Philosophy's Role in Sobriety: Prof. Peg O'Connor's Journey
I think that philosophy helped me to get and stay sober. It's been the most rewarding work in the sense of, I think, many of us who struggle with addiction, regardless of whether we've ever had a philosophy class or read a philosopher or know any of these names we just talked about.
Ever wondered how philosophy could be a lifeline in addiction recovery? In this episode of 'Flourishing After Addiction', Carl Erik Fisher sits down with Professor Peg O'Connor to explore her unique path to sobriety. Peg opens up about her early struggles with alcohol and the double burden of shame from her lesbian identity. Instead of following traditional religious views or Alcoholics Anonymous, Peg turned to philosophy for solace and guidance.
Her academic journey led her to study Wittgenstein, ethics, and feminist philosophy, and she remained sober for nearly two decades. But the quest for 'something more' brought her back to explore 12-step recovery programs. Peg's story is not just about staying sober; it's about finding deeper meaning and understanding through philosophical inquiry. She dives into challenging concepts like surrender, powerlessness, and spirituality, drawing inspiration from William James in her latest book, 'Higher and Friendly Powers'.
This episode is a compelling listen for anyone curious about alternative paths to recovery and the profound impact of keeping an open mind.