Catching up and talking about parts of my past without disease model colored glasses.
Nadine shares her initial resistance to the program's principles and how she gradually participated despite internal misgivings. She underscores the toxic and limiting effects of the disease model of addiction that AA and NA propagate. Emphasizing self-trust, Nadine highlights the importance of trying alternative recovery methods, including harm reduction and psychedelic therapy. Throughout this episode Tara and Nadine advocate for a personalized, authentic road to recovery rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
In this episode I talk about my experience tabling at the Boston Freedom Rally and my thoughts on turning 40 Monday!
In this episode I sit down with Chad. Chad shares his transformative experiences in his recovery highlighting the importance of finding a path that truly resonates. Join us for an eye-opening conversation that challenges conventional recovery narratives and celebrates diverse paths to healing.
Chad on Instagram @spacecathairco
www.instagram.com/spacecathairco
My links www.burnthestigma.net/links
In this episode I sit down with Gil Gibbs and we discuss his relationship with 12 step. Like most people I have talked to, Gil had a positive experience with 12 step. Find out what changed and made him leave.
@gil_gibbs on Tiktok
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Recovery Perspectives
02:40 Personal Experiences with AA and Recovery
05:23 Questioning the 12-Step Paradigm
08:01 The Role of Mental Health in Recovery
11:00 The Impact of Treatment Approaches
14:04 Social Media and Recovery Narratives
16:33 The Need for Harm Reduction
19:21 Anonymity and Its Importance in Recovery
22:15 Concluding Thoughts on Recovery Options
32:54 The Evolving Nature of Anonymity and Privacy
36:59 The Impact of Misinformation on Public Perception
42:47 Challenging the Stigma of Substance Use
48:31 Accountability in Recovery: A Complex Discussion
54:02 The Journey Beyond Traditional Recovery Models
Today I discuss my journey in content creation, reflecting on my slow growth on YouTube and the challenges of editing and consistency. I also delve into the controversy surrounding the OV nasal spray, emphasizing the importance of naloxone in harm reduction.
In this episode I sit down with Dee-Dee Stout, counselor, educator, and author. Her book Coming to Harm Reduction Kicking & Screaming is now out in a powerful second edition released in March 2025. This updated edition brings fresh stories and expands on themes of radical love, family-focused support, and non‑judgmental care strategies that challenge traditional abstinence‑only models.
Order Dee-Dee's books!
Coming To Harm Reduction Kicking and Screaming 1st Edition https://amzn.to/4p5H8zy
Coming To Harm Reduction Kicking and Screaming 2nd Edition https://amzn.to/3HU1L0K
Dee-Dee on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deedeestoutconsultingDee-Dee on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/deedeestout/#Dee-Dee on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dee-dee-stout-328b017/Dee-Dee's Website:https://www.deedeestoutconsulting.com/
My Links: https://burnthestigma.net/links
In this conversation, I explore the misconceptions around recovery and substance use while emphasizing how vital self-trust and personal growth are in the process. I talk about my own journey of deprogramming from traditional recovery narratives, the struggles I face with podcasting, and why harm reduction is so necessary in this industry. I also share some of my future plans and highlight why transparency matters so much when addressing the real complexities of addiction.
Chad Sabora https://www.gofundme.com/f/defending-my-legacy-help-me-fight-for-justice
In this episode of Recovery Rebellion, I chat with Dr. Stanton Peele, one of the most well-known voices challenging the disease model and the dominance of 12-step thinking in treatment. We talk about building new habits, questioning old beliefs and why it’s so important to look beyond abstinence-only approaches. This is just the start of the conversation, and I’ll definitely be bringing Stanton back on the podcast to go even deeper.
To learn more about Dr. Stanton Peele's Life Process Program visit: www.lifeprocessprogram.com
Just a quick ramble. I have so much more coming your way, thank you for being patient, I promise I am going to get it together!
On this episode we discuss Emma's journey through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), her eventual departure from the program and the impact it had on her life. We explore themes of deprogramming from AA, the societal stigma surrounding substance use and the importance of individual recovery stories. Emma shares her experiences with questioning the AA model, the challenges of leaving, and the positive changes she has experienced since stepping away from the program. The discussion also touches on the need for harm reduction strategies and the importance of finding supportive communities outside of traditional recovery frameworks.Recovery reform, Recovery, AA, Deprogramming, Substance Use Disorder, Podcast, Mental Health, Harm Reduction, Personal Stories, Alcoholism, Addiction, Community
In this episode of Recovery Rebellion, I share my initial, unfiltered thoughts on 7-OH (7-hydroxy-mitragynine) what it is, why some call it “gas station heroin,” and the debate between regulation and prohibition. We talk how rushed scheduling could harm both people who use drugs and chronic pain patients. Includes a TikTok clip from Chauncey explaining the petition to keep 7-OH legal and regulated.
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:
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!
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.