"I want to shine a light on my most shameful things so people feel less alone." - Dr. Samantha Harte. 

Samantha didn't think she was an addict.  She felt completely in control.  She assumed that experimenting with drinking and drugs was something that she could start and stop whenever she wanted.  When she realized that she needed to stop or die, she faced a problem.  She hated the 12 step program, but she needed help.  Updating the 12 step addiction recovery program with fresh language and the latest science of real change provided the solutions she needed to learn to love and forgive herself and live a sober life.  Dr. Samantha Harte is a mental health expert, physical therapist, author, performing artist, podcast host, and sober mom of two.  She has been featured on CBS, abc7, People magazine, New York Lifestyles Magazine, Time magazine and more.  You can learn more about Dr. Harte and her new book “Breaking the Circuit” at her website https://www.drsamanthaharte.com

Some of the highlights Dr. Harte shares in this episode:
Her harrowing personal story of addiction and struggle to recovery
What it's like to be a high functioning addict
Feeling overcome with feelings of shame
The importance of finding a friend to tell who wouldn't judge
At her first AA meeting she sat in the back, crossed her arms and thought, "I'm not like these people."
Why addiction begins as  "solution" to our deeper problems
The shock of having a sober mentor and friend relapse and succumb to suicide
Addiction doesn't care if you've been sober for a day or a decade, it's waiting for a weakness to pounce
I didn't want to die, but I didn't know how to live
Trying the 12 steps to heal her failing marriage
Addicts are destructive to the people around them and also to themselves
Have you ever made amends with yourself?
You are a good person who made bad choices
Learning to love yourself
Finding a vehicle to clear the shame
Learning how to stop negative self talk and express kindness and compassion to yourself
Becoming the highest version of yourself
Suffering from untreated perfectionism
The science of real change
You are worthy of love, connection and belonging
And more

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Also please visit the Hope for Healing website at hopeforhealingfoundation.org for free resources to increase happiness, build confidence and self esteem, improve relationships, manage stress, and calm feelings of depression and anxiety.   Become the champion of your own story as you overcome your challenges.