• Ep. 1 - Navigating the Swamp
    Jan 14 2026

    In this episode of the Beyond Relapse podcast, hosts Stefan Bate and Henry Maxwell discuss the challenges families face when navigating the addiction treatment landscape. They share their personal stories of recovery and the emotional toll addiction takes on families. The conversation highlights the disconnect between treatment episodes and sustainable recovery, emphasizing the importance of community support and practical tools for families. The hosts also address the stigma and shame associated with addiction and the need for families to focus on their own healing process. The episode concludes with a promise to explore solutions and strategies for achieving lasting recovery in future episodes.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Beyond Relapse Podcast

    02:50 Understanding the Cycle of Treatment and Relapse

    05:40 The Need for Practical Tools in Recovery

    08:51 Personal Stories of Recovery

    11:43 The Emotional Experience of Relapse

    14:47 Bridging the Gap Between Treatment and Recovery

    17:31 The Importance of Community in Recovery

    20:41 Addressing the Challenges in Addiction Treatment

    23:43 The Long Road to Recovery

    25:10 The Disconnect in Treatment Success

    27:43 Chronic Disease Management in Addiction

    33:25 The Role of Family in Recovery

    38:46 Shame, Blame, and Family Dynamics

    46:38 Finding Solutions and Moving Forward


    Keywords

    addiction, recovery, treatment, families, mental health, relapse, support, community, emotional toll, sustainable recovery


    Takeaways

    Treatment episodes don't guarantee recovery experiences.

    Families often feel trapped in a cycle of treatment and relapse.

    The emotional toll of addiction affects the entire family system.

    Community support is crucial for sustainable recovery.

    Families need practical tools to navigate addiction challenges.

    Shame and stigma can hinder the recovery process for families.

    Self-regulation is essential for families dealing with addiction.

    Families must focus on their own healing to impact change.

    The disconnect between treatment and real-life recovery is significant.

    There is hope for families to reclaim their lives regardless of their loved one's recovery status.



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    51 mins