Episode 180 - Name It to Tame It
Episode 180 - Name It to Tame It

Recovery Is Possible

Mike Van Meter discusses emotional labeling as a tool for managing addiction, emphasising the importance of recognising it as a chronic disease.

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21:17•15 Dec 2025

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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.

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Name It to Tame It: Mike Van Meter's Guide to Sobriety

Episode Overview

Recognising addiction as a chronic disease helps reduce stigma.
Emotional labeling can be an effective tool in managing overwhelming feelings.
Support systems and fellowship play crucial roles in recovery.
Addiction affects both mind and body, requiring comprehensive treatment.
Sobriety is an ongoing process; you're always recovering, not recovered.

“"Addiction is not a moral issue; it's a disease of the mind and body."”

What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? In this captivating episode, Mike Van Meter takes listeners on a journey through the power of 'naming it to tame it.' Drawing from his extensive experience, Mike delves into emotional labeling, a technique rooted in neuroscience that helps manage overwhelming feelings. His stories are not just about his personal battles but also offer strategies for those facing addiction, particularly during challenging times like the holiday season.

With a blend of humour and wisdom, Mike challenges the stigma surrounding addiction, emphasising that it's a disease of both the mind and body. He passionately discusses how recognising addiction as a chronic condition can transform how individuals approach recovery. By sharing relatable anecdotes and practical advice, Mike provides a supportive hand to addicts, their families, and anyone seeking clarity in their sobriety journey.

If you've ever wondered how to tackle the emotional rollercoaster of recovery, this episode is a must-listen. As Mike puts it, understanding that addiction is a disease is crucial for progress. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into this enlightening conversation and see how naming your struggles can help tame them.

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