Pat Fehling, MD
Pat Fehling, MD
The Harvard Cohort - Analysis of Alcoholism from the Harvard Study on Adult Development
The Harvard Cohort - Analysis of Alcoholism from the Harvard Study on Adult Development
The Harvard Cohort - Analysis of Alcoholism from the Harvard Study on Adult Development
Friday 18th August 2017
Dr. Pat Fehling examines the Harvard Cohort study, highlighting key factors like structure and accountability for long-term alcoholism recovery.
13 minutes
Informative
Educational
Empowering
Thought-provoking
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
Pat Fehling, MD
Overview:
Categories:
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Intimate Relationships
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!The Harvard Study: Key Factors for Sustained Alcoholism Recovery
Alcoholism seems to be more of a chronic disease than that and it seems to be more complex. So we target the alcoholism and the drinking head on, with the hope and the goal that things like depression and anxiety will be better managed, provided we're able to deal with basic sobriety and recovery.
What if the key to overcoming alcoholism lies in understanding long-term data? Dr. Pat Fehling dives into this intriguing question by examining the Harvard Cohort study on adult development. This study, the longest-running of its kind in the U.S., offers a treasure trove of insights into what predicts a happy and healthy life. But psychiatrist George Valent took it a step further, using the data to explore long-term alcoholism recovery in his book, 'The Natural History of Alcoholism'. Dr.
Fehling breaks down Valent's findings into three pivotal areas. First, he challenges the commonly held belief that depression and anxiety are root causes of alcoholism. Instead, Valent’s research suggests that alcoholism often leads to these mental health issues, not the other way around. This flips the script on traditional thinking and emphasizes tackling alcoholism directly to manage associated conditions better. Next, Fehling addresses a burning question many recovering alcoholics have: Can they ever drink socially again?
Valent’s data indicates that those who return to drinking after achieving sobriety often relapse into problematic drinking or choose to abstain entirely. This reinforces the idea that alcoholism is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. Finally, Fehling highlights four key traits that predict long-term recovery success: structure, accountability, self-worth, and supportive relationships. These elements form a blueprint for anyone looking to build a healthier life post-addiction. Dr.
Fehling encourages listeners to assess themselves in these areas and focus on strengthening weaker points. This episode is a must-listen for anyone touched by alcoholism—whether personally or through a loved one. Dr. Fehling’s clinical approach combined with Valent’s groundbreaking research provides actionable insights that could make all the difference in your recovery journey.