412 Sex, Shame, and Sobriety: What No One Told Us in Recovery With Dr Stephanie Covington412 Sex, Shame, and Sobriety: What No One Told Us in Recovery With Dr Stephanie Covington
The One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast
Dr Stephanie Covington discusses her book 'Awaken Your Sexuality', addressing the silence around sexuality in recovery and offering insights into healing from trauma.
58:15•8 Jan 2026
Sex, Shame, and Sobriety: Breaking the Silence with Dr Stephanie Covington
Episode Overview
- Healing begins with understanding oneself and one's desires.
- Shame thrives in silence; open conversations are crucial.
- Childhood trauma can deeply impact adult intimacy.
- Healthy relationships require mutual trust and communication.
- Recovery includes integrating all aspects of self, including sexuality.
“"There's just this silence. And when there's silence around something, people feel shame."”
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? In this episode of The One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast, Arlina Allen welcomes Dr Stephanie Covington, a pioneer in addiction recovery and author of 'A Woman's Way Through the Twelve Steps'. Dr Covington shares her latest work, 'Awaken Your Sexuality', a guide addressing the often-ignored topic of sexuality in recovery.
This conversation touches on the silence surrounding sexuality in treatment and 12-step settings, and how shame can thrive in such silence. Dr Covington emphasises the importance of starting with the self to heal and develop healthy relationships with one's body and desires. The episode also highlights how childhood trauma can shape adult intimacy, offering validation for anyone who has felt lost dealing with their sexuality in recovery.
With light-hearted moments, Arlina and Dr Covington discuss the power of self-awareness, the challenges of navigating intimate relationships in sobriety, and the societal silence that perpetuates shame around sexual health. Listeners will find practical advice on how to cultivate intimacy and connection post-addiction, with insights into how different life experiences and identities can affect one's sexual journey.
Whether you're grappling with past traumas or simply curious about integrating sexuality into a sober lifestyle, this episode provides a compassionate and engaging exploration of these topics. So, are you ready to explore the complexities of sex, shame, and sobriety? Dive into this episode and start your journey toward healing and connection.

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