Alcoholism and Other Mental Illnesses

Alcoholism and Other Mental Illnesses

What can we learn from those who have battled addiction? This RAW Recovery Podcast episode focuses on alcoholism alongside other mental illnesses, with host Dion sharing openly about living with five diagnosed conditions that "are only maintained" rather than cured. You’ll hear him talk frankly about anxiety, depression, PTSD (including complex trauma), ADHD and how these intertwine with alcohol use disorder.

Dion anchors the conversation in the Big Book line: "There are those too who suffer from grave emotional and mental disorders, but many of them do recover if they have the capacity to be honest." From there, he digs into what rigorous honesty really means: admitting not just the drinking, but the other mental-health challenges and the ways they’ve shaped behaviour, relationships and self-worth.

A big chunk of the chat centres on PAWS—post-acute withdrawal syndrome—and why it’s crucial to understand that symptoms like anxiety, irritability, cravings, low mood and loss of pleasure can continue well after the last drink. Dion stresses the importance of at least six months of sobriety and a thorough fourth and fifth step before trusting new mental-health diagnoses, arguing that many professionals never had a fair shot because he, and many others, weren’t truly honest with them.

He talks about the tension between the "spiritual" and "clinical" approaches, insisting both are needed. AA, he says, is like cognitive behavioural therapy "with God", while outside help from therapists and doctors is vital for issues AA isn’t designed to treat. There’s plenty of humour woven through the heavy stuff—fidget spinners for ADHD, Walmart rants, and admitting he’s a "56 year old man who can't seem to grow up"—which keeps things relatable.

Underneath the jokes sits a clear message: mental illnesses and messy life experiences can become assets in helping others. As Dion puts it, "when I take my five mental illnesses and I turn it into helping other people they are no longer liabilities they are assets." If you’ve ever wondered how to be honest about *all* of it—alcohol, anxiety, trauma and more—this conversation might spark some fresh thinking.