Lucia D’Ambruoso
University of Aberdeen and Turning Point Scotland
Kathleen's Story: Addressing stigma and isolation associated with addiction
Kathleen's Story: Addressing stigma and isolation associated with addiction
Kathleen's Story: Addressing stigma and isolation associated with addiction
Wednesday 11th January 2023
Hear Kathleen's inspiring journey from personal loss to peer supporter, addressing addiction stigma and fostering community healing.
Explicit
28 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
About this podcast
Author:
Lucia D’Ambruoso
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Success Stories
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Family Recovery from Addiction
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Episodes:
4 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Kathleen's Journey: From Loss to Community Healing
It's an opportunity and I'm glad that I did. Very personal indeed, it's not only alcohol and drug addictions, it's people with mental health problems as well who come to our group.
After the devastating loss of her husband, Kathleen Donaldson found a new purpose in life through peer support. In this episode of 'Recovery Stories', Kathleen opens up about her path to becoming a peer supporter with Turning Point Scotland. She shares how her personal experiences with addiction in her family motivated her to help others in her community.
Kathleen talks candidly about the stigma and isolation often felt by those struggling with addiction and how peer support can be a lifeline. Kathleen describes the deeply personal rewards of her volunteer work, from a renewed sense of belonging to improved quality of life. Her story highlights the importance of community empowerment and the role it plays in public health. Peer support doesn’t just benefit those receiving help; it also enriches the lives of those giving it.
Through connection and compassion, Kathleen's efforts are helping to break down barriers and build trust within her community. But it's not all smooth sailing. Kathleen also touches on the challenges she faces, such as managing group dynamics and the need for ongoing training to stay effective. Despite these hurdles, she remains committed to her mission, finding strength and purpose in her role. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of how peer support can transform lives and communities.
It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the power of human connection in overcoming addiction.