Voices of Hope, a nonprofit recovery community organization, he shares his journey of seven years of sobriety and how he learned to challenge deeply ingrained beliefs that weren't backed by data. This conversation goes beyond the surface, touching on the effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous, the success rates of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and the benefits of lowering barriers for substance use support.
Whether you're in recovery yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights into making recovery more accessible and compassionate.