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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