Abstinence vs. Recovery: More Than Just Quitting
Recovery is a full identity shift, I believe, and an emotional, mental, spiritual shift. But if you love and care about somebody, I would say, is how is that a problem for you as the friend or the parent, and look at the problems that it's causing for you?
Ever wondered what sets abstinence apart from recovery in the world of addiction treatment? In this episode of 'Giving Voice to Recovery', Elizabeth Edwards sits down with Kristina Wandzilak to unpack this crucial distinction. While abstinence focuses on the act of not using substances, recovery delves deeper into healing the mind, body, and soul. Kristina, known for her work on TLC's 'Addicted' and Lifetime's 'Codependent', shares her wealth of experience as an international interventionist and author.
Elizabeth and Kristina discuss how addiction isn't just about substance abuse but a complex 'soul sickness' that requires comprehensive treatment. They explore the controversial role of medication in harm reduction and the emotional toll addiction takes on families. Kristina's intervention work with couples offers a unique lens into the relational dynamics of addiction. This episode goes beyond surface-level discussions, urging listeners to meet individuals where they are in their recovery journey.
The conversation touches on the importance of finding medical professionals who truly understand addiction and the paradigm shift needed for effective treatment. Elizabeth's heartfelt insights and Kristina's practical advice make this episode a must-listen for anyone affected by addiction. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to truly recover from addiction, and why it's more than just quitting substances.