#LIFI24 – How Do We Talk About Addiction?

Surrounded by complexity, misconceptions and stigma, addiction can be a notoriously difficult subject to tackle. Feelings of shame, judgement, and fear can make speaking about addiction extremely challenging, so what can be done to make this easier?

We heard from our diverse panel as they shared their personal stories of addiction and discussed the obstacles that can stand in the way of those open and honest conversations essential to breaking down barriers, stereotypes and taboos.

Exploring different types of addictions, what it’s like for people living with and supporting those with addictions, and most importantly, how talking about is the first step towards acceptance, support, education and ultimately, recovery.

Panellists: Lauren Windle, Marverine Cole, Clair Rimmer, Matt Willis, Taylor Little, and Chris Sylvester.

Pain and trauma are at the foot of addiction. Here are some of the key insights that our panelists discussed at today’s event.

• “Almost 40% of women say they don’t want to talk about their gambling problems due to the stigma around it’” – Marverine Cole
• “Social media platforms are designed to be addictive. We need to be able to step back and look honestly about our relationship and boundaries with social media” – Taylor Little
• “Teaching young people about addiction is proven to prevent it” – Marverine Cole
• “One of the key things in managing addiction is having a support network” – Claire Rimmer
• “One of the reasons I relapsed was because I stopped putting in the work – I don’t think you can let go of recovery, addiction is always going to be there.” – Matt Willis
•  “Acknowledging my addiction and beginning my sobriety journey has helped me to embrace honesty, I feel part of a community, and I don’t have to hide my addiction anymore” – Chris Sylvester
• “We’re not talking about social media addiction nearly enough” – Taylor Little
• “The gender gap in gambling addiction is narrowing but women are masking their addictions” – Maverine Cole
• “Addiction takes away connection. Family members often notice a change in behaviour before the person realises their addiction” – Claire Rimmer

Related Books:

The Addiction Manifesto – J R Weaver

2020 International Book Awards Finalist for Health: Addiction & Recovery

2021 Literary Titan Silver Award

“Some people won’t believe in you, and that’s ok, this journey isn’t about them. It’s about you.” The Addiction Manifesto has been uniquely designed to provide you with a new perspective on recovery and will show you that anything is possible. In this deeply personal book, JR Weaver has crafted a raw insight into his life and how he’s been affected by substance abuse over the past 20 years. He details his recovery process and how he’s dealt with loss. With this book he wishes to help people on their journey to recovery. His realistic approach details his journey to try to have a normal life again. If you’re going through addiction recovery or want to help someone who is… This book allows you to fain a greater understanding of substance abuse and its many challenges.

Available here

Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget – Sarah Hepola

For Sarah Hepola, drinking felt like freedom; part of her birthright as a twenty-first-century woman. But there was a price–she often blacked out, having no memory of the lost hours. On the outside, her career was flourishing, but inside, her spirit was diminishing. She could no longer avoid the truth–she needed help. 

Blackout is the story of a woman stumbling into a new kind of adventure–sobriety. Sarah Hepola’s tale will resonate with anyone who has had to face the reality of addiction and the struggle to put down the bottle. At first it seemed like a sacrifice–but in the end, it was all worth it to get her life back.

Available here

Related Podcasts:

Hooked: The Unexpected Addicts – Melissa Rice & Jade Wye

Two women of substance, Melissa Rice and Jade Wye, debunk the stereotype of addicts and guide you through the highs and lows of addiction and recovery.

Available here

The Addicted Mind Podcast – Duane Osterlind

“The Addicted Mind Podcast” offers hope, understanding, and guidance for those dealing with addiction, with real stories and research to inspire and show the journey to recovery is worth it. We’re here to do more than just talk about addiction. We want to show you how to heal and recover. Our talks with experts and people who have beaten addiction give you important insights into how addiction affects the mind and how recovery can happen in many ways. Whether we’re looking at new treatment ideas or sharing stories that inspire, “The Addicted Mind Podcast” is all about understanding the complex world of addiction recovery and showing that recovery is possible. If you or someone you care about is dealing with the challenges of addiction, let “The Addicted Mind Podcast” be your friend and guide. We aim to give you the knowledge you need, share stories that inspire you, and show you that the journey to recovery is worth it.

Available here

Further Help:

• Drug Addiction – NHS
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Alcohol Change UK
• Turning Point
• We Are With You
• FRANK
• Release

Watch:

• Everything You Think You Know About Addiction Is Wrong
• What Causes Addiction, and Why is it so Hard to Treat?
• Addiction and Identity
• The Stigma of Addiction