#137 – Rosemary Holbrook: The Science of Light

#137 – Rosemary Holbrook: The Science of Light

How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This conversation on Recovery Survey brings together host Brett Morris and guest Rosemary Holbrook, a yoga teacher, recovering addict, and self-described "super nerd" who swapped engineering school and IV opiates for yoga mats and birth charts. Aimed at people curious about different pathways away from addiction, the episode focuses on life after substances, identity, and how healing can look very different from the traditional 12-step route.

Rosemary explains why she "tried 12 steps" and even trained in Y12SR, but found that "something about me in 12 steps… not my jam." Instead, she talks about shifting from "I am an addict" to "I have had an addiction" and how that simple language change can loosen shame and stuck identity. Yoga is the core of her recovery.

She describes how returning to it during court-ordered treatment became the turning point: "Come for the crazy shapes and stay for the mental health." Rather than numbing out, yoga taught her to sit with intense sensations and emotions in a safe way, which she links to trauma healing and reduced cravings. She and Brett also share how addictive patterns can reappear in technology, food, or social media, and why self-compassion matters more than obsessing over clean dates or relapse chips.

Brett reflects on recurring themes he hears from many guests: connection and purpose as key ingredients in long-term recovery, whether that comes through yoga, community, spirituality, work, or family. For people feeling boxed in by a single model of recovery, this chat shows how combining science, spirituality, and body-based practices can open up other options.

If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a path that fits your personality and values a bit better, this conversation might spark ideas for what your next step could look like.