Food Shrinks

Episode 29: “Chronic Relapser”? Don’t Talk About My Friend Like That


Listen Later

In this compelling episode, the Food Shrinks team tackles one of the most used—and deeply harmful—labels in recovery spaces: “chronic relapser.” With both fire and tenderness, the Shrinks dismantle this shame-based term and offer a new way to understand recurrence through the lens of chronic ambivalence, self-compassion, and trauma-informed care.

You’ll hear why language matters, how shame can block healing, and why we must stop reducing people to their most painful patterns. Instead, the team explores what it means to stay curious, build emotional safety, and make your recovery as big as your disease. Whether you’ve struggled with “starting over” or have judged yourself harshly for returning to food, this episode will offer relief, insight, and a powerful reframe.

 

🔑 Topics We Cover:

  • Why “chronic relapser” is a harmful, moralizing label
  • The power of reframing: from chronic relapse to chronic ambivalence
  • Understanding recurrence as part of a chronic condition
  • The trap of perfectionism and diet culture in recovery
  • How confirmation bias reinforces addiction
  • When you’ve “tried everything” but nothing sticks
  • Recovery as practice—not performance
  • Why your recovery must be as big as your disorder
  • Meeting recurrence with curiosity, not shame

 

💬 Quotes Worth Sharing:

“Please don’t say that about my friend.” “Chronic ambivalence is a sign of your complexity—not your failure.” “Your addiction doesn’t get a seat at the table if you want to build traction in recovery.” “One bad moment doesn’t define your recovery. It’s just a single patch in the quilt.” “You haven’t failed. You’re still practicing. You’re still learning.”

 

🛎️ Call to Action:

Love what we’re doing on Food Shrinks? Do us a big favor: 📱 Subscribe ⭐ Leave a rating 💬 Drop a comment 🧡 Share with someone who needs to hear this!

Your support helps us grow—and helps others find compassionate, shame-free recovery conversations.

📢 Follow Us:

📽 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FoodShrinks

📱 Instagram: @FoodShrinks

📧 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Website: foodshrinks.com

The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Food ShrinksBy Clarissa Kennedy, Molly Carmel, Molly Painschab

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

20 ratings


More shows like Food Shrinks

View all
Tara Brach by Tara Brach

Tara Brach

10,462 Listeners

Sounds True: Insights at the Edge by Tami Simon

Sounds True: Insights at the Edge

1,842 Listeners

CONSISTENT by Primal Potential by Elizabeth Benton

CONSISTENT by Primal Potential

2,616 Listeners

Happier with Gretchen Rubin by Gretchen Rubin / The Onward Project

Happier with Gretchen Rubin

12,918 Listeners

10% Happier with Dan Harris by 10% Happier

10% Happier with Dan Harris

12,553 Listeners

Oprah's Super Soul by Oprah

Oprah's Super Soul

31,958 Listeners

Low Carb MD Podcast by Dr. Brian Lenzkes, Dr. Tro

Low Carb MD Podcast

1,118 Listeners

The Resetter Podcast with Dr. Mindy by Dr. Mindy Pelz

The Resetter Podcast with Dr. Mindy

1,355 Listeners

Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens by Dr. Lisa Damour/Reena Ninan

Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens

823 Listeners

Food Junkies Podcast by Clarissa Kennedy

Food Junkies Podcast

157 Listeners

We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle and Audacy

We Can Do Hard Things

41,504 Listeners

Making Space with Hoda Kotb by Hoda Kotb, TODAY

Making Space with Hoda Kotb

10,479 Listeners

The Fasting Method Podcast by The Fasting Method

The Fasting Method Podcast

596 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

20,604 Listeners

Real Food Recovery by Paige Alexander and Jamie Morgan Reno

Real Food Recovery

15 Listeners