THE CATHOLIC IN RECOVERY PODCAST
Episode 6 – Common Experiences & Phases of Addiction
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Episode Summary
In the sixth episode of the Catholic in Recovery Podcast, Scott Weeman and Fr. Sean Kilcawley discuss the common experiences and phases of addiction. They go over the different ways addiction can start, the difficulty of identifying and admitting an addiction, and the importance of honesty and trust in recovery. They also answer a listener's question about how to trust God and other people in recovery.
Episode Resources
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Episode Highlights
Introduction & Check-In
- Fr. Sean: Reflects on his experience at SEEK in Washington DC, where he gave talks on theology, the body and healing, and masculine identity and relationships. He also shares his grief over the recent passing of two parishioners and the departure of a priest who was living in his rectory.
- Scott: Celebrated his 40th birthday with family and shares his experience of watching his kids while his wife attended a funeral. He reflects on his own personal transformation and healing, working through internal and external boundaries and overcoming patterns of self-pity and catastrophizing.
Common Experiences and Phases of Addiction
- Scott: Introduces the topic of common experiences and phases of addiction, highlighting various addiction challenges and the common need for help and fellowship.
- Fr. Sean: Discusses how addiction often starts as a coping mechanism and the difficulty people have in identifying and admitting to their addiction.
- Scott: Shares his own experience of denial and dishonesty in his early years of drinking, and the importance of free will and honesty in recovery meetings.
- Fr. Sean: Emphasizes the resistance people have to identifying their addiction and the importance of not avoiding the places where healing needs to happen.
- Scott: Discusses the rationalizations people use to avoid facing their addiction and the importance of finding people who have a solution to the problem.
Shame, Fear, Resentment, and Relapse
- Fr. Sean: Explores the shame associated with slips and relapses and the importance of honesty and vulnerability in recovery.
- Scott: Discusses the difference between slips and relapses and the dangers of using language to soften the truth about relapse.
- Fr. Sean: Highlights the fear of relapse and the temptation to hide struggles, especially for clergy who are often put on a pedestal.
- Scott: Emphasizes the importance of honesty and vulnerability in maintaining recovery and avoiding relapse.
Listener Question
- Listener Question: How can one learn to trust God and fellow people in recovery, especially when struggling with connecting with people and the idea of one's presence with others as an occasion of sin and self-hatred?
- Fr. Sean: Answers by discussing the importance of vulnerability and allowing oneself to be impacted by others. He also suggests that trauma therapy might be necessary for those who have experienced trauma.
- Scott: Suggests starting slow in building trust but not letting a staggering approach prevent true self-revelation. He emphasizes the importance of taking risks and being vulnerable in order to experience trust, mercy, and grace.
Conclusion and Blessing
- Scott: Wraps up the episode and invites listeners to subscribe to the podcast, share it with others, and join the upcoming Living the Steps series.
- Fr. Sean: Closes with a blessing, asking for radical honesty, trust, and transformation.