A Hollywood Producer's Take: Why AA and Twelve-Step Programs Aren't Always Enough
For me to say, oh, I'm going to rely on a mythic creature that, by the way, I'm not taking away anybody's belief system, but nobody's really proven that that exists right, and they, sure as hell, haven't proved that it exists to solve this issue, because you can't solve an emotional issue with a spiritual solution.
Ever wondered why some people struggle with twelve-step programs like AA? In this eye-opening episode of 'Rescue the Rescuer', host Michael Sugrue sits down with acclaimed Hollywood producer Scott Steindorff, who is also in long-term recovery from substance abuse. Steindorff has an impressive resume, having worked on films like 'Jane Got a Gun' and 'The Lincoln Lawyer', but today, he opens up about something even more personal: his journey through addiction and recovery.
Steindorff shares candidly about his experiences and why he believes traditional twelve-step programs don't work for everyone. He discusses the importance of self-efficacy, resilience, and life skills in overcoming addiction. Steindorff didn't just stop at critiquing these programs; he developed his own recovery approach called Life Renewal. This program aims to address the socioeconomic factors that contribute to addiction and mental health issues, offering a more individualized path to recovery.
The conversation takes a deeper dive into how societal norms around relationships and masculinity are shifting, and how these changes impact recovery. They also touch on the emotional availability of high school students and the glaring absence of a national solution to the addiction epidemic. Steindorff passionately argues for the power of storytelling in recovery, highlighting how sharing personal stories can dismantle ineffective programs and offer real hope.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the complexities of addiction recovery beyond the traditional twelve-step model. It’s raw, engaging, and packed with insights that could change the way you think about overcoming addiction.