Episode 65 - Can You Be Too Smart For Recovery?
Episode 65 - Can You Be Too Smart For Recovery?

Recovery Is Possible

People who are well educated and outwardly successful sometimes struggle with recovery because of their success. In this episode I discuss why this is a problem, and I offer a solution for those that are willing to put their egos aside. This episode ...

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19:17•7 Jun 2021

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Recovery Is Possible

Michael Van Meter

Michael has seen first-hand the devastating effects of addiction on the public, his profession, and himself. Michael began his career as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Navy. After eight years, he became a Corrections Officer, Washington DC Police Officer, and then FBI Agent. In 2010, Michael became an instructor at the FBI Academy. In 2013, he created a course titled “Leading At-Risk Employees” geared toward Police Executives to help them understand alcoholism, prescription drug abuse, PTSD, suicide, and domestic violence as it relates to policies and procedures for their agencies worldwide. In 2019, Michael retired from the FBI but his passion for helping others continued. In August 2022, he graduated with a Master’s in Addiction Counseling: Integrated Recovery for Co-Occurring Disorders from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. He currently works full-time as a Behavioral Health Therapist at a large nonprofit hospital. Pulling from his personal and professional experience, Michael shares his thoughts on this sensitive, complex, and controversial subject.

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Too Smart for Recovery? Michael Van Meter Explores the Challenges

“I have not seen one case of a person that has gone out and worked a recovery program and striven for complete and total abstinence from whatever drink or drug or issue that brought them to recovery and do that for a period of time and not have their life get well.”

Can being highly intelligent and successful actually make it harder to recover from addiction? In this thought-provoking episode of 'Recovery Is Possible', Michael Van Meter dives into the complex relationship between intelligence and recovery. Drawing from years of experience, Michael shares how those who are well-educated and outwardly successful often struggle with admitting they need help. The episode tackles the misconception that intelligence alone can solve addiction problems, emphasizing the need for humility and professional support.

Michael discusses the importance of spirituality in finding purpose and staying committed to recovery, especially during the difficult first year. He also highlights the invaluable services provided by FHE Health, an organization dedicated to helping first responders and others overcome addiction and mental health challenges. Whether you're grappling with addiction yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers practical advice and heartfelt insights to help navigate the journey to sobriety.

PreviousEpisode 64 - Willingness is the Key

NextEpisode 66 - Dr. Sachi Ananda of FHE Health discusses Recovery and First Responders