In this episode of the Sober Butterfly podcast, host Nadine Mulvina interviews Kathy, who shares her journey through multiple recovery programs, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Al-Anon, Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA), Debtors Anonymous (DA), and Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA). Kathy discusses her early life marked by family alcoholism and domestic violence, her path to sobriety, the importance of therapy, and how she managed to overcome her compulsive behaviors related to money and relationships. The conversation also touches on the support systems within these groups, the importance of sponsorship, and the transformative power of self-recognition and healing.
The episode also touches on the concept of addiction transference and the holistic nature of recovery, offering listeners a profound and relatable perspective on tackling various forms of addiction.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:41 Kathy’s Early Life and Family Struggles
03:53 Discovering Al-Anon and the Start of Recovery
06:23 Journey Through Multiple Anonymous Programs
11:00 Personal Struggles and Turning Points
19:47 First Year of Sobriety and Challenges
28:31 Personal Loss and Early Recovery Challenges
28:45 Learning to Follow the Steps
29:39 Self-Diagnosis and External Influences
31:05 Introduction to Debtors Anonymous
33:38 Tools and Practices in Debtors Anonymous
43:19 Exploring Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
45:54 Overcoming Deep-Seated Trauma
51:31 Advice for Seeking Help
56:32 Conclusion and Contact Information
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or addiction, know that you are not alone and that help is available. Here are some resources for support:
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): aa.org
- Al-Anon Family Groups: al-anon.org
- Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA): adultchildren.org
- Debtors Anonymous (DA): debtorsanonymous.org
- Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA): slaafws.org