“There was this quiet voice inside me saying, Don’t give up. I used to ignore it. Now I know—that voice saved my life.”
— Chris Kovacs, LCSW
“Addiction took everything from me. But recovery gave me something I never had before—myself.”
— Chris Kovacs, LCSW
In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, therapist Chris Kovacs joins Dr. Victoria Ranade to share how addiction nearly took his life—and how listening to his inner voice helped him find the courage to heal.
Chris opens up about the early influences that shaped his path, the pain and loss caused by addiction, and the pivotal moments that led him toward recovery. He reflects on how his lived experiences inform his inner calling as a therapist and offers heartfelt guidance for those currently struggling in the darkness of addiction, as well as insights for family members seeking to support loved ones on their healing journey. He also discussed the gift of desperation and the critical importance of social relationships and community in recovery, and the tension between enabling vs. support. Join us for this inspiring story of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of the inner voice that can lead us not only to survive, but to return to wholeness.
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Chris Kovacs, LCSW, LCADC is an award winning licensed clinical social worker specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. Hes drawn to this work through his professional experiences, as well as the personal adversities he has personally faced. Just like he was able to receive, he believes that everyone deserves the help they need to begin to self-actualize. https://www.hope-wellness.com/chris-kovacs-lcsw
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Chris's Journey
03:10 The Early Years of Addiction
06:04 The Dark Side of Substance Use
08:43 Relationships and Their Impact
11:07 The Turning Point: Desperation and Honesty
14:00 The Role of Tough Love
16:56 Finding Acceptance and Forgiveness
19:48 The Path to Becoming a Therapist
24:35 Finding Your True Calling
25:57 The Struggle of Overcoming Addiction
28:33 The Role of Community in Recovery
28:40 The Journey of Becoming a Therapist
39:23 Support vs. Enabling in Addiction Recovery
42:52 Navigating the Pain of Addiction
43:33 A Message by Hope and Wellness
47:01 Setting Boundaries with Loved Ones
48:34 The Importance of Relatability in Recovery
50:09 Exploring the Role of AA and NA
52:41 Finding Quality Treatment for Addiction
55:41 The Necessity of a Full Continuum of Care
56:33 Understanding Stigma and Sharing Stories
58:10 The Journey of Rebuilding Relationships
59:07 Spirituality and Higher Power in Recovery
01:02:52 Encouragement for Those Struggling
01:06:16 Advice for Therapists Working with Teens
01:08:18 Confrontational Approaches in Therapy
01:11:34 The Future of Psychedelics in Treatment
01:13:45 Listening to Your Inner Calling and Conclusion
01:16:42 The Gift of Desperation and Pain as a Teacher
01:19:27 The Power of Community in Healing
01:20:52 Support vs. Enabling: Setting Boundaries
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