Episode 6 - The Alcohol Allergy
Episode 6 - The Alcohol Allergy

Recovery Is Possible

I discuss the term "allergy" when it comes to the alcoholic. What is its origin and what does it mean?

InformativeEducationalThought-provokingSupportiveInspiring

16:18•27 Jul 2020

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!

The Alcohol Allergy: Understanding the Science Behind Addiction

“The fact is that people that are alcoholic, their bodies, process alcohol differently than everyone else.”

Ever wondered why some people seem to react differently to alcohol? In this episode of 'Recovery Is Possible', host Michael Van Meter dives into the concept of the 'alcohol allergy'. He breaks down how alcoholics process alcohol differently compared to non-alcoholics, leading to unique and often harmful reactions. Drawing from his extensive background in behavioral health and addiction counseling, Michael explains the science behind these reactions, focusing on the role of acetyl aldehyde in differentiating alcoholics from others.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the biological underpinnings of addiction or seeking to understand their own or a loved one's struggle with alcohol. Michael also stresses the importance of viewing addiction as a disease and seeking appropriate help. With his compassionate approach and wealth of knowledge, Michael offers valuable insights that can aid in the journey towards recovery.

PreviousEpisode 5 - Structure

NextEpisode 7 - Staying Stopped Is the Key