Be Recovered: Breaking free from the Disease of Addiction | Dean Taraborelli | TEDxSedona

[@shugar8204]

Spontaneous remission. Every sober addict I've met, like truely sober with years and years... They all have this in common. They all can recount this exact moment where they suddenly woke up from their addiction free, saying "never again" and they continue to say it every day, and they truely feel it... Believe with every inch of their soul.

[@sarahbreisch4750]

i wonder if spouses of addicts have a similar experience. I feel like I'm almost there.

[@shugar8204]

@@sarahbreisch4750 For sure, definitely they do. It gets to a point where you just want to give up and never go through this pain again. Yes, it's much different than the addict themselves - but spouses/family reach a breaking point too. Personally, I was in two long term serious relationships while I was actively using... Looking back, years later now sober - I can not believe the person I was to my spouse. I honestly can't even think about the years of agony I put them through, because I feel so much guilt and regret. My spouse did his best to support me and help me, but I just used him to do what i want. I did love him, truly, but in addiction love doesn't matter. He finally left me - we tried again when I was sober but I couldn't do it, I couldn't face the pain and guilt I had caused him - and the endless terrible things I did to him and his family. The only advice I can give to a spouse is... Do not give up and walk away when they are seriously getting sober. That will break them, as this happened to me in my second relationship. If they are getting sober, if they are doing what's needed, truly - help them.... But if they are lying, stealing, cheating, and still doing drugs.... I completely understand if the spouse wants to walk away, it may even be needed for both individuals sake... This disease is horrible. I am sorry for what you are going through, I can't imagine from a spouse/family point if view.

[@naeemtull2026]

Today is my day I can't go another day I won't go another day. 2 weeks clean and I'm not looking back

[@janisbroaddus7359]

Also known as a psychic change or divine intervention which it is. Remember, only a power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity. We are beyond human aid. It's God and prayer. He can relieve the suffering like spontaneous remission!

[@UncleDuTheWatchman]

I was supposed to click this video! This is where I am RIGHT now! Not to mention that Sedona has been my dream retirement destination since my first time visiting 30 years ago! This video has given me DOUBLE hope!

[@heatherstroupe1582]

"The thing that bothered me the most is that I was not going to fulfill my purpose, and I didn't even know what it was" ..... WOW! I FELT THAT.

[@breakinghabitsandbuildinge665]

Yea I really resonated w that part too

[@gregorfriesen554]

True meaning of life is to know Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior, may God bless you

[@bobbiebowens3656]

Amazing Story--Thank you

[@brownbagtarot34]

Indeed that hit home.

[@OGillo2001]

@@gregorfriesen554 pfft

[@SuperCraft1999]

5 days right now man, today is the first day I'm feeling better than the day before

[@sukhbirk94]

God bless !!

[@evaneufeld4316]

So proud of you, I hope all is well. Stay strong!

[@meetu7817]

Keep going

[@ShrinkRai]

How are you today?

[@markgravelle4333]

I’ve been sober 2+ years now. I was a hopeless junkie. Still haven’t figured out how to be happy, but I’m alive. I got hope that I’m gonna stay clean and and be a success at life.

[@VictoriaMarch13]

We're in the same boat together! You've got this.

[@danisaksson3214]

I have a programs suggestion that may or may not suit you if you're interested.

[@jane7627]

Stick with it!!! Watch Jake Duce on utube..learn to be Grateful-- you are a spiritual being in a physical body -- learn to meditate and be one with the universe. You are a part of God and are deeply loved ❤️sending you light and love and hugs!! You can do it!! 💪

[@GrannyWithAGreenThumb]

Find a Celebrate Recovery near you. It's been the biggest healing program for me and millions more.

[@JamesHadfield-qz9rv]

No one is Hopeless. that's just a temporary confused state of mind.Congradulations+like sol's wife, Don't look back.

[@mytimbo1472]

So freaking true addiction is a call for something more to life.

[@verocimil]

Thank you for underlining that! So many great, revealing and important thinks were spoken on that incredible speech, and this phrase is without any doubt one of them and very important to hear again and again and again, at least to me!

[@pathological6]

“Addiction is when I’m doing something that I dont want to do and I cant stop doing it”

[@crystalreyna3694]

So not a disease

[@TheOriginalMrBadaBing]

Addiction numbs pain and creates a temporary disconnect between us and the pain, and the anger and sadness. When I got clean, the first couple years all those feelings were finally unleashed, all at once and it was a lot to deal with in the moment. I can see why so many people relapse! But, I stuck with being clean and staying on that path. 7-1/2 years later I am wiser, emotionally intelligent and stable, have done the work to identify my wounds and heal them, learn my emotional triggers and allow them space while I pause knowing I don’t have to react. Recovery is about learning to handle the pain and disappointment of life without crumbling, without running from it, and without seeing everyone and everything as being out to hurt us. It’s so much more than just putting down the DOC, and when we do recover and heal, we show others what’s possible for their lives.

[@زهراءزهراء-ش6ه3ح]

Did you have anhedonja? Terrible cognitive decline ? And if yes did you heal? Please replay

[@maryknights-rutten4033]

Congratulations on persevering

[@Sadeye92]

My daily mantra “I have zero desire to drink, I have no reason to panic” I tell that to myself everyday At first, I used to say it and not believe it nor would I believe it would ever be true Only about a year ago did I start to believe it and every time I tell it to myself I smile knowing it’s true

[@smokyriverbushcraft]

Good mantra, keep it simple

[@fredurban7517]

thank you

[@bobbycecere1037]

Yeah that's how affirmations work. Mine is "my life is easy and it's blessed" You tell yourself anything long enough, you WILL believe it

[@J1997-j7x]

Amazing, thanks for sharing... I'll implement it!

[@bipolarswag321]

​@@bobbycecere1037compared to many, its worth it, easy or not.

[@heatherowens7195]

The Big Book of AA says that if we thoroughly follow their path we will be recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. Recovered. This guy offered me nothing new. I am recovered, mine was pretty spontaneous after not being able to shower without a fifth to calm the shakes. 11 years without a drink and DEFINITELY not without a power greater than myself. My spirit.

[@MichelleVasquez-fz4em]

I really like his point of view in a lot of ways he is correct especially in my life

[@JamesHadfield-qz9rv]

well lucky you! alot of folks despise a.a. for the simplistic religious self-defeating repetitive waste of time it is. not everyone can subject themselves to the rediculous HERD it is! keep going. get another Chip.

[@TheGoatLocker]

@@JamesHadfield-qz9rv That's a pretty exaggerated take on a self-help group. Its not a religious gathering, NA / AA literally states find "your higher power" not a specific higher power, for one. Then it follows by stating very clearly, your higher power can be something as simple as "the group" itself. Meaning, you stop thinking the world revolves around you and your thoughts alone. Early on in your recovery, your brain chemistry just isn't functioning properly and your choices got you into addiction in the first place. Thus, relying a bit on the group isn't such a bad thing. Demonstrating a bit of accountability is a good thing. Lastly, the group is meant almost entirely as a means to socializing and reconnecting isolated addicts with others, "connection is the opposite of addiction". I say this as someone that went from a needle in my neck to 3 & 1/2 years clean no relapse. Did the whole detox, inpatient, outpatient, mat process once and it worked for me personally, but I wanted it to. Did NA meetings for about 9 months. Nobody made me do steps, I repaired relationships and stuff in my own way. I'm an introvert and a loner by nature, but I went to meetings cause I was encouraged to by the professionals that had my best interest in mind. I reconnected with my community in group, made some friends, and for me it was a weekly accountability. Same with my outpatient therapy. Blowing off self-help groups cause their too religious for you is just an excuse not to go. Which you don't need an excuse, just don't go.

[@BrettMJuddMSW]

I wish this was widely understood and accepted. I've been a therapist in the addiction world for 20+ years. I've been argued with, professionally vilified, and laughed at because I teach this idea that you can recover and it's time to stop identifying with the substance or as an addict. Nothing more defeating than getting told you'll never overcome something.

[@TheFusedplug]

I'm recovered and very quickly (22 days sober) I ignored cravings I went against the advice of my treatment centre they wanted me to write down when cravings same what caused them etc etc and for me to write them down. Rubbish! All that does (from experience) is make cravings a "thing". If anything you don't even have to make yourself hyper busy either ... just get online and write a blog about your day so far or plans you are making but don't make it about drugs or recovery .. move on and LIVE and just keep in mind it's something you used to do and you don't do it anymore :) Great post btw God bless

[@natassiamatin9121]

5 years ago I put aside the pills going about my life without having to give it a name. Through a comedy of errors I ended up in a treatment center for which I have developed a strong aversion because treatment center is an obedience school for humans. The sad part is I witnessed so many individuals who instead of being embraced by the love of family are sent away to this obedience school only to be drugged up.

[@MB-mq1sf]

yea that didnt work for me.. but glad it did for you.

[@s2kkev292]

You can’t speak for everyone, some people need to constantly remind themselves of how bad they were feeling in addiction because thats the problem, somehow you forget and fall right back into it. And congrats on your 22 days but guess what you still have a LONG way to go before you can give people that sort of advice.

[@acloserlook6133]

@@s2kkev292 That's always my problem. As soon as I feel good and think I'm okay that's when I relapse.

[@DavidCooper-dm9cz]

I believe that we really never recovered but rather we live a life in recovery....recovery is is a new way of life, you just don’t get clean and recovered in less than 30 days....yes you may have not used in that time but the real work is done when you begin to actually change who you have become and become a better person....stopping the alcohol and drugs is the easy part of recovery, dealing with oneself and making the changes to the behaviors that led to the addiction...

[@mindfulfascia]

Love that healing was possible after 30 years of addiction. This is amazing. 🌈

[@marshallsanders5672]

Absolutely hit the nail on the head ! Addiction is the symptom not the cause. We all must go deeper within to truly get better!

[@GrannyWithAGreenThumb]

It's so hard for us to look at that pain but when we are open to change it makes it easier

[@brownbagtarot34]

"Addiction is the wake up call... to become more than what you ever thought you could be". 🤯❤️🌞

[@adancinyogi]

The ending about the hear’s journey made me tear a bit because I realized this is the process Im going through to go from scarcity to abundance. Thank you and be blessed up up!

[@andreaeagle6798]

I definitely had a severe case of soul sickness while in my addiction. I am beyond grateful for my addiction since it led me to my beautiful soul awakening recovery! Great talk. Thank you.

[@smileyscars3547]

God bless you the speaker makes a lot of sense .... I found peace in balancing the three selves mind body and soul , worked for me and a hobbies don’t hurt

[@Chrlsangl7]

This is beautiful! How did you arrive at that place? What were the turning points for you?

[@tommysdiy582]

When you get sick and tired of being sick and tired. When the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change, I will change.

[@pptopdog10]

75 days sober turned off everything in life and have surrendered my will to God I feel great and have worked through my mind and spiritual being

[@rollandjoeseph]

He tells like it really is, freedom! I'm 9 days free from alcohol and it's just the beginning, but ohh what a journey it is! I've never felt better mentally and in my life , and it doesn't stop there 🙂✌

[@anako1976]

I'm really glad I'm seeing this, especially since you just posted it only 23 hrs ago 🙏🏽... My partner is an alcoholic and I'm going to my first open AA meeting tomorrow. I'm doing so much research on this devastating addiction that had him nearly dead like Wednesday. Sending you the best vibes!

[@rollandjoeseph]

@@anako1976 good luck, I wish you the best in his recovery

[@rollandjoeseph]

@RGB 18 I'm going strong ! Thanks for asking . 47 days a/f , couldn't be happier!

[@sarahbreisch4750]

@@rollandjoeseph i'm so happy for you. The pain of the partner of an addict comes in a close second to the pain of the addict themself, i can only hope for a day when my SO can be free.

[@rollandjoeseph]

@@sarahbreisch4750 thx..but what does SO mean?

[@oksanaduqi5146]

Oh what a lovely talk. This is one of the most effective ways to see addiction and breaking free from it. We have to see that full picture to recover from what's hurting.

[@bobbieking7756]

I'm on a 15 month relapse. Desperately tired and I can't stop. This man's story is exactly what I'm going through. "I know something is going to happen." Thank you God for bringing me to this video and give me the strength to get me out of this so I can fulfill my purpose. Love all of you going through this struggle, you're worth it. 🥰🙏

[@user-ge1yj7vr3e]

Let’s go Bobbie!!!! You got this 🙏

[@leannabedore]

The #1 thing you have in your favor is acceptance and accountability. People who are not ready haven't accepted/admitted their addiction. You have! I hope you've tried again, and not allowed the relapse to stop you! Try making your mind up for good, look for the things that make you happy every day, live life for those things, whatever it may be❤ Think of all the positives of not being dependent, then look at all the negatives. I am rooting for you! Along with all of those around you that care about you!

[@marilynk.miller3705]

“Step into your hero’s journey and become more than you ever thought you could be”.

[@lucymagee3654]

Wow!!! If I was in that crowd I would have got up and have a standing ovation! This was the best talk on addiction I have ever heard.. the part about the side effects of numbing was spot on! I watched my husband suffer from addiction for the 8 years before he passed 3 weeks ago today. He numbed away all of his pain, but it seemed to last less and less and so he needed more and more. He then became numb to the joys of life, the simple joys, and his deep passion aswell for his Capoeira. A part of my is at peace and glad he is not suffering anymore, because although he was alive he was not living. In the end his heart just gave out, he fell asleep at 43 and never woke up. I miss my best friend and I will always be grateful to him for everything he did for me, he tried his absolute best and was the most generous person on the planet. I look forward to seeing him again but not yet, I am on my hero’s journey 💖🙏🏻💖

[@GrannyWithAGreenThumb]

So sorry for your loss. It's hard to watch our loved ones sink to this addiction. My husband is so deep in denial he can't see. His hurt and wounds from childhood that he has covered for 60 years are so deep and he can't look there. I pray for his eyes to be open to the life that's available to him outside of the alcohol, but it's all up to him to look. It's hard when we want it so badly for them😢

[@GurkiratShergill]

Sorry to hear that my dear sister.

[@Notorious_MIG02]

So... I got clean 4/22/2021, thought I'd never go back. A lot happened and I had to move back to the home I grew up in, the place where a lot of my trauma and using occured. The last time I lived here I had my grandma and my daddy here with me, now it's just me and my step mom. In three months, I started drinking heavy and then relapsed a month ago. Day before yesterday I found out my best friend has been relapsing frequently. Now today, I'm sitting here high as a kite. Full of regret, anger and desire for more but I know I worked so hard to where I am, I just bought everybody in my family presents and I'm taking my stepmom on a trip for Christmas in less than two weeks. I don't think she could handle it if I started using again. I keep telling myself and my angels I will do better 🙏 Thanks for letting my vent. Maybe this video will help me through this

[@yerpster]

You’re not alone in this situation. Strive to be better than you were yesterday. This is what I tell myself. Just remember, drugs and alcohol don’t solve any problems. They numb you and usually make things worse. Stay strong my friend. Don’t let addiction win.

[@jane7627]

You can do it!!! Keep clean, keep sober!! You are deeply loved ❤️ and you are a child of God. Make your life all you want it to be. Dream it believe it 🙏 🤲 Watch Jake Ducey on manifesting all you want!! Gratitude. Sending you strength, hugs, love and light!

[@genesis5849]

Woww hope everything works for you dealing with things also I hope I get pass this 😢

[@intuitionintelligence]

How are things going now @Notorious_MIG02?

[@Notorious_MIG02]

@intuitionintelligence clean and sober ☺️ with a man I'm absolutely in love with. Going back to school. Serving working less hours with more money and better people. Life is good ❣️ things get hard but I make it work

[@eduardosalas2640]

Every addict defines what recovery is to them. The man seem to found his for of spirituality; appears to be applying the cognitive behavioral modal on himself; which works best when practice by your own volition and design; otherwise like a lot of addicts believe “it was forced down my throat!”. He does seem contradict himself in saying perhaps the disease modal is wrong, but also talks about symptoms. Diseases have symptoms. As a substance abuse counselor I’ve always been taught and have taught that there are several aspects of recovery including spirituality, self care, finding one’s purpose, working through stuck points, issues from the past; and that looks different for everyone struggling with addiction. I’m glad he found his recovered self. Maybe his journey is something that can help others because they connect with his though they may not connect with mine for whatever reason.

[@steveodonnell2921]

Explained perfectly, Eduardo

[@natureswayglass]

Appreciate the thoughts. Probably duly noted, diseases are not exclusive to symptoms. Symptoms tell the story of the self. Not Only DIS-ease, the Lack of Ease & Grace within thyself.

[@verocimil]

This was an incredible talk, I cannot emphasize it enough! There is so much in it! It speaks to the soul and to the entire being now, it will continue speaking when the new man in each of us has arisen, again, again and again! I cannot thank you enough!

[@zeehuss7275]

This really digs deep into the soul.

[@RyanWeaver-fp5kq]

There’s a lot of stigma surrounding addiction treatment and the work of mental health in general. I find it somewhat encouraging. There’s something else… the co morbid conditions and multi use disorder. The negative loops and connections. The other piece of judgments by those close to you. The arm chair judgements by those who should know better than to judge or to inflict incorrect diagnose and scatter rumors about you. It can be very hurtful. I have family members who struggle. Years… and, other people have projected upon me… The nature of control from others… The reality of addiction and control it’s not just one thing. Fascinating stuff indeed. The professionalization of these spheres is a very very real need. Rights of individuals and groups matter.

[@henrywamae4624]

Wow ,I mean like this is a different era but this really hit me hard. Am grateful...

[@Fly_Straight]

Just blown away by this gentleman's insight, thank you very much kind Sir.

[@leesober3798]

I had a bad case of soul sickness too.. Wow, amazing. Thank you. God bless anyone in recovery,, its our own battle to win

[@herstory1012]

The most underrated video on KZbin! Thanks for this.

[@saltlight4347]

Wow listened to every addiction TED talk- this one by far rings true to a deep part of my inner being, like that feeling when you deep down know there’s not a single chance that it’s wrong

[@LebaneseJesus]

This is single handedly the best advice I have ever gotten

[@genesis5849]

Definitely

[@cptsnmouse]

Mr. Taraborelli speaks deep words of wisdom at so many levels. Thank you for this insightful video.

[@ritagamez3732]

I keep hearing, “childhood trauma”. What comes to mind is, hurting people, hurt others. It was never you, it was them. Lots of broken people in this world, and that’s where a lot of our pain came from.

[@GrannyWithAGreenThumb]

Agree! And the toxins the corrupt corporations are putting in our foods and home products are poisoning our bodies.

[@renitadalmeida4347]

This talk of all talks I’ve hear on TED is my favourite

[@shellyclark121]

One of the best Teds I have ever seen!! Thank you!!

[@natureswayglass]

The beginning *is* my story... (...20+ years treatment, head through Multiple windshields, WAY too many od_s, suicidal convos w self, all whilst nodding & smiling to hide the shame of what I'd become..) Now, the Time is beginning, again & e-new, for the beautiful transformation found in Dean's Story. Aloha Mahalo, Namaste.

[@laldinpuia1537]

We can be recovered,,, if God is always with us,,

[@stabebetini]

Probably one of THE BEST I’ve ever heard !

[@dessiehoward4889]

I show this to people I come across that are still using because I'm still using. I believe that doing things like that give me purpose whilestuck in this life

[@RehabtoReality]

There is a way out, if we can do it you can do it too! 🙏🏽💕 give us a listen 🩷

[@LONEWOLF..314-S-T-L]

SALUTE 💪💯👍👍.. this was one of the best sobriety messages I've heard in my now close to three years in recovery

[@patrickconley2211]

thank you for this insightful talk I believe that recovery is possible I will continue to seek recovery with the help of TED Talks

[@bensims7501]

Proud of you. Good man

[@genesis5849]

Definitely

[@breakinghabitsandbuildinge665]

It feels like you were speaking directly to me.

[@barreldreamz7852]

I don't think I've heard wiser words spoken about addiction when he said that " addiction is a call for something more in life"!!! So I've had a lot of success in my life and I definitely don't have the typical story of a drug addict in the sense of everything falling apart around me. Definitely have been a highly functioning addict because I've ran a business that was highly successful for me and my employees for years and had generally just done well but had been addicted to opiates forever. But when I realized what started my addiction it was really just the fact that I had wanted something so much more out of my life and I saw so many other people attaining it who didn't even put the work or effort in and I really wanted it more than them and it seemed to just fall in their lap. And that pissed me off and the drugs basically had lowered my ambitions to where I didn't have this incessant compulsion for something more constantly aggravating me and making me unhappy about what I don't have in my life. Basically the drugs did their job and I was content with running my business and living life and I was honestly happy and has come to terms with the fact that life was unfair in a lot of ways in the sense that you don't always get what you want and some people get everything yet they never even wanted it and they are very ungrateful for it. One last thing is I just want to say I don't know how this guy had a $200,000 a year drug have it!?!?!? First of all what drugs were you doing man??? And second of all was that mommy and daddy's money or was it yours or how did you even amass that fortune for drugs and still maintain the essentials for life such as paying rent or mortgage, food and everything else? I've heard of two hundred and $300 a day drug habits but two hundred thousand a year is insane

[@deseancarter9643]

Thank you. I will no longer be defined by my past. Define for who I am becoming.

[@RehabtoReality]

There is a way out, if we can do it you can do it too! 🙏🏽💕 give us a listen 🩷

[@ajayasommers9218]

Yeah Dean! Awesome Sharing! Thank you so much for sharing your journey so vulnerably and with so much passion. Thank you for choosing to step into your purpose! We need you!

[@lynnfraser7916]

Beautiful...thank you...Healing and loving our body, mind, spirit, soul. ❤

[@genesis5849]

I like how you guys started this with a didgeridoo sound ,So deep needed this hope this helps me 😢

[@livinlifewithrick7054]

Excellent !! A lot of truth and understanding in this talk.

[@bcl3341]

This is something I've needed to hear for the past decade.

[@ceciliasundvallischi3780]

Agree 100%. I’ve been in rehab 5 times and asked myself why I felt something was missing until I found it myself in the way you just described. 🙏❤️ My intuition has become so much stronger after this “enlightenment” or whatever you want to call it. Sometimes it feels like I get high on my intuition. That is the best drug I ever had!

[@robertmurdock8164]

I tried every form of system management every scheme to try to control my drinking I know every form of rationalization and justification for continuing the cycle of self destruction The only thing that lit a fire in me was pain as it got my attention The utility of pain is that moment of insight where the person realizes the hopelessness of his or her situation The key to freedom is understanding your powerlessness over a inanimate object which fuels the brain disorder and the cycle of disintegration

[@ma119107]

17 year old with a heart breaking addiction to THC vaping He’s ruining his life before it begins. I pray for him every night and there is no end in sight.

[@natashabennett4959]

I think they'll be okay, hon... Marijuana isn't deadly nor does it lead to illness for most, they will grow to find a healthy balance more than likely. Real addictions are chemical and do real damage that weed doesn't, I hope this brings you some hope/peace

[@shubh7615]

I'm literally dying of my addiction. I understand what he's saying but where I'm at in this addiction bubble...nothing seems to work. I'm so lost. I hope what I learnt here will help.

[@StyTru]

Praying your OK

[@kushagrakapoor9181]

hey man i hope you get better

[@Kemachris]

Hope you are still hanging in there! My advice is, try to stop, even if it's just pushing it for 15mins, every time you can postpone it, is a small learning experience in not doing it. And will give you back a sense of control.

[@nedimirma1848]

How are you 2 years later my friend?

[@shubh7615]

Still alive. Got into an accident and can no longer see from one eye. But I stopped all the substance abuse so that's going for me. I bet that's what it took for me to get out of it. Huge price to pay but I got my life back hopefully.

[@danisaksson3214]

I absolutely agree that synergy is necessary. I got a little allergic at the quantum field mention though. Regardless though, this dude seems genuine and I'm really happy to hear he's recovered. I'm still in recovery, and i struggle a lot with the economic and emotional consequences of addiction, and I am determined to make it out, to find love and compassion for my injuries and the defensive mechanisms I've used and am using, so that I may heal.

[@MB-mq1sf]

I am truly inspired by every word coming forth. took time to get through this one because i decided to write down word for word repeating every word, so that i may reread again and again. i have yet to get out my minds clutter but ive started to add new files now! i know i know i cant rewrite the old programs but at least now i know why recovery is taking so damn long and i now no where to start.

[@angelablackthorne7631]

I hear the message about the fear of not finding or not fulfilling your life purpose because addiction is such a powerful tangent away from the central purpose of your life. What bothers me about this talk is that he hasn't done his homework about what causes relapse, about how common it is for recovery to take years, and how recovery is a cumulative effort of learning and practicing new behaviors and new emotional management, self care and coping skills, and yes, it will all eventually gel. Yes, It gets easier. Yes, you get stronger. Yes, your brain recovers. Are you still susceptible to addiction? Yes. He doesn't credit that his years and years of therapy eventually sank in! He denies what we know: relapse can sneak up on you even after years of recovery, especially after a traumatic life event. No treatment model uses medication alone. Medication isn't meant to be used alone for recovery, it's just harm reduction to give you a chance to learn enough about managing your illness that you can have a real chance to succeed when you completely stop using. "I didn't have the trauma" ?! Well, yes, you did. If not, why did you ever start using? You were responding to something. You may not even remember a wound created by well meaning parents in early childhood. They don't have to be monsters. Children can be fragile. Adverse Childhood Experience can come from outside your family. For example, maybe your parents were good caregivers, but you were bullied by siblings or at school. It's really quite easy to traumatize young children. He's basically saying he's not an addict any more. I talk to lots of people who say this. People want to believe they can come out unscathed. It's an attractive fantasy. I think that's creating a false hope and a false expectation that sets a person up to feel bad about themselves. I look at a person who says "I'm recoverED" and not "I'm in recovery"-humbly acknowledging that it's a life-long, changing and dynamic process post addiction. What I see is a person who is in denial, is still shame-based, and may have a rude awakening eventually if he has a major life loss down the road. "The price of freedom is vigilance."

[@susanclarke2439]

Great reply!!

[@jaimecowan490]

Thank you for this. Truly

[@ElowenFaye]

Thank you for this critical, differentiated comment, Angela! May I ask if you personally struggle(d) with addiction? Me, I have an eating disorder. Restricting and binging/purging were my coping mechanisms for the past 12 years (I'm 30 now). I feel every word you wrote.

[@m.e.bentoo2271]

Hi Angela. I started to reply to your comment but it grew to be so large I decided to try this way. Let me say this: there are at least 8 areas where you miss the point. While your comments indicated to me, thoughtfulness and thinking on your part, they are still inaccurate. If you reply to my comment, I think it will show up either in my email or the next time I open youtube and log in to it. If you do, I will respond, put in my email (please don't share it) and explain some things to you that you might find very helpful. I'm assuming, that like me, you have gotten sober/clean and I'm also assuming you are capable of dialog. Many people don't seem to be any longer. This of course doesn't mean you are willing to but this right now, is the best I could come up with. If not, okay, please continue on in sobriety.

[@wildmaven21]

Thank you so much Angela for posting this comment. It can be really easy to go into denial especially when there are so many messages around us that normalize perfectionism in everything. Childhood trauma is a deeply infested tangly mess that takes time, patience, loads and loads of self love, vigilance, introspection to untangle over and over again. "The price of freedom is vigilance" - love this line!

[@conancoulombe9927]

thank you for this insightful talk I believe that recovery is possible I will continue to seek recovery with the help of TED Talks

[@jessie330]

How's it working for you ? Have you found you needed more then Ted or where you about to do it ? Wish you well man :)

[@EpicPlayer954]

this made me cry. it was really good

[@DamonSun-kz6ty]

Love passion community contribution

[@mrgratitutude]

In your victory day u Will live life gratefully, full of abundance despite any your circumstance. Circumstance Will just follow what u are. And u never worry about your circumstance again. And maybe after that u Will fall again to addiction but this time u know where u want to come back

[@Candlewick14]

This was incredible everyone should see this

[@jabulanichikondo1359]

Thank you Dean. Needed to hear this message of hope

[@thomaspiccirillo6820]

DEAN THE DREAM TY FOR UR AWESOME COURAGE

[@abenjangimchen6446]

FAITH IN ACTION REALLY WORK

[@marioschr4918]

Amazing Ted Talk. Congratulations !

[@AMayer-se6gg]

Living this.

[@tinaperez7393]

You are attuned to the song of life. That's your antenna. You are body mind soul spirit. When you work on them synergistically, you can get out of recovery and be recovered. If there's something wrong with the present moment, you may need a little more recovery. Being recovered means that: 1) you are aligned with your highest purpose. 2) you are no longer defined by your past. That you can let go of the past. You have resolved the past. When people keep talking about the past, it's because people haven't resolved the past. 3) You can now be defined by who you are becoming and by what is possible for you. That you are defined by and aligned with your values and highest purpose. 4) being recovered means that you have gone from chaos to peace. That you go from scarcity to abundance. That you are on your hero's journey. And the journey of the hero is where we take our deepest darkest problems and we turn them into medicine. And that's the journey that we all must go through as part of life. So addiction might just be the wake up call to step into your hero's journey and become more than you ever thought you that you could be. And when we do that then we are recovered. You only have one journey and you get to decide. Live with passion. Be recovered.

[@JennyB957]

Finally someone shedding light on marijuana and its addictive / destructive nature .

[@TheBigKimJong]

Addiction and destructive behaviour is a human problem, marijuana is not the cause, or root of any problem.

[@ronsmith251]

Gloria, fantastic don't smoke or take it then. That's your choice. Remember though, you don't make my choice, I do.

[@chrisfoley7515]

Ha!😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@chrisfoley7515]

Wait, you're not joking are you?

[@balanced-shez8226]

I loved your talk You explained exactly how i feel right now,I feel like this medication has defeated me, I am a very strong person been thru a lot of pain & grief. I just got to the stage where i am done with this drug ruling my life. And i am not living anymore I thought if i can't kick this habit I will take them all,I am ashamed i am a failure,to my children. I am in recovery its been a month no pills but i keep thinking ill feel so much better tomorrow,but no the detox wont stop full on anxiety i don't think i can bare 1 more minute of,but i scream into my pillow or take a walk,then more hot flushes,I can't even meditate I feel so stressed i cant breath.The RLS, it just won't stop.I really don't know if i can take much more of not being well enough to go out to do anything with my grandkids.I just want to be the happy go lucky, positive human i used to be before i had my back ops & ended up taking morphine 25 yrs ago. I try keep my inflammation down in my body,which helps but I am starting to feel like this is it I am trying to produce endorphins, dopamine,ect using my mind, Its just not happening will i ever be happy again.Your talk helped, but i now feel like if i give in I will never be a hero.

[@garethbeare7319]

Your brain cannot produce endorphins on demand, exactly in the sense that it cannot produce morphine on demand. Cannot produce alcohol. Cannot produce any psychoactive substance you may at point desperately crave and need. Attempting to will your will somehow to help you is genuine despair...which is understood, and in truth you are not alone.

[@hackedaccount5116]

Any update if I may ask? I hope to god you’re alive and well, if you see this, how are you? Gareth is right, you’re not alone. You were extremely hard on yourself, but I get it, I know the pain and the physical and emotional pain from opiate and Benzodiazepine-withdrawals, it’s hellish. Much love

[@ryan8430]

It takes I think 18 months for the brain to truly heal

[@jennybaker5647]

That was very inspiring. Thank you!

[@krystiangorski6201]

This is such a vast and complex topic. I believe we still dont truly understand what makes some recover and others fail. Unfortunately, statistically speaking, most people aren't successful. Some recover by going to church. Some through AA. Some just have had enough and stop on their own. One thing i believe that helps is a sense of belonging and community. The fact that " recovery " has turned into a profitable industry isnt good either. The scariest part is, there are so many people struggling with addiction the last decade, it seems overwhelming.

[@helenharch447]

Clever, clever man. True alchemy! 👏👏👏

[@williamwhelan9250]

inspirational speaker

[@aortiz877]

this motivated me so much that i actually called sanctuary Sedona which is the treatment place this guy found. they aren’t able to take my health insurance so they gave me a discounted price of 46,000 for 30 days. yes thats right 46,000,. it sucks that real good treatment in the united states is only for the upperclass or wealthy. its almost unfair. everything is all only about money. i know i really need something different and this is definitely different and i think will work. the whole natural holistic thing i believe in after researching, but starting off with hardly any money is very discouraging

[@luminousvox29]

That’s absolutely ridiculous. I’m sorry. Don’t get discouraged!! You can find an alternative that is less expensive! That’s OUTRAGEOUS.

[@elizabethflynr7561]

This issue of addiction still has miles to go in terms of treatment. Not all of us get it, or the “grace In AA., you can be dubbed trouble, even if the only transgressions you have committed are to yourself.

[@DanielGomez-le5wo]

They should do sit-ups where the upper part of the abdomen is worked, with the legs raised and trying to touch the feet with the hands and its variants that work the upper part of the abdomen, they will see improvements quickly. That upper abdominal exercise will take away your depression and anxiety, it will also heal your mind....

[@genesis5849]

Thanks gonna try this out

[@CyndiTilley]

Yes. I am on medications and I hate it. I pray for Jesus to intervene and help me get off it all. I’m trying.. Lord knows I’m trying.

[@jennybaird5205]

This is spot on. Thank you for the reminder! And what an amazing story. Thanks for sharing!

[@youngdylan5083]

❤️

[@MihaelaBlanche]

Great! Thanks! I agree with everything you said.

[@lucyhanna5172]

I had a friend whose mother died. She hated her mother and took a pill to get through the funeral. She felt nothing but a sense of numbness. She couldn't feel anything. Underneath she has not dealt with coming to terms with the death of her mother. I say damn the pill, it buried her feelings and she has not felt a thing about her mother since.

[@ohsochuck1875]

I understand your take on things, but there is no healing from addition. There is no day that passes that I do not think about "things", so I definitely understand addiction well.

[@RyanWeaver-fp5kq]

Living from crisis to crisis… the negative loops of management by basement level behaviors is an integrated look at systems thinking.

[@Honeyginger397]

Soul sickness wow... Love listening to you THANKS 🙏

[@jonigirl1968]

Wow that was good. Thank you 🙏 ❤

[@heatherjohnson9090]

Incredible!

[@cs5889]

Binging while watching

[@Chrlsangl7]

I feel some truth that addiction is a lack of connection. Maybe a lack of connection with ourselves, the earth and society. Maybe if we had a society worth engaging in it may increase the motive to want to be an integral part of that society? What if, we were all allowed the equitable opportunity for gaining emotional and mental tools to nurture our purpose? What if, we lived in a society that was truly connected to our physical environment that the earth provides? What kind of world would we have? So many questions....Show me an addict and let me hear their story. I would be interested to hear their perception of how they feel connected. I remember feeling rather confused as a child watching people scramble for 'bigger' and 'better' the large house, the fancy car, the latest fashion... I did not feel connected to those values. I lost hope in what 'society' offered. I lost track of where I wanted to be in relation to that.

[@lindsey5137]

amazing ty

[@urigellarfella3680]

Amazing video. Thank you x

[@bernardmbire3540]

So deep💯

[@mytimbo1472]

So powerful my hero

[@marktroy3236]

How does one resolve or let go of the past? Especially when one don’t understand what the trigger or reason is?

[@Dutchenter]

Dont look back, only forward. Focus on your goals you want to achieve 🙏🏼

[@dd81807]

This very wise gentleman is on the money. Symptom management will not resolve root cause of the issue.

[@sammy2840]

I have been recoverED for 6 years after simply reading the forward to The Big Book! It talks about a “group of alcoholics who HAVE RECOVERED!! Go read it!

[@nataliearmstrong9147]

Wow wow wow wow just WOW!!!! That’s all no words you said it all Wow!!!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@visiblethought]

At the risk of sounding rude, I must say that your presentation sounds like a highly choreographed and sophisticated advertisement for your treatment program. May I ask how much it would cost to participate in that program? That would help me assess the sincerity-the legitimacy-of your presentation. And, at the same time, let me say that I do not doubt the sincerity of your personal struggles.

[@eeyoredurden]

It's seriously over a grand a day! 30-40k a month. I work in another treatment center in the area that's 10-12k and even that is too much. If people truly wanted to heal others and cared about people so much I think they could find a way to do it without getting rich off others. What about poor people with these same struggles, you know? Oh I'd love to heal them but they're too poor to afford what I have to say.

[@harrisonwade9038]

@@eeyoredurden that’s exactly my biggest beef with recovery community. NA welcomes everyone and is free for a reason. And rehabs will throw people out if they can’t pay, they will hire unqualified staff and Dr’s and if you advocate for yourself they will use the surrender aspect against you.

[@harrisonwade9038]

And tell you that you have no self esteem, you work in cycles of shame and guilt and fear, which is all true but then gain your trust and tell you they know what’s best for you and if you push back on anything they will use it against you. Since childhood I’ve had people tell me “I’m here to help you” but will do it with an agenda, $$, to brag only they could get you clean, etc. not to say I haven’t learned or gained anything from them. Usually not addicts have been used, trust broken and then in their most vulnerable state, w their last bit of hope. Turn to these people who are mostly dry drunks. Addicted to something else that is socially acceptable. And keeps their lives manageable for a time. They still manipulate & use people and justify failed patients as those who weren’t ready or full committed. Since entering the recovery side, all I want is to provide a place where the addict comes first. And I don’t hire friends or accept patients who need a higher level of care bc I need to keep The place running. But this is America. Private healthcare. A lot have good intentions, but so have I only to inflict horrible damage.

[@RyanWeaver-fp5kq]

Within global contexts… these have larger moving parts. It is very real. Fear based leadership is not ok.

[@catharinedurst3153]

Agree with everything I do believe however that our souls never stop evolving and this isn’t our only chance as we come back until we get it

[@CarolynDenison]

If you live long enough. Recovery is a process for addicts who live long enough to be recovered.

[@elijahgarcia5504]

I love this mans insights ! Good for you !

[@dsymonkey]

I was addicted to fentanyl. I should be dead. The only way I am able to stay sober from drugs is by giving my life to Christ. Jesus died and rose on the 3rd day to pay for our sins. unfortunately no ted talk can do what Christ can. . to you thats reading this In Jesus name I pray your addiction would break and you would put your faith in Him. God bless