Addiction: Naming The Problem & Taking The First Step (Episode 1)Addiction: Naming The Problem & Taking The First Step (Episode 1)
Relational Recovery
Hosts Wes Thompson and Matthew Demoylan discuss the importance of naming the problem in addiction recovery, highlighting how isolation can foster harmful illusions.
6:09•3 Feb 2026
Naming the Problem: The First Step in Addiction Recovery
Episode Overview
- Admitting 'I can't' is a crucial first step in recovery.
- Addiction can include behaviours beyond drugs and alcohol.
- Shame and denial often accompany addictive behaviours.
- Isolation fosters false narratives that hinder recovery.
- Christian spirituality and psychology offer unique insights.
“"Isolation is the perfect breeding ground for illusion."”
Get ready to be moved by real-life accounts of how individuals confront addiction in this episode of Relational Recovery. Hosts Wes Thompson and Matthew Demoylan tackle the critical first step in the 12-step recovery process: admitting 'I can't.' They unravel the complexities of addiction, highlighting how it extends beyond substances like drugs and alcohol to everyday behaviours such as overeating.
With a mix of Christian spirituality and psychology, they address the emotional weight of shame and denial that often accompanies addiction. Wes and Matthew stress the importance of naming the problem, which is often masked by isolation and illusion. They share personal anecdotes and broader insights into how people create false narratives to justify harmful behaviours, underscoring that addiction isn't just a life-threatening condition but also a pattern of unwanted actions.
This episode is a heartfelt conversation that provides a fresh perspective on what it means to truly acknowledge one's struggles. Whether you're at the start of your recovery journey or have been battling addiction for years, this discussion offers something valuable for everyone. So, how do you name your problem and take that crucial first step towards recovery?

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