Recover to Live – An Interview with Author Christopher Kennedy Lawford
Recover to Live – I recently finished reading Christopher Kennedy Lawford’s latest book, Recover to Live: Kick Any Habit, Manage Any Addiction, and am thrilled with how he’s presented the science of the chronic, often relapsing brain disease of addiction and the myriad of issues that accompany this disease: the impacts on families and society, how it develops and progresses, what makes for effective treatment, what recovery is and how it transforms a person’s life and so much more. You can imagine how excited I was that he agreed to be interviewed about his new book.
In your book, you write about unhealthy habits, toxic compulsions, substance abuse and addiction – what are the differences and when does one become another?
Basically, it’s a continuum. People are not born addicts or alcoholics, rather they develop the brain disease of addiction by first getting into the unhealthy habit of using a substance or behavior for any number of reasons (to cope, to feel better, to engage…). This happens because the substance or behavior activates the pleasure/reward neural networks in the brain. This unhealthy habit can move onto abuse, which when coupled with that person’s risk factors for developing addiction (the key ones being genetics, social environment, childhood trauma, early use and mental illness), can move onto an addiction (i.e., dependency or toxic compulsion). It’s a complicated concept, but this is where this book can help readers understand the progression and how/why it’s important to interrupt it at any point along the way.
From your interviews with the more than 100 experts in this field, what are the key facts about addiction that might surprise readers?
To purchase “Recover to Live” on Amazon, click on cover image.
Firstly, is the fact that there is no difference between substance addiction and behavioral addiction because of the ways in which they both activate the pleasure reward neural networks in the brain.
Secondly, that addiction is a brain disease. It’s chronic, and it’s often relapsing.
Thirdly, that there are three times as many people who have a non-dependent use disorders as there are those with the disease of addiction. In other words, they have a problem with substance abuse or behavioral compulsions, but they don’t have addiction. Those people need help, resources and guidance, as well, because this is a progression and the sooner it’s interrupted the better.
I have to add that this illness is thought of in the most basic draconian terms. To change, we need to understand this is an illness, and as with all illnesses, the sooner a person intervenes – seeks help, treatment for their illness – the better. Instead, the stigma that surrounds this disease – a stigma due mostly to people’s inaccurate views of it as a moral weakness or character flaw – causes the person with the problem, society, loved ones – all of us – to let it go until it’s chronic.
This is one of the key reasons for this book – to hopefully raise people’s bottom and help them get recovery sooner.
Fourthly, is the fact that these toxic compulsions travel in groups – meaning someone has alcoholism and drug addiction or alcoholism and smoking addiction. If they put one of the toxic compulsions down, they’ll most likely pick up or continue with another – so they need to be treated concurrently (for example, initiate a smoking cessation program for the alcoholic who also smokes) in order to truly treat the disease of addiction.
As you have toured the country and given interviews talking about your new book, what has surprised or concerned you the most about people’s reactions or assumptions?
I think the basic thing is the stigma and then how complicated this issue is. You know, if people were told they need to do these five things to recover from cancer, they’d do it in a heart beat, but they won’t do the same with addiction. That’s the mental part of this disease. Addiction is a disease that tells you you don’t have a disease. You couple that with the stigma and denial that keeps people stuck – keeps all of us from talking about it and dealing with it – and we see why it’s so difficult for people to seek treatment and recovery.
The solution is to point people to good answers. I think I’ve done that with Recover to Live, where I share some of the recovery tools that can be used by anyone. Having said this, I must emphasize that we also need to paint the picture of what people can do in recovery. We need to help people seeking or starting treatment to see they’re in for the ride of their lives when they get recovery. We have to help people realize recovery is worth it.
The other concern I have is people’s lack of understanding that we need to treat this is a family disease. Always you see families are affected, but we don’t take the time to educate, help and treat them, too.
What are the key actions a family member or close friend can take to help a loved one grappling with an unhealthy habit, substance abuse or addiction?
1. Throw the rope, but don’t get in the water.
2. Get help yourself. Each family member needs to do an assessment to look at his or her biological, psychological and social activities to begin identifying the ways in which they may need to heal from wounds created by the often multi-generational process of this disease.
3. Learn how to set boundaries and not allow unacceptable behaviors because that’s what supports the illness. Support your loved one’s recovery, yes, but not their disease. Family members (and the addicts themselves) need to understand that a person with this disease is not responsible for having this disease. In other words, they can’t control which genes they inherit or the circumstances of their life that contributed to their developing the disease, but once they know they have it, it is entirely their responsibility to treat it. People that are enabled to continue their addictive or toxic compulsion behaviors don’t get well.
When we look at the progress made in the treatment and prevention of cancer, HIV-Aids and heart disease over the past thirty years, why do you think we are still so far behind in the treatment and prevention of addiction?
Stigma and where we put our resources. As a society, we put a lot of money into source eradication and the War On Drugs but not into prevention, treatment and recovery.
I am hopeful, however, because the science that is now available is going to help all of us understand it’s a complicated brain disease and thus requires a complicated healing effort. An addict has to change every aspect of their life in order for them to get well.
Recovery is an amazing place – people don’t know this so as this becomes known, recovery will become more inviting and people will take that first step.
I believe we’re going to make some significant advances in the coming years.
What is it about your approach that enables recovery from addiction that may be different than those people commonly associate with addiction treatment and recovery?
Addiction treatment requires a total life change approach –the tools for which I’ve outlined in Recover to Live. It’s a process and one that changes as you change on the continuum of recovery. You don’t go to a 28-day rehab and you’re fixed – it takes time because you’re unlearning behaviors and treating a complicated brain disease. Not only that but the ways in which everyone expresses addiction differently means there isn’t a single prescription for treatment and recovery that works for everyone. However, it is more or less the same prescription, which are the tools I’ve outlined in my book. A person in treatment and recovery needs a support system. They are going to need to reach out to find a person or group of people they trust and who will support them in their process of changing their lives. They are going to need to develop techniques like mindfulness, meditation, journaling, cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, nutrition and body work to deal with the symptoms and cravings.
But it’s possible to change your life, and a person needs to understand they can begin the process themselves. It’s likely very likely they’ll need help along the way, and that’s okay. Whatever it takes, which is why I’ve outlined a host of options that work.
One more thing on this idea of recovery – we must follow ASAM’s (American Society of Addiction Medicine)’s recommendation – namely, to follow the disease model of treatment which includes long-term continuing care. It’s long-term continuing care that is most often missing. We don’t heal cancer in 28 days. We certainly can’t heal the brain of addiction in that short time, either. Continuing care is critical to long-term recovery – tools for which are also outlined in my book.
Aside from the person wanting to kick or manage their habit or addiction, who else would benefit from reading your book?
Policy makers, teachers, administrators, those in the care profession – anyone who has a chance of this walking in their door – needs to read this book. It will help them understand this brain disease, how it starts, what it takes to treat, intervene and/or prevent. It will help them feel compassion for the people it affects. And, family members will benefit from reading it, as well. People who have family of origin experiences are really obliterated by this illness and generally don’t have anyone addressing their issues, their needs, their healing and recovery. This book tries to do that.
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For those who do not know Christopher’s background, he has been in recovery for more than 26 years from drug addiction, having started using drugs and alcohol when he was 12. He campaigns tirelessly on behalf of the recovery community in both the public and private sectors and is currently working with the United Nations, the World Health Organization and the White House Office on Drug Control Policy to raise awareness and promote activities that support drug treatment, care and recovery. He is the author of two previous New York Times bestselling books, “Symptoms of Withdrawal” (2005) and “Moments of Clarity” (2009). For more about Christopher Kennedy Lawford, please visit his website, and to learn more about his activism, please visit Global Recovery Initiative, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 social enterprise that seeks to help transform social attitudes and policy to expand opportunities for recovery and remove social, cultural, legal, and policy barriers to recovery.
You may also wish to follow Christopher Kennedy Lawford on Facebook or Twitter.
In closing out this post, I want to thank Christopher Kennedy Lawford for taking his time to conduct this interview and for writing this book, Recover to Live. It is excellent and a true resource for anyone whose life is affected by this disease, which, of course, is just about all of us in one way or another – either directly as the addict, family member or friend, or indirectly as the fellow employee, student, victim of a drug/alcohol-related crime or tax payer who helps pay the societal costs of untreated, unhealthy discussed, undiagnosed substance abuse or addiction.
Lisa Frederiksen
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Mr. Lawford’s contributions to addiction treatment are laudable and greatly appreciated in continuing this important–no, essential conversation.
While not having read his book yet, I admire his work that I know about and will “second” his comments about the necessity for an integrated and lifetime approach in addiction treatment. And I’ll take it a step further and say that EVERYONE is going, “to need to develop techniques like mindfulness, meditation, journaling, cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, nutrition and body work” to enjoy a healthy life–not just as treatment modalities but as deliberate lifestyle choices.
Perhaps Recover to Live addresses the problem more directly, but addiction is a systemic family and cultural disease, and if we’re all not all considered part of the problem, yet one more book and bullet proof plan to “treat the addict” is not going to deliver a more robust solution–any time soon. With Mr. Lawford’s approach as outlined in this interview, it appears as if his book takes this systemic approach to treating this disease.
Thank you, Lisa for the interesting interview and inspiration to read Mr. Lawford’s book very soon.
Thank you, Herby – very much appreciate you taking the time to read this interview and add your thoughts and comments.
This is a very helpful piece. I found the questions insightful and Mr. Lawford’s responses to be both compassionate and practical. This will certainly advance our understanding of this complex yet common illness.
Thanks so much for reading this interview and adding your comments, Hilary!
What an interesting interview. Hopefully more people realize that addiction really is a brain disease and either get help themselves or encourage their loved ones to get the appropriate and ongoing treatment they need.
I very much agree, Jessica – Mr. Lawford’s explanation of the brain disease aspect of addiction in a way that those with a bad habit or “toxic compulsion” or the disease itself can see themselves, and as you’ve said, hopefully that helps them see their need to change, as well as their family seeing the situation more clearly and getting the help they need, will go a long ways to changing how we view and treat this disease. Thank so much for reading and for your comment!
Great interview, and especially enlightening when you consider addiction to be approached in the same manner as “mainstream” diseases. I find it important to underscore the response to the last question – policy makers and health professionals should be taking addiction as seriously as any other disease. With all the talk in public policy circles about preemptive care (including attacking the first warning signs in people more vulnerable), having a significant impact on long-term health, policy makers would do good to put addiction of all forms on their list of preemptive care objectives.
I couldn’t agree more, Roey – “…policy makers would do good to put addiction of all forms on their list of preemptive care objectives.” Excellent point and thank you so much for reading and adding your comment!
The thing that struck me the most in this article was this “Throw In The Rope, But Don’t Get In The Water.” I have never heard that before and it really touched my heart. I have always wanted to help everyone and tended to get myself sucked in so now I just avoid people that have problems and I long to still help. This really was a breakthrough for me!!! THANKS!!!
I love when that happens for me, as well! So glad you found a breakthrough in reading this article. Thanks so much for reading and adding your comment, Angela.
What a great interview! I loved:”it’s possible to change your life, and a person needs to understand they can begin the process themselves.” All of us have things we need or want to change. Thanks.
I loved that line, too, Barbara! Thanks so much for commenting!
I love his throw the rope but don’t get in the water advice. We can drown in another person’s addiction when we get in the water trying to save them. When we let go and understand that they can only be saved if they want to be. We stay out of the water! Thank you Lisa!
So, so true, Elizabeth! I loved his analogy, as well. It really helps a person keep healthy boundaries. Thanks for your comment!
The information we are accessing these days regarding the human brain will, I hope, make a difference in the understanding — and acceptance — of addictions so greater progress might be made. Especially with alcoholism, what probably complicates things is that some people can have a few drinks socially without having a drinking problem, so it’s harder to understand how someone else cannot. Enter the brain information …
Exactly, Sharon!! This research is making a world of difference – not only for the drinker to self-assess and self-elect making changes, but for the family members and friends who’ve been trying to understand it, as well, and in so doing, getting caught up in the excuses, denial and minimization of the “real” problem. Thanks for your comment!
Lisa, Thank you for being there for all us families who so need your help!
Betty Nelson
You are so welcome, Betty. I appreciate your comment very much!!
For me, this was the most important part of the article…”But it’s possible to change your life, and a person needs to understand they can begin the process themselves”. When a person truly understands that and takes that first step, they truly own their own power. Loved the post, Lisa!
It really is so important people understand that it’s possible to fully recover and that it takes personal commitment and work to do so. Thanks for reading and adding your comment, Sherie!!
Great interview, Lisa. I love Christopher’s tips for what families can do, and how we can help but not get caught up in the disease itself. Understanding the stigma and how it prevents so many from getting the help they need is so important to all of us to realize This is a disease that affects us all whether we have the disease in our family or not. I’ve read and really enjoyed the book as well. Thanks for sharing this important information!
Yes – how not to get caught up in the disease, itself – so agree that it’s very important to understand for us family members, Cathy! And to your point that it’s a disease that affects us all – thanks for reading and adding your comment!
Mr. Lawford’s activism in bringing addiction issues to the public eye is to be admired. I agree with his thoughts that the stigma connected to addiction really will not change until public policies change. More voices like his need to be heard!
I agree, Cathy – it’s marvelous he’s taking such a public, active role in helping all concerned understand this complicated disease. Thanks so much for your comment!
Fantabulous resouce and love the interviews you’re doing.
Thanks, MamaRed!!
This is a great article and a great new point of view on an timeless problem. I have long thought we needed a new take on this issue. Thanks for this interview Lisa : D.
You’re so welcome, Liz, and thank you for adding your comment. I very much agree – a new take on this issue has been so important – this new brain research is giving us what we’ve long needed to end the stigma and shame, and Mr. Lawford’s book will be an important resource in spreading the information.
Very insightful artile. Hoping this will increase our comprehension of this sickness… Great post Lisa.
Thanks so much, Norma – appreciate the comment!
It is sad that it is the stigma that makes treating and preventing this disease so far behind the times. It’s seen as a weakness, not a disease. And then finally when it leads to a “real disease” they can get treatment, but even then, people act like they somehow deserve it like cirrhosis or lung cancer.
I love your comment, Aimee – so very true and terribly sad. Hopefully, we will see some huge strides this next decade as this research becomes more widely known.
Fabulous post. I’m so glad that Christopher highlights the need for recovery from addiction to be a long-term life change and not a 28 day rehab fix. Addiction can’t be cured but it can be successfully managed with the right support and personal commitment.
The book is a must read for anyone with an interest in addiction.
I agree, Carolyn – we’re healing brains and one can’t do that in 28 days – especially given the nature of this brain disease. Thanks so much for your comment and sharing this interview with others!
This sounds like an amazing book that can sure come in handy for professionals that work in the field, thank you for sharing.
I agree, Karla – and hopefully policy makers, educators and others in a position to affect a change in how addiction is viewed and treated will read it as well. Thanks for your comment!
Loved this interview. I really connected with ” Throw the rope, but don’t get in the water.”There are healthy boundaries tat need to be developed with your own self care. Thanks so much for sharing this interview, Lisa.
I really liked that advice, as well, Lisa! Thanks for reading and adding your comment.
[…] list have already reviewed this book. You can find these reviews by my friend Lisa Frederiksen at Breaking the Cycles and from Dirk Hanson of The Fix at Addiction […]
What an excellent interview! Thanks so much for sharing this wisdom – it’s very important to help people see hope. I particularly liked the tips given on what people who are close to someone working through addiction can do – very uplifting!
Thanks so much, Moira – I’m glad you found it helpful (and uplifting!). Very much appreciate the comment.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful resource of hope and help for people living this hell. I can say that as I lived it and lost my love to addiction 12 years ago. The more people know and understand about this disease, the better chance they have for a positive outcome.
I’m so sorry to hear you lost your love to this disease. I agree – hopefully as people learn about this new science about addiction as a brain disease — its causes and treatments and that recovery is fully possible – we can end the stigma and shame and stop the tragic outcomes. Thanks so much for reading and adding your comment.
Lisa, Thanks for bringing us info about the book and the great interview with Christopher. As I read it, I continue asking myself the question whether this also applies to food..is it also an addiction? I am currently at the Binge Eating Disorder Conference where that subject is being discussed!
You’re so welcome! He talks about eating disorders in his book. I’d love to hear what they’re saying about it at your conference. Thanks for your comment!
Wonderful interview Lisa! I found it telling when he said that if we gave people five things to do to recover from cancer, they’d do it in a heartbeat but won’t do it if you give them five things to do to recover from addiction. It’s a shame that we’ve stigmatized it so much because it can kill just as surely as cancer can.
I had that same thought when he said it, Helena – such a great perspective from which we all can better frame this disease, causes and its treatments. Thanks so much for your comment!
This is a sentence that needs to be shared! “Support your loved one’s recovery, yes, but not their disease.”…Very powerful and a great message!
I agree, Anita!! Thanks for the comment.
[…] Read his full interview about his latest book, Recover to Live: Kick Any Habit, Manage Any Addiction here. […]
After this interview I’m very eager to read this book, will read and than comment 🙂
Wonderful! Look forward to it, Marco.