EP29. Chris Kovacs LCSW | How Pain Becomes Healing in Addiction Recovery

“There was this quiet voice inside me saying, Don’t give up. I used to ignore it. Now I know—that voice saved my life.”— Chris Kovacs, LCSW“Addiction took everything from me. But recovery gave me something I never had before—myself.”— Chris Kovacs, LCSWIn this powerful and deeply personal conversation, therapist Chris Kovacs joins Dr. Victoria Ranade to share how addiction nearly took his life—and how listening to his inner voice helped him find the courage to heal.Chris opens up about the early influences that shaped his path, the pain and loss caused by addiction, and the pivotal moments that led him toward recovery. He reflects on how his lived experiences inform his inner calling as a therapist and offers heartfelt guidance for those currently struggling in the darkness of addiction, as well as insights for family members seeking to support loved ones on their healing journey. He also discussed the gift of desperation and the critical importance of social relationships and community in recovery, and the tension between enabling vs. support. Join us for this inspiring story of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of the inner voice that can lead us not only to survive, but to return to wholeness.**Chris Kovacs, LCSW, LCADC is an award winning licensed clinical social worker specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. Hes drawn to this work through his professional experiences, as well as the personal adversities he has personally faced. Just like he was able to receive, he believes that everyone deserves the help they need to begin to self-actualize. https://www.hope-wellness.com/chris-kovacs-lcswChapters00:00 Introduction to Chris's Journey03:10 The Early Years of Addiction06:04 The Dark Side of Substance Use08:43 Relationships and Their Impact11:07 The Turning Point: Desperation and Honesty14:00 The Role of Tough Love16:56 Finding Acceptance and Forgiveness19:48 The Path to Becoming a Therapist24:35 Finding Your True Calling25:57 The Struggle of Overcoming Addiction28:33 The Role of Community in Recovery28:40 The Journey of Becoming a Therapist39:23 Support vs. Enabling in Addiction Recovery42:52 Navigating the Pain of Addiction43:33 A Message by Hope and Wellness47:01 Setting Boundaries with Loved Ones48:34 The Importance of Relatability in Recovery50:09 Exploring the Role of AA and NA52:41 Finding Quality Treatment for Addiction55:41 The Necessity of a Full Continuum of Care56:33 Understanding Stigma and Sharing Stories58:10 The Journey of Rebuilding Relationships59:07 Spirituality and Higher Power in Recovery01:02:52 Encouragement for Those Struggling01:06:16 Advice for Therapists Working with Teens01:08:18 Confrontational Approaches in Therapy01:11:34 The Future of Psychedelics in Treatment01:13:45 Listening to Your Inner Calling and Conclusion01:16:42 The Gift of Desperation and Pain as a Teacher01:19:27 The Power of Community in Healing01:20:52 Support vs. Enabling: Setting Boundaries✨ Subscribe for more heartfelt, old-fashioned conversations about mental health, spirituality, authentic leadership, self-trust, and how people make their way through this difficult yet beautiful thing called life.✨ Share this episode with someone who might find it helpful.✨ Learn more about Dr. Victoria Ranade’s psychotherapy and wellness practice: www.hope-wellness.com✨ Visit www.innercalling.org to get emails connecting you with others who believe in the power of the human spirit ✨ IG: www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranadeDisclaimer: https://innercalling.org/disclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.