Mike Van Meter

Recovery is Possible Podcast

Health EN ↓ 187 episodes

Mike has seen the devastating impact of addiction in his life, work, and community. His career began as a Navy helicopter pilot and later as a Corrections Officer, DC Police Officer, and FBI Agent. While an instructor at the FBI Academy, he developed a course on addiction, PTSD, suicide, and domestic violence. After retiring in 2019, he earned a Master’s in Addiction Counseling and now works as a Behavioral Health Therapist at a major nonprofit hospital. With almost 14 years of long-term sobriety, Mike, together with his wife Lillie, leads candid, compassionate conversations on addiction, reco...

Author

Mike Van Meter

Episodes

Episode 12 - Quit Cold Turkey or Not 20.08.2020 19:01

Many people ask whether it is a good idea to quit a substance Cold Turkey. In this episode I discuss my thoughts on this subject.

Episode 11 - What Is a Bottom? 09.08.2020 12:17

I get asked about what the meaning of a "bottom" is frequently. Here is an explanation of the term.

Episode 10 - Addiction Stigma: Choice vs. Disease 05.08.2020 20:04

Many people struggle with whether addiction is a choice or a disease. I address my thoughts on this subject.

Episode 9 - Tips for the First Year of Sobriety 01.08.2020 21:12

Discussion on tips for how to help yourself achieve the first year of sobriety.

Episode 8 - Non-Alcoholic Beer Is for Non-Alcoholics 30.07.2020 12:08

People in early recovery wonder if they can drink non-alcoholic beer. Here on my thoughts on that.

Episode 7 - Staying Stopped Is the Key 30.07.2020 13:32

Treatment helps alcoholics to safely stop drinking. Once stopped, alcoholics need to be engaged in a program and lifestyle that keeps them from starting up again.

Episode 6 - The Alcohol Allergy 27.07.2020 16:18

I discuss the term "allergy" when it comes to the alcoholic. What is its origin and what does it mean?

Episode 5 - Structure 26.07.2020 14:03

Structure is vital to success in early recovery.

Episode 4 - Comparing In vs. Comparing Out 25.07.2020 12:41

People often attend 12-Step meetings and try to rationalize how different they are from others rather than looking at how they suffer from the same disease.

Episode 3 - The Five Year Cycle 24.07.2020 22:57

I describe the five year cycle of recovery and how to anticipate the changes you will experience.

Episode 2 - This Is not a High Speed Program 24.07.2020 13:28

Recovery takes time, and you need to be patient. Progress rather than perfection, but the one thing you must do perfectly is to not take that first drink or drug.

Episode 1 - The Role of Al-Anon in Helping Family Members Deal with Addiction 24.07.2020 19:32

My first guest discusses how Al-Anon helped her cope with her husband's drinking. Find out more about Al-Anon at al-anon.org .