Recovery from Addiction: The Importance of Community and Evidence-Based Practices

In this podcast episode, Dr. Cassandra Dorius and hosts Phil & Sandy discuss the importance of community and evidence-based practices in recovery from addiction. Dr. Dorius, who lost her brother to alcoholism, shares her personal experiences with addiction and recovery, and her work in establishing Recovery Community Centers (RCCs) in Iowa. She emphasizes the importance of creating welcoming spaces for people in recovery, and the need for flexibility and adaptability in providing support. They also discuss the impact of substance use disorders and recovery on individuals, families, and communities. They talk about the importance of considering the entire community around a person with a substance use disorder, and the ripple effects it can have on others. They also touch on the idea of recovery being contagious and how it strengthens communities. The conversation then moves on to the topic of evidence-based practices. Dr. Dorius raises the question of whether the term "evidence-based practice" has become somewhat of a throwaway phrase, and people use it without fully understanding or having actual evidence to back it up. She emphasizes the importance of being skeptical and critical of research and data, while also acknowledging the need for good governance and making decisions based on both data and common sense. Finally, the speakers touch on the impact of technology and the pandemic on young people and their need for self-medicating at younger ages. They emphasize the need to adapt interventions and practices to suit the current generation's unique challenges. This podcast episode provides a valuable overview of the complex and multifaceted nature of recovery work. It highlights the importance of community, evidence-based practices, and being mindful and adaptable in helping individuals on their recovery journey. For everything Recovery Matters Podcast, visit https://linktr.ee/recoverymatters