Episode 34 - Abstinence is the Key
Episode 34 - Abstinence is the Key

Recovery Is Possible

There is a lot of talk about being able to moderate use. This episode discusses this dangerous viewpoint and why it is not a good idea.

InformativeEmpoweringThought-provokingRawEngaging

15:34•2 Jan 2021

RSS Feed

About this podcast

Recovery Is Possible

Michael Van Meter

Michael has seen first-hand the devastating effects of addiction on the public, his profession, and himself. Michael began his career as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Navy. After eight years, he became a Corrections Officer, Washington DC Police Officer, and then FBI Agent. In 2010, Michael became an instructor at the FBI Academy. In 2013, he created a course titled “Leading At-Risk Employees” geared toward Police Executives to help them understand alcoholism, prescription drug abuse, PTSD, suicide, and domestic violence as it relates to policies and procedures for their agencies worldwide. In 2019, Michael retired from the FBI but his passion for helping others continued. In August 2022, he graduated with a Master’s in Addiction Counseling: Integrated Recovery for Co-Occurring Disorders from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. He currently works full-time as a Behavioral Health Therapist at a large nonprofit hospital. Pulling from his personal and professional experience, Michael shares his thoughts on this sensitive, complex, and controversial subject.

Recovery ReimaginedSobriety ToolkitFamily RecoveryBody & MindTreatments

Episodes: 186

View Podcast Visit External Site

Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!

Abstinence Over Moderation: Michael Van Meter's Take on Addiction Recovery

“Today's message is, folks, if you are listening to my voice and you are the one that needs help, really the answer is to discontinue drinking altogether or drugging altogether, anything that is mood altering at all.”

Can you really moderate your way out of addiction? In this eye-opening episode of 'Recovery Is Possible', host Michael Van Meter, a retired FBI Agent and seasoned Behavioral Health Therapist, tackles the contentious issue of moderation versus abstinence. Drawing from his extensive experience, Michael argues that the idea of moderating substance use is not just flawed but potentially dangerous.

He delves into the genetic factors that make some individuals more susceptible to addiction and stresses the importance of abstinence as the only viable path to recovery. Michael also shares his belief in grounding one's recovery journey in a power greater than oneself and underscores the crucial role of helping others in their own battles with addiction. This episode is a must-listen for anyone grappling with addiction or supporting someone who is.

Michael's insights offer a compelling case for why abstinence is the safest and most effective route to a healthier, addiction-free life.

PreviousEpisode 33 - Spinning/Exercise and Recovery

NextEpisode 35 - Interview with Jim M.