Cathy shares candidly about her 30-year journey from growing up in an environment riddled with alcoholism, through her own struggles with addiction starting in her early teens, to achieving long-term recovery and becoming a leader in the recovery community. The conversation touches on her teenage escapades, battles with addiction, her pivotal moment of seeking help, and her subsequent move to California where she flourished in recovery. Kathy also discusses her role at CCAR, the challenges of navigating recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her personal growth and resilience as a single mother and advocate for recovery. Her story underscores the evolving nature of recovery and the importance of community and connection in the healing process.

00:00 Introduction to the Recovery Matters Podcast

00:28 Phil and Sandy's Fashion Journey

02:10 Meet Kathy Bergen: A Journey of Long-Term Recovery

03:01 Kathy's Childhood and Family Struggles

13:29 Teenage Rebellion and Substance Use

24:09 Finding Recovery in High School

27:06 College Life and Relapse

28:06 The Illusion of Control

29:08 Academic Struggles and Substance Abuse

29:40 The Turning Point

30:10 Reflecting on Collegiate Recovery

31:43 The Path to Recovery

36:55 A New Beginning in California

41:33 Building a Family

48:34 Challenges and Resilience

52:20 Joining CCAR and Giving Back

58:32 Navigating the Pandemic

01:01:28 Final Reflections

----Across the Web----

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