Surviving Generational Addiction: Cathy's Journey to Recovery

Cathy shares candidly about her 30-year journey from growing up in an environment riddled with alcoholism, through her own struggles with addiction starting in her early teens, to achieving long-term recovery and becoming a leader in the recovery community. The conversation touches on her teenage escapades, battles with addiction, her pivotal moment of seeking help, and her subsequent move to California where she flourished in recovery. Kathy also discusses her role at CCAR, the challenges of navigating recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her personal growth and resilience as a single mother and advocate for recovery. Her story underscores the evolving nature of recovery and the importance of community and connection in the healing process. 00:00 Introduction to the Recovery Matters Podcast00:28 Phil and Sandy's Fashion Journey02:10 Meet Kathy Bergen: A Journey of Long-Term Recovery03:01 Kathy's Childhood and Family Struggles13:29 Teenage Rebellion and Substance Use24:09 Finding Recovery in High School27:06 College Life and Relapse28:06 The Illusion of Control29:08 Academic Struggles and Substance Abuse29:40 The Turning Point30:10 Reflecting on Collegiate Recovery31:43 The Path to Recovery36:55 A New Beginning in California41:33 Building a Family48:34 Challenges and Resilience52:20 Joining CCAR and Giving Back58:32 Navigating the Pandemic01:01:28 Final Reflections ----Across the Web----🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO...🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast?🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery