What No One Tells You About Relapse 🏳️‍🌈 A Queer Recovery Podcast 🎙️

What No One Tells You About Relapse 🏳️‍🌈 A Queer Recovery Podcast 🎙️

This episode of 'At The CCC' dives into the challenging yet crucial topic of relapse within the queer recovery community. Hosts Anthony and LouiLou, broadcasting from the vibrant Castro Country Club in San Francisco, tackle the myths and misconceptions surrounding relapse. With a mix of humour and sincerity, they unpack why relapse isn't necessarily a failure but rather a part of the recovery journey.

They explore different recovery programmes that approach relapse in varied ways, such as counting days between uses instead of total abstinence days. Anthony and LouiLou share their personal experiences, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies relapse—shame, guilt, and self-blame—and how these feelings can be compounded by external judgments. They also discuss the importance of having a supportive network to help navigate these emotions.

The conversation touches on the structure of recovery programmes and how they can sometimes inadvertently reinforce feelings of failure when relapse occurs. The hosts emphasise that recovery is not a race and that everyone progresses at their own pace. By sharing their own journeys and insights, Anthony and LouiLou offer listeners a compassionate perspective on relapse, encouraging acceptance and understanding.

If you're curious about how relapse can be reframed as a learning experience rather than a setback, this episode offers valuable reflections worth tuning into.