“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.

**

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

✨ Subscribe for more heartfelt, old-fashioned conversations about mental health, spirituality, authentic leadership, self-trust, and how people make their way through this difficult yet beautiful thing called life.

✨ Share this episode with someone who might find it helpful.

✨ Learn more about Dr. Victoria Ranade’s psychotherapy and wellness practice: www.hope-wellness.com

✨ Visit www.innercalling.org to get emails connecting you with others who believe in the power of the human spirit

✨ IG: www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranade

Disclaimer: https://innercalling.org/disclaimer

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.