Allison Ouellette: Battling Addiction from Both Sides
I think there's not enough of that in this field. I think that people just sometimes get, like you said, used to the routine, get stuck in it, they come for a paycheck even though it's not really that good of a paycheck.
Ever wondered what it's like to fight addiction from both personal and professional fronts? In this episode of 'Everybody Has Stuff', host Rachel Annunziata sits down with her friend and colleague, Allison Ouellette, to shed light on the gritty realities of addiction treatment. Allison, who is a Residential Program Manager at The Providence Center in Rhode Island, brings a wealth of experience to the table.
Not only does she hold a Master's degree in Addiction Counseling and certifications as a Community Health Worker and Chemical Dependency Professional, but she also has the lived experience of being in recovery herself. This dual perspective makes for an eye-opening conversation. Throughout their chat, Rachel and Allison dive into the importance of self-care for both addicts and their families. They don't shy away from discussing the systemic issues that often complicate recovery.
One of the standout moments is when Allison talks about her own ethical dilemmas in past jobs, encouraging listeners to stand up for their values even when it's tough. They also touch on the significance of recovery coaches and peer specialists, who can offer unique support that traditional counselors might miss. The duo challenges the conventional wisdom that abstinence is the only path to recovery, exploring harm reduction and other holistic approaches that focus on overall well-being.
This episode isn't just informative; it's a heartfelt exploration of what it means to truly support someone through addiction. Whether you're on your own recovery journey or looking to understand addiction better, this episode is a must-listen. Dive in and gain a fresh perspective on the multifaceted world of addiction treatment.