Staying Sober: Tips and Insights from Psychologist Michael Tkach
Meaningful engagement through meaningful structure, meaningful support and then also self-compassion. For most people, fear is not a good motivator, that anger is not a good motivator for sustained change, and instead it's that acceptance, that self-compassion, that engagement and somebody feeling I can do this- that makes the difference progress, not perfection.
Imagine having a roadmap to guide you through the tricky journey of staying sober. In this episode of 'Let's Talk Addiction & Recovery', host William C. Moyers chats with psychologist Michael Tkach, the director of recovery management at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Tkach shares the latest research on what it takes to maintain sobriety and highlights three crucial elements: engaging with a supportive community, establishing healthy routines, and practicing self-compassion.
Tkach dives into the importance of social support, pointing out that personal relationships often take a hit by the time someone seeks treatment. He stresses that longer engagement in treatment, along with regular check-ins, can be game-changers for staying on track. The discussion also touches on relapse, which Tkach describes as a valuable learning tool rather than a failure. Understanding how the brain processes addiction can help individuals take a long-term view of recovery as a chronic condition.
Throughout the conversation, Tkach underscores the need for self-compassion. He argues that fear and anger are poor motivators for lasting change, urging listeners to approach their recovery journey with acceptance and kindness towards themselves. Progress, not perfection, is the goal here. If you're looking for practical advice and inspiration on making recovery stick, this episode is a treasure trove of insights.
Tune in to hear more about building a sustainable path to sobriety from someone who truly understands the complexities of addiction.