Partnership to End Addiction

Heart of the Matter

Partnership to End Addiction

  • Facing a Family Disease with Congresswoman Madeleine Dean & Son Harry Cunnane

Facing a Family Disease with Congresswoman Madeleine Dean & Son Harry Cunnane

Tuesday 13th July 2021

Congresswoman Madeleine Dean and son Harry Cunnane share their family's battle with addiction and recovery on 'Heart of the Matter.'
46 minutes
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
Supportive
Transformative

About this podcast

Heart of the Matter
Author:
Partnership to End Addiction
Overview:
Categories:
Family Recovery from Addiction
Sobriety Success Stories
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Body & Mind
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Episodes:
70 (View all)
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Congresswoman Madeleine Dean & Son Harry Cunnane: A Family's Journey Through Addiction

They don't understand that it's a sickness, it's a disease, and if we just write off people who struggle with substance use disorder, we're writing off an extraordinarily amazing group of people, and that's part of the reason why I like having people in recovery to talk about that.
Imagine thinking you understand addiction, only to realize its true impact when it hits your own family. Congresswoman Madeleine Dean faced this reality when her son, Harry Cunnane, struggled with substance use disorder. In this heartfelt episode of 'Heart of the Matter,' hosted by Elizabeth Vargas, Madeleine and Harry open up about their personal battles and triumphs.
They’ve even co-authored a memoir, 'Under Our Roof: A Son's Battle for Recovery, a Mother's Battle for Her Son,' to share their story and offer hope to other families grappling with addiction. Madeleine and Harry discuss the concept of addiction as a family disease, shedding light on how it affects not just the individual but everyone around them. Madeleine shares her journey from advocating for addiction policies in Congress to experiencing the emotional rollercoaster of her son's struggle firsthand.
Harry, now over eight years into recovery, talks candidly about his path to sobriety and the vital role his mother played in his journey. He also highlights the stigma that often surrounds addiction and how it can hinder recovery. The episode dives deep into the challenges of recovery, with Harry recounting his 32-day stay at a treatment center and the ongoing effort it takes to maintain sobriety.
Both mother and son stress the importance of viewing addiction as a disease, emphasizing that better healthcare and quicker access to treatment are crucial for those affected. Their conversation is not just about the hardships but also about hope and resilience. They aim to inspire other families by sharing their experiences and encouraging more open discussions about addiction and recovery.
Tune in to hear how they navigated this difficult journey together and how their story can offer support and understanding to others facing similar battles.