Podathon For Recovery: Karen’s Road to Recovery

Karen, a self-described “not-the-typical addict,” shares how a neck injury and prescribed opioids spiraled into secrecy, debt, and withdrawal—until she chose help, called her doctor, and walked into her first NA meeting. She explains how control, trauma, sponsors, and step work shaped 21 years pill-free, the detour into alcohol, and the moment she finally said out loud, “I’m an alcoholic.” It’s a candid, practical blueprint for anyone wondering what recovery programs actually do—and why they save lives. Sponsored by Rage Against Addiction Guest Bio:  Karen is a longtime friend of the show and a recovery advocate. A former stay-at-home mom who became a Reiki Master and intuitive counselor, she’s 21 years pill-free, active in 12-step recovery, and helps clients release stored trauma to heal and move forward. Main Topics: ·         Podathon for Recovery: 12 Days of Hope benefiting Rage Against Addiction·         “Not the typical addict”: prescriptions, stigma, and secrecy·         9/11, the D.C. sniper, anxiety, and the illusion of control·         Doctor-shopping, online pill mills, and financial fallout·         The turning point: calling the doctor to flag her chart, grief after surrender·         First NA meeting, feeling “at home,” and what sponsors actually do·         Step work vs. therapy; NA vs. AA and “higher power” (not one-size-fits-all)·         Relapse with alcohol, daughter’s ultimatum, and returning to meetings·         Resentments, gratitude lists, and practical tools that keep people clean·         Trauma stored in the body; Reiki/energy work and emotional healing  Resources mentioned: ·         Donate to Rage Against Addiction ·         Narcotics Anonymous (NA) & Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) ·         “The Body Keeps the Score” (book reference) ·         National Recovery Month (context) Send us Fan MailCelebrate the Magic of Words in Bel Air, Maryland!https://bookfairatbelair.org/Rage Against AddictionRage Against Addiction is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting addicts and their familiDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email