Overcoming Addiction: Modernizing the Twelve Steps with Dr. Samantha Harte

"I want to shine a light on my most shameful things so people feel less alone." - Dr. Samantha Harte.  Samantha didn't think she was an addict.  She felt completely in control.  She assumed that experimenting with drinking and drugs was something that she could start and stop whenever she wanted.  When she realized that she needed to stop or die, she faced a problem.  She hated the 12 step program, but she needed help.  Updating the 12 step addiction recovery program with fresh language and the latest science of real change provided the solutions she needed to learn to love and forgive herself and live a sober life.  Dr. Samantha Harte is a mental health expert, physical therapist, author, performing artist, podcast host, and sober mom of two.  She has been featured on CBS, abc7, People magazine, New York Lifestyles Magazine, Time magazine and more.  You can learn more about Dr. Harte and her new book “Breaking the Circuit” at her website https://www.drsamanthaharte.com Some of the highlights Dr. Harte shares in this episode:Her harrowing personal story of addiction and struggle to recoveryWhat it's like to be a high functioning addictFeeling overcome with feelings of shameThe importance of finding a friend to tell who wouldn't judgeAt her first AA meeting she sat in the back, crossed her arms and thought, "I'm not like these people." Why addiction begins as  "solution" to our deeper problemsThe shock of having a sober mentor and friend relapse and succumb to suicideAddiction doesn't care if you've been sober for a day or a decade, it's waiting for a weakness to pounceI didn't want to die, but I didn't know how to liveTrying the 12 steps to heal her failing marriageAddicts are destructive to the people around them and also to themselvesHave you ever made amends with yourself?You are a good person who made bad choicesLearning to love yourselfFinding a vehicle to clear the shameLearning how to stop negative self talk and express kindness and compassion to yourselfBecoming the highest version of yourselfSuffering from untreated perfectionismThe science of real changeYou are worthy of love, connection and belongingAnd morePlease share, subscribe, leave a rating and review, visit the Linda's Corner website at lindascornerpodcast.com and/or follow on youtube, facebook, instagram, and pinterest @lindascornerpodcast. Thanks!Also please visit the Hope for Healing website at hopeforhealingfoundation.org for free resources to increase happiness, build confidence and self esteem, improve relationships, manage stress, and calm feelings of depression and anxiety.   Become the champion of your own story as you overcome your challenges.Listen, Share, and SupportIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who may need hope today.Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating and review, and help us spread more healing and inspiration to the world.Free Resource for HealingIf you're ready to release stress, calm your mind, and begin healing from within, visit:🌿 https://hopeforhealingfoundation.orgDiscover free resources to help you build confidence, improve relationships, and find peace as you become the champion of your own story.