Burn the Stigma’s Recovery Rebellion: Challenging the dogma. Dismantling the stigma. Exposing the BS

Most recovery culture is built on a hierarchy of time and dogma but what if everything you believe about recovery, your "drug of choice," and all the supposed “rules” are based on myths? This episode talks about the illusion of expertise cultivated by time in sobriety, exposing how it’s often used as a badge of authority that can hide harmful patterns, manipulative behaviors, and dangero...

I can’t find her page to link but I will insert it in when it’s back up/I find it. Most people don’t realize how deeply ingrained the 12-step recovery model is and how it might be doing more harm than good. Ashley’s journey from full endorsement to radical deprogramming reveals the hidden truths about substance use, recovery and the cult-like ecosystem that keeps so many trapped. What if everythin...

https://swiftsteps.org/ Swift Steps Website Swift Steps Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CbQwF... Julieanne’s story of leaving 12 step and creating a community of her own. As someone who has struggled to do any of my projects, I really admire what she has created.

In this episode we break down the insidious spread of recovery speak across U.S. treatment systems, sober communities and social media platforms like TikTok. I discuss the impact of this dogma: how it discourages genuine healing, marginalizes those with negative experiences and maintains a cycle where many feel they must conform to a specific path, often at great personal cost.

This episode is perfect for anyone who's ever felt uneasy or harmed by traditional recovery models, or for those seeking an honest conversation about the limitations and dangers of 12 step programs. If you've ever wondered if there’s a better way to heal, or if your trauma in these spaces is valid, this story will resonate deeply and inspire you to choose your own path to recovery. Sam is...

Katherine dives into the pitfalls of rigid programs, the shame-driven culture and the powerful myths around medication like Suboxone and MAT, plus, why supporting a spectrum of paths can save lives. She shares eye-opening stories from her own struggles with return to use, overdose and feeling misunderstood in the rooms, plus her journey toward harm reduction and community-led healing.

Recovery Storytelling Workshop: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/recovery-storytelling-workshop-take-back-your-story-rewrite-your-future-tickets-1981853013714?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurlThis conversation explores the limitations of traditional recovery narratives, the power of storytelling, and...

Most of us feel trapped in patterns we can’t seem to break. But what if our brain’s own wiring is the key to change? I am on a journey to uncover the truth about neuroplasticity and how understanding the brain's ability to rewire can shatter the self-defeating habits holding me back. So far in this journey I have discovered how everything we do in traditional treatment is counterproductive to...

In this episode I talk about how the dominant disease model often misdiagnoses what recovery can truly look like and why labeling people as "permanently broken" robs them of hope and healing. Join me as I break down: -Why the idea that substance use disorder is a chronic, relapsing brain disease is incomplete and sometimes harmful-The danger of reinforcing identity labels that keep peopl...

I really don't feel like writing a description right now but thank you so much for watching! Link to share your story to RFK JR: https://forms.gle/ckDHL8dQ9AAojzW9A

We need to talk about the lie that is keeping the recovery industrial complex in business. In this episode, I’m tearing down the narrative that addiction is a "progressive, fatal disease." We’re looking at who actually benefits when we tell people they are sick and powerless. Spoiler alert: it’s not the people trying to heal. A note for my Spotify Video watchers: In this video version, I am smokin...

Jordan shares her journey through the challenges of substance use disorder and recovery, starting from her first 12 step meeting as a teenager. Jordan's story is one of perseverance, as she navigated through various treatment programs and eventually found healing by embracing alternative recovery paths. Her insights into the importance of unlearning ingrained beliefs and advocating for diverse...

Key takeaways from this episode: Calling substance use a disease has shifted perceptions. Access to treatment doesn't guarantee positive outcomes. Many people recover without formal treatment. The disease model can create a self-fulfilling prophecy. Recovery identity can hinder personal growth. Critical thinking is essential in recovery discussions. Harm reduction offers a more sensible approa...

In this episode, Mark shares candid insights about his experiences, the challenges he faced and the pivotal moments that led to his transformation. In this episode we also talk about Overdose Prevention Centers and Vivitrol.

In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Laura, who has bravely navigated the complex journey of recovery. We explored the importance of self-awareness and personal growth, challenging the traditional black-and-white views of addiction. Our conversation highlighted the evolving nature of recovery, emphasizing that each person's journey is unique and deserves respect. Through e...

In this heartfelt conversation, I chat with my friend Sarah Jumper, a powerful voice in the recovery community. We explore her journey from childhood experiences in AA meetings to overcoming addiction and finding her place as a leader and advocate. Sarah opens up about the challenges of stigma, the importance of harm reduction, and the transformative power of empathy and support. Her story is a te...

n this episode of "Recovery Rebellion," I had the privilege of interviewing Aza, a courageous advocate for transparency in recovery spaces. Aza shared her journey into recovery, driven by her struggles with borderline personality disorder and high-functioning depression. She candidly discussed the challenges she faced, including the unsettling presence of predators within recovery circle...

Reflecting on cannabis and tabling at the Harvest Cup.

Catching up and talking about parts of my past without disease model colored glasses. Burnthestigma.com

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 th...

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 Healt...

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. burnthestigma.net/podcast burnthestigma.net/links

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 D...