In this episode we sit down with Kirsten from Sobriety Bestie. We explore the indoctrination of AA, the challenges of leaving the program and the journey of deprogramming from its ideology. Kirsten shares her insights on finding stability and emotional health outside of AA, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and trusting oneself in the recovery process. The discussion highlights the need for diverse recovery paths and the significance of understanding one's own mental health needs.

Burn The Stigma's Youtube: https://youtube.com/@burnthestigma420?si=mQJkAKwqAfCGLysL

Sobriety Bestie's Youtube:

https://youtube.com/@sobrietybestie?si=L2JGO5l8NWHD0khl

I apologize for falling off the past few week but I am back!

Today we are talking about how Abstinence only models often miss the mark by not addressing the real mental health stuff going on. It's not just about staying sober. Forcing people into treatment can actually make things worse. People need to be ready for it, or it just backfires and it actually greatly increseses the risk of death. Safe Supply Issues: Without a regulated supply, folks are stuck with dangerous street options. It's a mess that could be avoided.

This conversation delves into the complexities of harm reduction, the historical context of substance use and the impact of criminalization on drug users. It highlights the current overdose crisis and the chemical arms race in drug production. The discussion emphasizes the importance of harm reduction strategies and the need for a real evidence based approach to substance use and substance use disorder.

burnthestigma.com

In this conversation we talk about the complexities of harm reduction and recovery, challenging common misconceptions and advocating for a more nuaced understanding of substance use disorder. The discussion also highlights the detrimental effects of early labeling on youth and the need for more diverse recovery narratives beyond traditional 12-step programs.

In this episode of Recovery Rebellion, I’m talking about my why.
Why I speak out. Why I’m done being quiet.
And why I want to help burn down the treatment industry and build something rooted in evidence, compassion and actual freedom.

We’re unpacking the phrase that’s constantly thrown at me on TikTok: “Maybe you just weren’t a real addict.”
But instead of getting defensive, I’m flipping the script and asking what that label even means and how it’s been weaponized by the recovery industry to keep people stuck, scared and paying for care that doesn’t work.

• We talk about the truth about maturing out and natural recovery with stats the industry won’t tell you!

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In this episode we read the federal indictment against Eric Spofford. This discussion highlights the need for accountability and reform in the recovery industry, emphasizing the importance of supporting survivors and addressing systemic issues.

The original article from NH Public Radio that made him lose his shit: https://www.nhpr.org/2022-03-22/eric-spofford-granite-recovery-center-nh-sexual-misconduct Eric Spofford, NHPR, addiction treatment, misconduct, recovery culture, media coverage, victim blaming, financial exploitation, 12 step programs, emotional distress

Eric Spofford, once a celebrated recovery “success story” and founder of Granite Recovery Centers, was recently indicted on federal charges for stalking journalists who reported on allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

In this episode, I reflect on my personal experience at the Plymouth House where Spofford was idolized. I share what it was like to watch him rise in that world and speak to the deeper issue: how recovery culture and 12 step dogma protect predators and silence survivors. My thoughts are with everyone he harmed, not just through the allegations, but through every layer of manipulation used to protect his image.

It’s time we start talking about who gets believed in recovery spaces and who gets erased.

In this episode, I talk about how I am working on a comprehensive FAQ and research backed resource to push back on 12 step dogma, misinformation and recycled talking points that dominate recovery spaces.

I share why I’m done repeating myself, how this document will serve as both a public education tool and a place to center stories that have been silenced for too long. We dive into a classic 12-step apologist comment (spoiler: it hits every cliché), break it down line by and talk about why "saved millions" isn't the mic-drop they think it is.

I also talk about how you can get involved and share your 12-step horror story, anonymously or publicly.

This isn’t about hating AA it’s about telling the truth.