12 The New Odyssey House Journals - Anna West

12 The New Odyssey House Journals - Anna West

Words can either build bridges or create walls. Anna West, a health educator at Salt Lake Community College, dives into this concept in a thought-provoking episode of 'Odyssey House Journals'. She argues that labels like 'clean' or 'dirty', 'abuser' or 'addict' can be damaging and perpetuate stigma. Instead, Anna encourages using language that fosters empathy and support.

Her classes challenge students to reflect on the impact of their words, making a lasting impression on those eager to learn about addiction recovery. Anna also shares her personal journey to sobriety, offering a candid look at the hurdles she faced, especially as a woman navigating recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses the rise in domestic violence and substance use disorders during this period, emphasizing the importance of community programs and resources for those in recovery.

This episode is packed with valuable insights on how education can play a pivotal role in reducing shame and raising awareness about substance use disorders. Anna's story is both inspiring and educational, shedding light on the power of compassionate communication in the journey to recovery. If you're interested in understanding how the words we choose can influence healing and sobriety, this episode is a must-listen.