Recovery: The Whole Enchilada
Rising Stronger on the Journey to Wholeness & Healing
Recovery: The Whole Enchilada" is a podcast dedicated to exploring the intricate layers of healing and transformation within the recovery community and among individuals seeking personal growth and fulfillment. Inspired by the metaphor of the enchilada's layers, we delve deep into the journey of recovery, unpacking the complexities, challenges, and triumphs that come with seeking holistic wellness.
Join us as we navigate the twists and turns of the recovery process, offering insights, guidance, and inspiration for those craving the "whole enchilada" of healing and transformation.
And check out our website at https://www.recoverythewholeenchilada.com/
Recovery: The Whole Enchilada
Sober Intimacy: Learning to Feel Safe, Seen, and Known in Recovery
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In this episode of Recovery: The Whole Enchilada, host Peg McDermott and co-host Heather Hageman explore sober intimacy and why it can feel terrifying in recovery.
They discuss intimacy as “into me, see,” rebuilding trust with oneself after addiction, learning to sit with uncomfortable emotions, and moving beyond equating intimacy with sex. Heather shares how alcohol fueled transactional relationships, fear of being known, and objectification, while recovery has taught her vulnerability, respect, and connection through friendships and spirituality.
They emphasize safety, therapy with trauma-informed professionals, navigating triggers and past non-consent experiences, avoiding swapping addictions, and delaying romantic relationships in early sobriety. Practical guidance includes sober dating plans, red flags, boundaries, communication, and aligning words with actions, emphasizing that real intimacy doesn’t require “liquid courage,” only authentic presence.
00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup
00:46 Into Me See Meaning
02:32 Sex Versus Intimacy
06:39 Trauma Safety and Consent
09:09 Early Recovery Dating Advice
14:58 Sober Dating Plan
19:27 Marriage Communication and Triggers
21:50 Friendship Higher Power and Self Worth
27:02 Closing Takeaways and Farewell
