This S**t Is So Hard. Is Recovery Worth It?

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.comIn this bonus episode, Abbie is joined by her husband Jeb (nearly a decade sober) to respond to a listener question: Is healing actually worth how hard it feels?It's a listener favorite, vulnerable conversation about the messy middle of recovery — from dieting, disordered eating, addiction, and the coping mechanisms that once kept us afloat.Some of the topics discussed:Why recovery often feels harder before it feels betterThe short-term relief vs. long-term cost of coping mechanismsHow dieting and addiction share similar roots (shame, fear, inadequacy, belonging)Personal examples from Abbie and Jeb and pieces of their storiesPhysical vs. emotional discomfort in recovery — and how to tell the differenceThe power of community (and why healing in isolation is so much harder)Small, quiet “wins” that signal real healingWhy “dabbling” in restriction tends to snowballPrivilege, barriers to recovery, and the realities of healing in this worldHere is the question that inspired this episode:Hi Abbie,I’ve been recovering from decades of dieting and disordered eating. I’m completely on board with doing this work for myself, for my kids. I recognize now - many thanks to you - how much of my life has been wasted on trying to control my body.But I’m struggling, and many days I have these thoughts of: is this harder than just continuing to diet and restrict? I’m uncomfortable, I feel stressed and anxious, and it’s hard to cope with the body changes. I just feel defeated in many ways.I know I don’t want to go back, but at the same time, healing is feeling so hard. I am hoping you’ll have some advice for where to go from here. Your podcast has meant so much to me and my daughter. Thank you.AlexSupport the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Substack for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe Apply for Abbie’s Group Membership:Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group Social media:Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcastFind Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroyPodcast Editing by Brian WaltersThis podcast is ad-free and support comes from your support on Substack. Subscribe HERE.