The Alcoholic Brain. Is it Damaged Beyond Repair?

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Unmasking the raw truth of addiction, join us on a riveting journey with Gillian Tietz, MS, who shares her decade-long battle with alcohol and his triumphant journey to recovery. The conversation takes a candid turn when Gillian opens up about her late introduction to alcohol at 22 and her ensuing daily drinking habit that led to a five-year-long futile attempt to moderate her consumption.
Gillian brings to light the struggles she faced on her path to sobriety, including the wrath of pent-up anger and emotional disruption and the indispensable role of seeking guidance and finding a support system among fellow recoverers. We delve into the physiological and neurological changes that one experiences in the first 90 days of sobriety, encompassing physical advancements and increased mental clarity. The long-term healing process of the brain post quitting alcohol, known as PAWS (Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome), and potential triggers leading to relapses form an integral part of our discussion.

In the final leg of our engaging dialogue, we contemplate a phase where your brain is healing post-alcohol and the role of neuroplasticity in choosing different pathways away from alcohol. Giliian underscores the significance of self-honesty, practicing positive reinforcement, and physical exercise as a coping mechanism. The conversation concludes with an emphasis on the merits of sobriety and the vitality of addressing issues promptly. This episode is a candid lens for anyone grappling with addiction or intrigued about the recovery process.

Timestamps:
00:00:03 - Telescoping and Alcohol Addiction
00:13:16 - Exploring People Pleasing and Addiction Recovery
00:22:56 - Anger and Support in Recovery
00:39:01 - Recovery and Brain Healing Stages
00:46:56 - Brain Healing and Rebuilding in Sobriety
00:59:41 - Recovery and Benefits of Sobriety