In this episode of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss the complexities of managing addiction recovery alongside mental illnesses, specifically addressing a listener's experience with sex addiction and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They emphasize that a strong recovery team should include a 12-step sponsor, a therapist, and a spiritual director, and stress the importance of finding specialized help for conditions like OCD or trauma, noting that trauma is often a factor in chronic relapse. The conversation concludes by underscoring the need to prioritize sobriety as the foundation for life, and then systematically address other areas of health—spiritual, physical, financial, and emotional—to achieve a life of purpose, joy, and peace.

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I. Introduction and Check-ins

• Welcome and Credits: Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley welcome listeners; Scott gives a shout-out to I.B. Jacob (aka Bassanova) and Aisling Fuller for the intro/outro music.
• Fr. Sean Kilcawley's Holy Week Update and Travel:
  • He is traveling in his Diocese of Lincoln for Holy Week, attending the Chrism Mass (day of recollection and blessing of holy oils) and a dinner celebrating jubilarians.
  • He reflects on feeling older and seeing children he baptized now graduating and getting married.
  • He is committed to acting as a "floater" and giving the new pastor space for his first Triduum.
  • His upcoming travel includes flying back to California to teach and then a "red eye" to New York for his 30-year West Point class reunion.
• Scott Weeman's Update (DC Roundtable and Easter):
  • He attended a roundtable discussion on addiction recovery with faith leaders at the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) in Washington, DC.
  • He was encouraged that the ONDCP is considering faith in addiction treatment, noting the ecumenical nature of the gathering, which included a Greek Orthodox priest and a leader from a 12-step group within the Church of Latter-day Saints.
  • He mentions his delight in preparing for Holy Week and the Triduum with his children and notes several community members are being received into the Church at the Easter Vigil.

II. Discussion: Managing Addiction with Co-occurring Mental Illnesses

• Listener Question: A recovering sex addict asks for advice on navigating recovery while also struggling with OCD, specifically moral OCD/scrupulosity, as this combination makes them feel isolated.
• The Recovery Team and Specialized Treatment:
  • Fr. Sean recommends a recovery team: a spiritual director (who understands addiction), a therapist (trained in addictions work), and a 12-step group.
  • He emphasizes the need for a therapist specialized in OCD for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
  • Fr. Sean describes how some converts may develop "moral OCD" after conversion, entering a "sexual anorexia cycle" where they are on high alert regarding their sexuality.
  • Scott adds that ruminating thoughts require professional clinical intervention, as a sponsor is not qualified to treat them.
• Complicating Factors and Physical Health:
  • Fr. Sean notes that conditions like ADHD can make recovery difficult and suggests extra work on grounding skills, deep breathing, and ensuring proper sleep.
  • He recommends getting a full physical exam and medical workup, as addiction often involves neglecting physical and financial health (e.g., compulsive debting/spending).
• Trauma and Chronic Relapse:
  • Fr. Sean states that chronic relapse often stems from untreated trauma.
  • He notes that trauma can manifest as a disengaged, stoic, or depressive personality type (hypo-arousal), especially among those who idealize stoicism.
  • He advises seeking a therapist specialized in trauma interventions like EMDR or Somatic Experiencing, citing The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk to explain that talk therapy is often ineffective because trauma is stored in the body.
• Broader Health and Relationships:
  • Scott asserts that seeking outside support (therapy, medication) is necessary and is not an indictment of character.
  • He strongly encourages couples therapy for spousal problems, noting the healing that can come from involving a spouse.
  • He mentions financial turmoil and physical health issues, including food-related behaviors (compulsive overeating, disordered eating), are common and often tied to trauma.

III. Prioritizing and Sustaining Conversion

• Establishing the Order of Operations:
  • Scott advises that sobriety/abstinence is the "number one absolute" priority, as all other priorities falter without it, and suggests addressing the "gateway" addiction first.
  • Fr. Sean recommends focusing on "whichever one is most life threatening" first, whether it is chemical addiction or the one that will "kill your soul first," citing Patrick Carnes' principle.
  • Both hosts stress that the process is long, and the Lord continuously reveals the "next part of [the] heart" He wants to transform.
• The Continuous Call to Conversion:
  • Fr. Sean links sustaining recovery to the yearly renewal of baptismal promises, noting the need for vigilance and reminding listeners not to focus on the "water" (challenges) but on the Lord.

IV. Closing Thoughts and Blessing

• On the Joy of the Resurrection: Fr. Sean states that the joy of the resurrection is experienced as a "surprise," encouraging listeners to be "surprised by love" by approaching the season without limiting the Lord with expectations.
• Final Invitations and Blessing: Scott invites listeners to send questions or ideas for future episodes, including a potential live broadcast, to [email protected], and Fr. Sean provides a final blessing.