In this powerful conversation, investigative journalist Shoshana Walter exposes the dark underbelly of America’s rehab industry. Drawing from her eight years of research for Rehab: An American Scandal, she reveals how court-ordered rehab programs have exploited vulnerable people by sending them to work unpaid in dangerous jobs — all under the guise of “treatment.”
We discuss:
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The shocking origins of these labor-based rehabs and how they became so widespread
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Why our mainstream treatment system often fails people — and in some cases, increases overdose risk
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Real-life stories of individuals like Chris, April, and Wendy that illustrate both the broken system and the resilience of those fighting for change
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How loopholes and lack of oversight allow unethical rehabs to thrive
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Practical ways families can identify quality treatment programs and avoid predatory ones
Despite the heavy subject, this episode ends with hope: a growing community of advocates and storytellers pushing for systemic change.
Before we jump in, I just wanted to give you a little update on what I've been up to, and share a new meeting I’ll be hosting.
After creating and teaching a course called “Inner Compass”, I was feeling super burned out, so I decided to take some time off. I called it my "Self-Care Summer". I didn't do any new interviews, take on any new clients, or do any social media.
It was a time to reset, heal and think about the direction of my work. My guiding thoughts were centered around one question: "What does God want for my life?" I was practicing total surrender, and I gotta tell you, it was a leap of faith, but then something interesting happened. Two podcasters published interviews I gave, and I realized something. I truly love sharing what I've learned in recovery. It really fills my heart with joy. That's why I've been doing the Sobriety Reset series for those who are coming back from another “Day 1”. Also I was invited to partner with OpenRecovery, a free app centered around recovery, to start a new community there. This means I'll be hosting free meetings that will make 12 principals accessible to my fellow skeptics, by providing a path around common obstacles.
I’ll leave links in the show notes so you can download the app, and there will be announcements for the launch date. I’ve been wanting to host a meeting since I published the book, and OpenRecovery is providing me with the platform! I’m really excited about it and I hope you’ll join me.
One last thing, if you enjoy this episode, it would mean the world to me if you leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It might surprise you to know that according to the analytics, less than 1% of our audience will actually leave a review. By leaving a review, it helps others who are suffering to find the podcast and get the life saving resources they need to get and stay sober. You can even think of leaving a review as an act of service! So thank you so much for your support!
So without further delay, please enjoy this episode, and let me know what you think!
👊🏼Need help applying this information to your own life?
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🎁Free Guide: 30 Tips for Your First 30 Days - With a printable PDF checklist
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Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music, or you can stream it from my website HERE. You can also watch the interview on YouTube.
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