Recovery: an alcoholic's story | Robert Rhatigan | TEDxABQ

[@ramonajungwirth8520]

My wife took my three children away from me because I was an abusive alcoholic. It’s been the most difficult time of my life, but I did it. That’s how I quit.

[@jonnycash8276]

Can you give us a update?

[@Mija04.24]

Sometimes it takes extreme consequences to wake us up to getting help. I’m proud of her. That could not have been an easy decision for your wife or your children. I would love an update on your story judging by the last sentence you wrote I’m assuming it’s a good ending.

[@flukeseawalker]

I have consumed psilocybin mushrooms for my headaches, depression, alcohol addiction. Today, nearly two years after my first dose, Pennsylvania has one less depressed alcoholic citizen. But now the State wants to Punish me for becoming a better Human Being.

[@completelytransparent6320]

tell me more. got caught with some mushrooms? how are you doing today buddy?

[@Skerboysweet]

You are just swapping one addiction for another how about you actually get clean with psychedelics…

[@Skerboysweet]

Your a clown homie why don’t you get sober yourself

[@goddog47]

I'm on my own path to recovery.....I need to be healthy and organised for the rest of life, I've done the alcohol and drug thing but it doesn't bring me any lasting happiness or wellbeing. Feels great to finally let go of my addiction!

[@He1boy]

Bravo! Humans have the RIGHT as denizens of our Great Mother Earth to any plants or substances she produces for their use. No prescription, no permission, no "authority" to tell them they can. We have a right and anyone standing in the way of that right is a criminal.

"After 4 ceremonies in the jungle with a non toxic non addictive psychoactive subtance that is illegal to possess or prescribe in the United States, my relationship with a deadly addictive legal drug was OVER."

[@karl532]

Not only is alcohol deadly and addictive and legal but it is the worst drug of them all. It addicts more people than any other drug, it kills more people directly and indirectly than any other drug and it's the only drug that can kill you during the withdrawal phase, other than benzodiazepines. Which coincidentally is the drug they will temporarily prescribe to you too help you go through the withdrawal phase from alcohol.

[@jhixofficial7634]

I'm at this point. Starting to trip on around 600 ug at work. I'll dose 3 hours prior my shift so i can ride the come up and peaking at work just makes everything easier for me. Yeah I had drinks when I got home but I'm able to cut myself off and want a good healthy meal and water annnd cannabis

[@dickfitswell3437]

Huh? What are y'all talking about. 600ug? DMT

[@whosthatgirl69]

There are many different paths to recovery. What works for one person may not work for others. We need to have an open mind and allow people to find their own path to recovery

[@nemesisbreakz]

whosthatgirl69 I believe we need prohibition.

[@davidw.5384]

As with anything else in this country, if there is a huge financial machine opposing it, the end result will be failure. Alcohol is arguably one hundred fold more dangerous than marijuana, yet due to the tremendous economic impact on society, alcohol remains, and most likely will remain, legal. I am glad this man discovered something that works for him. Hopefully his zeal for its potential will help others.

[@randyring1251]

I like that comment

[@kalkiluvslakshmi6532]

wtf is wrong with u

[@mckennakatie]

Right on. Agree 100%

[@justinhoffman429]

I took Ibogaine 8 years ago and after 30 rehabs, 10 years of AA, therapy and of course medications, I was finally free. I haven't even had a craving since. AA members preach that anything "mind altering" will cause a relapse. They are absolutely clueless and should learn what LSD did for Bill W. I attend AA, but for connection. I dont believe its anything but a nice social club to share your experience with others. As for therapy? It isn't, and I dont know why every rehab in America tells you that its either AA or jail, institutions or death. Theres plenty of other options. The steps are a nice little antiquated tool for recovery, that might help some.. The truth is they do nothing for trauma and anxiety disorders which are usually at the root of "why"

[@jacobfide]

You’re not working the steps properly if they don’t help you with trauma. And once you’ve identified the root problem with a therapist the 12 steps will help u in that arena as well

[@justinhoffman429]

Jacob, it’s time for AA to be replaced with a program that’s embracing modern psychology a book from 1939 that leans heavy on misogyny, isn’t what this generation wants to be reading as an answer to their problems. AA is going the way of the dinosaur

[@jacobfide]

@@justinhoffman429 how is AA misogynistic??😂 but I agree it needs to incorporate modern psychology. That’s why rehabs exist as well as therapy and sponsors in the program. If u went to a meeting you’d see the “modern psychology”

[@markdellacqua1038]

LSD did nothing for Bill Wilson. The numerous clinical trials over the decades with LSD have had no success in dealing with the root cause of addiction: self-centeredness. You can't renew your mind and change the heart with drugs. There's nothing new under the sun.

[@markdellacqua1038]

@@jacobfide Which is why the recovery rate for alcoholics is nothing like it was in the early days of AA. Pop psychology has watered the AA message in most meetings.

[@prasert85]

I want to try it!! I watched a programme where people with terminal disease, who were afraid of death, took this psychedelic in the amazon. And ALL were no longer afraid of their appending death. I find it incredible. I am a chronic alcoholic and am terrified of death so I may be on a plane to the amazon soon. The only thing that concerns me is that I suffer with panic attacks and would be scared the drug would induce one that lasted hours.

[@CaptianKeyz]

+prasert85 I would recommend smoked DMT. It's effects last about 15 minutes. Eating it with a MAOI will last for hours. You still may need more sessions because of the trade off of the short duration. At least, smoking it won't make you sick like eating it will often do. I think it might be a better place to start, to better address your concerns. Other psychedelics can have the same effect of "change" you are looking for, as well.

[@Kormac80]

+CaptianKeyz That's a terrible suggestion. You should not be in the business of making suggestions when you obviously don't know what you're talking about. As someone who has engaged deeply with the medicine in its appropriate context and form (drinking tea in ceremony) I am very familiar with the facts. My closest friend of 30 years is a shaman with this plant medicine and anyone who knows about it knows that smoking DMT is nothing like engaging in ceremony. Isolating a chemical compound and ingesting it is NOT the same thing. And it is not the curative and purgative of ayahuasca.

[@debbiehorn4221]

+prasert85 I'm ready to try it also. Time to step out. :)

[@Lazarett]

prasert85 When I'll die , I'll be in orbit somewhere , alone ... all alone .

[@seamusdebuitleir20]

Hope you found recovery,try Thamkrabok in Thailand if you havent yet got sober,wish you well.

[@jags3352]

His presentation skills are very good!!

[@kaptajnsejersen6303]

The tools and people from AA made it possible for me to stay away from the bottle. Psychedelic mushrooms healed the root-problem of my drinking. Anxiety!

[@stephenransley9377]

well done and it's bad how they treat this medicine the world needs it now

[@FrankEmmanuel799]

I’d appreciate your comment

[@FrankEmmanuel799]

I got some from an online supplier

[@FrankEmmanuel799]

FROM TRIPWITH_JEFF

[@FrankEmmanuel799]

in instagram

[@teacherrobin3192]

Excellent talk! Yes ... to shift right into heart and more and to stay there.

[@keeza333]

great wish the world were open to this working on trying to win my battle.

[@gaiasgrowinggarden8603]

3 years sober today! New life here I come!!!

[@commander1982]

Excellent!! Hope all is well

[@milescarr8524]

You got this!

[@ravindrasinghkushwaha1803]

What was the experience of first month of recovery

[@stilesdiego8531]

Check out mycodext on Instagram for some Healing psychedelics products. He got quality shrooms, lsd, dmt and others. He's discreet and very reliable.

[@katiefaint9228]

This brings up a lot of very interesting topic for which much debate could occur. The sad part is the pharmaceutical companies would most likely bring about horrific hurdles as they line the pockets of the majority of politicians everywhere. I have dealt with alcoholism for 12 years and I have currently been sober for 32 months. It took a 16 month prison sentence for me to get over my own denial. I would not wish that upon anyone. However, now I am actually in school and my major is Psychology, my intentions later down the road, are to become a substance abuse counselor. I do hope that in the future we can make progress in shifting addiction treatment away from the prison systems which is where most addicts/ alcoholics end up assuming they do not first die or find recovery on their own. Even then, through prison systems there is still a revolving door. It is really sad. With the heroin epidemic which is impeding upon the world, I do hope that research efforts will progress and lead to better recovery options for those who will be needing it.

[@seamusdebuitleir20]

Hi Katie,a question are you still sober? I mean free from all drugs legal and illegal and chemical straight jacket? Cheers!

[@goskateboarding1412]

Psychedelics encourage neurogenesis - the growth of new brain cells, as well as neuroplasticity - the brain’s ability to modify/change/adapt. If you are looking for a savior, get up and find a mirror, you can do this. Be well.

[@DetaoMakesMusic]

Considering an ayahausca journey for addiction treatment. Has anyone else had luck with this way of treatment? What should you expect? How did you feel afterwards? And whats the longevity of the treatment afterwards?

[@godsmack1716]

I know someone very very well whos currently microdosing to help with their recovery and its been a God send....if you're willing to do the work its amazing ....

[@lighttheway4694]

Update?

[@jhixofficial7634]

Humanity has been doing psychedelics since the beginning of time

[@carljarvi2914]

thanks for sharing ..

[@erinnortonlovely]

thanks for sharing....

[@maestrofathom8524]

13 months clean and sober

[@anthonyfoster8675]

This is great information. Have you seen Dr. KJ Foster and Fostering Resilience? She also has great info on sobriety, recovery, mental health, meditation, etc.

[@peir77]

Definitely not ready for addiction recovery. Would like one or two nights without alcohol.. but in no way could I imagine my life without it.

[@dj3ecuador100]

Dj DOM he left out that while your addition will be gone you will be able to social drink

[@danieloconnell2978]

No, you won’t be able to socially drink, not if you’re an alcoholic. A problem drinker might be able to do so but an alcoholic can never safely drink.

[@MaryLopez-kb7xp]

@@danieloconnell2978 I agree

[@tmiexcursion]

Bill Wilson's "spiritual experience" was a psychedelic compound in the belladonna/brugmansia family

[@garyratoff8080]

tmiexcursion was that about the time he started channeling entities from dimensions beyond this one and penned the so called Big Book in a matter of days ? 😉

[@garyratoff8080]

tmiexcursion don't want to be messing with the devils trumpet ... trust me on that ... it's a deliriant not a true psychedelic and has the potential to not only kill you and blind you but potentially Drive you permanently ... loco !

[@tmiexcursion]

Know someone who tried and does not recommend it. A true dissociative. BTW, brugmansia, not jimsonweed, is Don Juan Matus' datura. You can also read about it in McKenna's "True Hallucinations."

[@ryanhughes2459]

Bill Wilson wanted a 13th step...LSD

[@AyaSkye0]

“Distilled Spirits” on Kindle. Excellent read. DOS: 4-1984.

[@fabulouswoman]

DMT worked for me in my addiction even though that is not why I took it.

[@chicodaboi174]

What addiction did DMT cure you from?

[@markdellacqua1038]

@@chicodaboi174 Probably reality.

[@theotherway1639]

Cool vid. I also enjoyed the book "30 Days to Sobriety" by Harper Daniels.

[@vampire1111pitbull]

I know why people drink. I get it. Its the only relief there is from the pain this world and this life provides unlimited.

[@christinebadostain6887]

Sounds compelling for sure--altered states of consciousness have been sought after probably since the dawn of humanity, however, there will, come a time and it is already happening, when one will just have to dig in and see oneself without ANY altering agent---just raw honesty---ouch!

[@Rhat860]

Great job. So proud of you!

[@Byrian420]

I want to volunteer for New Mexico please. I'm an alcoholic and would like this type of recovery!

[@stilesdiego8531]

Check out mycodext on Instagram for some Healing psychedelics products. He got quality shrooms, lsd, dmt and others. He's discreet and very reliable.

[@peterspace1342]

also check out Rational Recovery by Jack Trimpey

[@debbiehorn4221]

I'll be a study case.

[@jerrysullivan9659]

2/5/84❤ using the 12 Step Model.

[@mdk12mdk]

10 years on it🐶

[@3dge--runner]

great talk from this alcoholic (that would be me). thank you

[@mdmehedihasanrocky7648]

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[@joeyakkary6018]

▬▬► Hi friends. If уou or а lovеd оne nеeds helр with drugs oооor аlсohоl аddictiоn CALL ►►► *1-888-966-2616* (Toll-Free) Don't wаit until its tоo late where thеrе is life thеre is hоре реаce and blessings!

[@ernestcox3677]

+joey Akkary veg . ctr c.f. c t

[@eunahchang2740]

pharmaceutical is going bust baby.

[@clintonlunn4357]

Him going to a shaman and taking pschycodelics may sound radical, but have you ever watched someone drink themselves to death?

[@burtons828]

self-awareness consciousness different kinds of events happening the principle a synchronous stickly always a cause for transformation but anything is possible and it doesn't necessarily require psychedelic therapy or anything other than self awareness kindness reflection

[@ClandestineMerkaba]

Oh definitely true, but wouldn't you take the shorter path if it was proven to be safer AND more convenient? Not to mention quite the scenic experience, if ya know what I mean!..

[@evelynbaron2004]

I am a recovering alcoholic and have heard stories similar to yours. I mean no criticism but the work done using psychedelic drugs during the 1960s, funded by the CIA was not aimed at curing addiction. The well documented denunciation of this practice in Montreal, which used people at the time on a Form 1 which then meant total revocation of human rights resulted in suicides so numerous that records still may not be accessed. I am also aware of the testimony of Sting and his experiences in South America, and Russell Brand that fiery beacon beckoning people to join 12 step recovery. (if my language was irritating my job was done. Russell Brand is insufferable.) Of course I've read Doors of Perception, Aldous Huxley wrote much more widely than his dystopia. Sartre experimented with LSD in the early '30s and was followed on and off by large crabs and lobsters for the rest of his life. I don't respect you. I don't like quick fixes. And, your stand-in Russel Brand interviewed Rupert Sheldrake who was absolutely accessible during their talk. I got lost when Sheldrake talked about visiting on walking tours cathedrals with his son. Brand was unutterably rude. The essence of his final reply was old man your days are over, magic mushrooms are the answer. So much for the 12 steps.

[@darinandwendybrockman7049]

Yesssss.

[@j.rebekah8605]

From one drug to another.

[@St.Calamity]

You're very naive if you think psychedelics are addictive.

[@monsterjesse]

nailed it!

[@dawnmaher6165]

The guy makes sense but how do we get these 'cures'?

[@stilesdiego8531]

Check out mycodext on Instagram for some Healing psychedelics products. He got quality shrooms, lsd, dmt and others. He's discreet and very reliable.

[@casey9917]

4 ceremonies. Must have gone to Arkana. Everywhere else only does 3 ceremonies for the week. Being that he went to Arkana I wonder if he smoked the 5meo dmt as well. That stuff will change you

[@Claudestclaire]

Yes, how many times must a man see his mind, before psychology is freed? The answer my friends, is blowin' in the wind, the answer is blowin' in the wind.

[@timkmolloy]

10/10 would read this comment again.....

[@dustyramirez3964]

not everyone can go to peru to get treatment. good that you can. happy for your privliage.

[@igabobalushi]

That's why he's talking about it tho, so everyone can have access to this medicine

[@frasersnell6304]

You don’t need to go to Peru for this ceremony.

[@eliciagarcia8857]

I think he’s saying the psychedelic he took was the cure. Psilocybin.

[@cherylthomson4361]

I could use that

[@garyratoff8080]

He failed to mention that "for some" cannabis can be addictive .

[@Vitus1855]

Gary Ratoff Cannabis has never been prooved addictive. People may develop a dependence, thinking for instance they need it to sleep. Any urge can be perceived as addiction, we crave water....

[@christinebadostain6887]

@@Vitus1855 water is essential to life. Pot is not.

[@Jessica-ii8fy]

So can eating

[@Jessica-ii8fy]

Pot helps give us oxygen 😀

[@vampire1111pitbull]

Government depends on the kickbacks and taxes from alcohol sales and toll roads. And its only going to get worse. Bet on it. American political greed.

[@mk-jm5tv]

what drug did he take?

[@Lone_Star86]

Ayahuasca.

[@nemesisbreakz]

With so many stories like these, so many stories of trying everything to stop drinking... Why do we not prohibit the use of alcohol and other drugs?

[@frasersnell6304]

nemesisbreakz is that a serious question? I think the average alcohol consumption per household was significantly higher during prohibition days. Portugal has decriminalized all drugs and focused their government tax dollars on education and treatment. They have had success with this

[@jacehendrix3194]

What about withdrawal?

[@joelaguilar7115]

I’m headed to the jungle

[@aprilstafford1041]

Im awakened but cant into natural dmt.

[@dimitrioskultukis2358]

Bill wilson took lsd extensively

[@deaner1722]

aspirin has never worked for me for treating any sort of pain.

[@chrispilutik7474]

oh

[@nemesisbreakz]

Only reason it worked for him is because he was able to escape the environment he was in. He took a trip. Which allowed him to detox and not have old environmental influences provoke him. Not everyone has the same luxury.

[@justinhoffman429]

Wow thanks Dr. Great insight. SMFH.

[@aliciam6725]

What did the shaman know that we in the west do not?

[@ivanbarreras9445]

technically we're north not west. but we did know that. from peyote, toads with DMT and muchrooms. It's just people don't look around or talk about it.

[@flowgo5299]

alicia andsisters well the war on drugs for one thing. its is commerce from convicts. But its not really war on drugs, its a war on addicts. So basically a war on sick people some with some serious mental health issues. perhaps shaman's are less judgemental, lol, and spiritual in a way that a capitalise society can not be

[@ivanbarreras9445]

***** I don't know if that's completely true. I know people who have had life changing experiences and got rid of a cocaine addiction. And they had no shaman and no one to sing icaros. Just layed in the grass in silence on 3 occasions

[@ivanbarreras9445]

***** thats a fair point. Thank you for the clarification. Sometimes it's hard to read intention. Best of luck.

[@savedfaves]

They know plants.

[@kenfikeo1648]

reemergence

[@IdealX-fr4eg]

Or you could go to AA like most of us and skip the whole jungle hallucinatory experience.

[@mirusso]

As a 19 month recovered alcoholic with everlasting addictive tendencies, how is it proved that I wouldn't or couldn't fall to the grips or dependency of psychedelics? "Treating addiction with drugs, that's like rearranging furniture on the Titanic" - Russell Brand

[@bboschboi]

The idea that someone would get dependent on psychedelics is absurd. "Drug" is a somewhat confusing term here because potentially addictive drugs like depressants and stimulants have almost nothing in common with psychedelics other than being psychoactive. I think Russel Brand was referring to the use of drugs like methadone to treat addictions to drugs like heroine because that was his problem.

[@shiningdawn8578]

Using the host of this talk as an example, his Ayahuasca experience wasn't the most pleasant. It requires courage, and many people say that they need to work some things through before they're willing to go back there.

[@Synchrodipity]

Nicholas Mirusso I'm 28 years in NA and have no intention of trying this approach ... Addiction is about the person and not about the substance, and while it may not be addictive, the fact that it's an"instant gratification" approach to spirituality is massive issue here.

[@shiningdawn8578]

Cruelty Free Cockney There is nothing "instant" to the gratification of these substances. It's not "Poof! You're healed!!!"It's much more like... "You know all of that pain that you've bottled up your entire life? Well, now you're going to FEEL it and learn how to let it go." It's not exactly easy and most certainly does not provide an "escape". Brazil has been trying this approach with some prisoners. They go to the camp and participate in ceremony. While under the influence, they end up facing their victim and also have to face (come to terms) with what they've done. It's painful healing. Don't let the speaker in the video lead you to believe that his experiences were all roses as to how he was healed.And... I didn't know there was a patented approach to being "properly" spiritual. You are aware, aren't you, that spiritual masters for millennia have partaken in these substances in order to achieve their insights, are you not?

[@Synchrodipity]

HeartOfSky DCUO Possibly true with everything else you said - but just because people have been doing things for a millennia doesn't make it right - just look at the history of warfare or the way people treat animals for example.

[@JaffaGaffa]

Na...

[@jannorris4140]

it must b nice to have money..

[@plusbonus1165]

Sorry but this chap doesn't look like a pisshead. More of an educated stoner . Just saying.

[@havaianas5780]

How can a highly tobacco addicted chain smoking shaman be entitled to heal someone else's addictions? That doesn't make sense.

[@St.Calamity]

You'd have to find out yourself.

[@petergonzalez1909]

Recovery my ass!