Janice Arnoldi
Janice Arnoldi
Recovery Works Better When We Walk Together
Recovery Works Better When We Walk Together
Recovery Works Better When We Walk Together
Tuesday 24th February 2026
Explore how peer support transforms recovery journeys with Chantel Bellingham's inspiring story of overcoming addiction.
25 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Honest
Supportive
Hopeful
About this podcast
Author:
Janice Arnoldi
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Body & Mind
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Parenting & Children
Links:
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Episodes:
154 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Walking Together: The Power of Peer Support in Recovery
Episode Overview
- Peer support offers a unique relatability factor in recovery.
- Addiction affects people from all walks of life, not just the unhoused.
- Lived experience can be a powerful tool in supporting others.
- Recovery is not linear; relapses are part of the journey.
- Self-care is crucial for maintaining sobriety and mental health.
"I didn't go through all of this struggle and pain to not make something out of it."
What remarkable journeys have people faced head-on against addiction? This episode of 'Life Unscripted' brings you the story of Chantel Bellingham, a peer supporter whose own experiences with addiction have become her superpower. Host Janice Arnoldi chats with Chantel about the challenges she faced during her college years, where she found herself caught in a web of substance abuse while studying to become an addictions counsellor.
Imagine the irony of feeling like a hypocrite, walking into a placement while battling addiction. Chantel opens up about her journey from a turbulent, drug-fuelled relationship to finding stability and sobriety through rehab. Peer support is the star of this episode, showcasing how lived experiences can foster trust and understanding in ways that traditional therapy might not.
Chantel explains how being a peer support worker allows her to connect with clients on a personal level, offering a relatability factor that many find comforting. The discussion also touches on the misconception that addiction is limited to the unhoused, highlighting that it affects people from all walks of life. Chantel's work at Community Addiction Services of Niagara involves both individual sessions and group facilitation, where she shares her insights and helps others navigate their recovery journey.
Her story is a testament to the power of shared experiences and the importance of having someone who truly understands what you're going through. So, if you've ever wondered how shared experiences can light the path to recovery, this episode is for you.