“It’s not about how much or how often we consume, but how much space it takes up in our minds”, Theresa.

I am very passionate about sharing the perspective on alcoholism and addiction I received in 12 Step recovery, but since I haven’t struggled with addiction, I am not the right person to share this information. Instead, my friend Theresa vulnerably shares her experience with alcoholism and recovery with us.

This jam-packed episode provides an insider view on alcoholism/addiction, much of which I don’t believe is understood by our society. Theresa explains why alcoholism is a disease of the mind & body and not a lack of willpower. She shares how drinking was not only a way to manage and manipulate her emotions, but also a solution to help her live in a neurotypical world. I’ll do my best to summarise some key points in the breakdown below, but honestly, if you’re interested or want to know more about alcoholism, I highly suggest you dive in head-first with us!

Episode breakdown:

• Theresa begins by sharing what she’s going through at the moment with regards to her mum’s approaching death. She shares why she’s so grateful to have found recovery prior to this, and how her recovery is supporting her to be fully present during this experience.
• Theresa shares her journey with addiction, beginning with her addiction to not-eating (anorexia) at 14 years old. Around the same time she had her first experiences with alcohol and cannabis, realising that these substances had the power to change how she felt… and she liked that.
• After recovering from anorexia at 22, Theresa’s addiction transferred to alcohol as she began to rebel from her previous controlling habits.
• We laugh about how drinking alcohol affects us differently (she wants more and I don’t!). Theresa explains how alcoholism manifests as an allergy of the body and an obsession of the mind.
• Theresa shares how her alcoholism progressed to the point of her not being able to stop drinking. She had failed to regain control over her drinking (a tell-tale sign of alcoholism), and when she tried to quit, she’d always find herself drinking soon after. She began to feel a lot of shame and guilt around her addictive behaviour.
• Theresa explains why alcoholism/addiction is a disease and not a lack of willpower. In contrast, she says that alcoholics are incredibly driven people.
• She explains why addiction isn’t about the amounts consumed, but how much space it takes up in our minds and souls. We expand on this together.
• Theresa shares her early experiences coming out of isolation and into AA where she met people from all walks of life that shared a common problem.
• In sobriety, Theresa learnt that she has Autism & ADHD. In the past, alcohol helped her to mask her true self and cope in a neurotypical society. Today Theresa takes responsibility for her wellbeing by setting boundaries where required, whilst enjoying the journey of self-discovery that continues in recovery.
• Theresa shares a message or hope to anyone who might identify with parts of her story. You are not alone! There is help available, and you don’t have to do it alone.

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Theresa’s podcast Omniversum can be found at the usual places.

Thank you for listening! If you resonate with this episode, want to know more about Theresa's story, or have any other comments or questions, I’d love to hear from you! Please send me an email at morewillberevealed.podcast@gmail.com

Lots of love,

Josephine

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