Busting Addiction Myths: Uncovering the Truths Behind Recovery and CoachingBusting Addiction Myths: Uncovering the Truths Behind Recovery and Coaching
Recovery Recharged with Ellen Stewart Pushy Broad from the Bronx
Straight Talk with the Pushy Broad from the Bronx! Dive into a revealing exploration of the misconceptions and realities surrounding 12-step programs, the role of recovery coaching, and the true nature of addiction. This episode arms you with the...
25:29•28 May 2025
Straight Talk on Recovery: Ellen Stewart Busts Addiction Myths
Episode Overview
- 12-step meetings support many addictions beyond alcohol and can be attended even if someone is unsure they are an addict.
- Recovery coaching focuses on short-term goals, accountability and practical tools, while therapy addresses deeper psychological issues and past experiences.
- Addiction is framed as a disease influenced by genetics, environment and brain chemistry; the choice lies in recovery and remission, not in becoming addicted.
- Rehab does not "cure" addiction; long-term recovery requires ongoing work, self-knowledge and conscious decisions not to pick up a drink or drug.
- Sobriety means being free of mood-altering substances, while recovery is about living with integrity, clear values and healthier relationships once substances are removed.
“Addiction is not a choice. But recovery and remission is a choice.”
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This episode of *Recovery Recharged with Ellen Stewart, Pushy Broad from the Bronx* brings straight-talking answers to some of the biggest questions people have about addiction, recovery, and coaching. Ellen positions herself as the "pushy broad" who cuts through the myths with "no BS". Across live audience questions, she tackles common misunderstandings, especially around 12-step programmes.
She explains that these meetings grew from *Alcoholics Anonymous* in 1939, but now support many forms of addiction, including drugs, gambling, sex and codependency, and notes that "you can still attend an open meeting" even if you’re not sure you’re an addict. A major theme is the difference between therapy and recovery coaching.
Drawing on 20 years in behavioural health, Ellen describes coaching as short-term, goal-focused and centred on accountability and everyday tools, while therapy focuses more on past experiences and psychological healing. Her coaching style involves teaching about the disease of addiction and practical ways to handle daily life in recovery. Questions from callers lead her to challenge the idea that addiction is simply a "bad choice". She states firmly, "Addiction is not a choice.
But recovery and remission is a choice," pointing to genetics, environment and brain chemistry as factors. She also rejects the idea of being "cured" after rehab, stressing that recovery is ongoing work and that cravings can still appear decades later. Ellen makes a clear distinction between sobriety (being free of mood-altering substances) and recovery, which she frames as how you live once substances are removed: your values, behaviour, integrity and relationships.
She reminds listeners that addiction affects everyone around the person using and urges people not to wait until "really bad" moments to seek help. For anyone curious about recovery coaching, wondering if meetings are for them, or debating whether their drinking or drug use is serious, this episode offers firm guidance, relatable stories and a strong push towards honest self-assessment. Could this be the nudge you’ve been waiting for?
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