Gary Hendler
Gary Hendler
EPISODE 072525
EPISODE 072525
EPISODE 072525
Saturday 26th July 2025
Explore relapse in recovery with Gary Hendler and Mark Sigmund. Learn triggers, prevention strategies, and the role of punitive systems in addiction.
55 minutes
informative
challenging
hopeful
thought-provoking
About this podcast
Author:
Gary Hendler
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Financial Health in Recovery
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Episodes:
78 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Understanding Relapse in Recovery
Episode Overview
- Relapse is common in recovery and can be triggered by various factors.
- Understanding dopamine and its role in addiction is crucial.
- Punitive drug sentencing may not be effective for rehabilitation.
- Medical marijuana laws impact DUI statistics.
- Awareness and medically assisted treatments are helping combat opioid addiction.
Relapse isn't just about substance use; it's about the triggers that wear down your spiritual state until you return to old patterns.
In this insightful episode of Clean and Sober Radio, hosts Gary Hendler and Mark Sigmund dive deep into the challenging topic of relapse in addiction recovery. Relapse, a common occurrence for many individuals in recovery, can happen after varying periods of sobriety—from a week to several years—and understanding the reasons behind it is crucial for effective prevention. Gary and Mark discuss how relapse often stems from triggers that wear down a person's spiritual state, leading them back to substance use.
These triggers can range from stress and emotional distress to environmental cues and social pressures. The hosts emphasize the importance of self-awareness and coping strategies, such as cognitive-behavioral techniques, exercising, and attending support groups, which can help individuals manage cravings and avoid falling into old patterns. The episode also touches on the broader societal impacts of addiction, particularly the role of punitive systems in drug sentencing.
Mark and Gary question the effectiveness of long-term imprisonment for drug-related offenses, suggesting that rehabilitation and education might offer better solutions. Another significant aspect of the discussion is the effect of dopamine on addictive behaviors. Gary shares personal anecdotes about how even seemingly harmless activities, like checking stock market updates, can trigger dopamine releases similar to substance use, highlighting the brain's complex relationship with addiction.
The hosts also explore current developments in drug laws, including the opening of marijuana lounges and the implications of medical marijuana on DUI statistics. They note that despite legalization in some areas, driving under the influence remains a serious issue, with cannabis-related DUIs on the rise. Overall, the episode provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of relapse and recovery, offering practical strategies for those on the path to sobriety and raising important questions about society's approach to addiction and rehabilitation.