Ep. 5 From Harmed to Harmless with Melanie Dacquisto

Trigger Warning: In this episode, we will briefly touch on suicide and/or suicidal thoughts during this discussion. If this may trigger extreme emotional distress for you, you should skip today’s episode. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately, which is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255.The recovery journey from substance abuse is rarely straight or completely predictable. Patients have to deal with many setbacks as well as the negative feelings that come with them, which can lead to self-hate. That’s why it is important to have a supportive community that can help them in moments of weakness.Today, I’m glad to be joined by Melanie Dacquisto, Certified Addictions Registered Nurse. Melanie had a long struggle with substance abuse and she now uses her experience to help addicts using the harm reduction principle.You’ll hear about her childhood experiences and how they contributed to her substance abuse problems. You’ll also find out the reason she decided to get clean and how she has sustained that for a decade.  Additionally, you’ll learn about the harm reduction principle and how it helps people with substance abuse disorder.Tune in to this fifth episode of The Beauty in the Mess to hear about an interesting journey from harmed to harmless.Some Questions Asked:Do you think your mom was aware that you were drinking at 16? (06:09)Did your boyfriend’s parents help you with your son? (23:25)How were you accessing drugs without the nursing job? (32:41)Do you see the harm reduction principle helping more people become sober? (43:50)Do you feel like being around substance abuse users puts you at risk? (46:11)In This Episode, You Will Learn:How Melanie ended up in a girls' group home (12:29)The reason people who’ve had an abusive childhood get into abusive relationships (20:21)How addiction led to her losing her job (23:45)What motivated her to get clean (34:17)The use of the harm reduction principle in treating people with substance abuse disorder (43:50)Connect with Melanie:LinkedInEmailLet's Connect!Facebook: The Beauty in the Mess podcast InstagramWebsite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.