EPISODE 052226

EPISODE 052226

What drives someone to keep saying "I'm in recovery" decades after their last drink or drug? Clean and Sober Radio takes that question head‑on as host Gary Hendler and co‑host Mark Sigmund chat candidly about whether someone can be *recovered* or is always *recovering*. Gary stakes out a bold position: "I am recovered from my addiction.

What I am not recovered from and I'm continually recovering is how my brain works and how I live my life." Mark largely agrees, but worries about overconfidence and the old behaviours that can sneak back in even when the drugs and alcohol are long gone. If you've ever wondered how to describe your own sobriety, you'll probably recognise yourself in their back‑and‑forth.

The pair also talk about holiday weekends and summer as high‑risk times, especially for people new to sobriety. They explain euphoric recall in plain language – remembering the good times and forgetting the arrests, injuries and wrecked relationships – and link it to triggers like barbecues, concerts and trips to the beach. You’ll hear real‑life examples of tragic outcomes from drinking and drug use, underlining how quickly things can turn.

Later, the conversation shifts to synthetic drugs, kratom, and how powerful new substances are flooding the market, along with the grim reality of overdoses and suicides. Gary and Mark keep the tone relaxed and humorous at times, but never minimise the risks. They repeatedly remind people that help exists, sharing national helpline numbers and stressing that shame and isolation only make things worse.

This is a great fit if you're in recovery yourself, support someone who is, or just like straight‑talk conversations about addiction, identity and staying clean one day at a time. How would *you* answer the question: are you in recovery, or are you recovered?