Holly Whitaker: Charting New Paths in Addiction Recovery
Our own ideas and personal experience are not, are weaker than a text, and I believe I have a lot more faith in humans and their own ability to make decisions and their own agency and their ability to know that their sobriety isn't attacked if their program is questioned.
What happens when traditional recovery methods don't fit your needs? Holly Whitaker, author of 'Quit Like a Woman', shares her unique journey through addiction and recovery in this compelling episode of 'Flourishing After Addiction'. Hosted by Carl Erik Fisher, the conversation dives into Holly's personal battles with eating disorders, alcohol, and drugs, and how she found her way to sobriety outside the conventional 12-step programs.
Holly opens up about the initial life-saving role of AA in her recovery and why she eventually sought alternative paths. She doesn’t shy away from discussing the controversial aspects of AA and its surrounding institutions, shedding light on her New York Times piece, 'The Patriarchy of Alcoholics Anonymous'.
The discussion is broad and invigorating, covering topics like anorexia and bulimia's ties to addiction, the impact of capitalism on self-improvement, and the importance of addressing social determinants of health in holistic recovery. Holly's candid insights highlight the value of personal agency and questioning established recovery norms without fear. Whether you're navigating your own recovery journey or supporting someone who is, Holly’s story offers a fresh perspective and hope for finding a path that truly works for you.