I’m a Psychotherapist… and a Sober Addict | Lisa’s Recovery Story

In this episode of The Sober Fix Podcast, I sit down with psychotherapist and clinical social workerLisa Arrigofor a powerful and honest conversation about addiction, trauma, relapse, sobriety, and the neurobiology of recovery.Lisa brings a unique perspective to addiction and recovery—not only through her professional work specializing in trauma, attachment, addiction, and mental health, but also through her own personal experience with addiction, relapse, and healing.We dive into Lisa’s personal addiction story, including her experience with cocaine addiction, the progression of substance abuse, getting sober, and eventually facing relapse. We discuss what happens psychologically and neurologically when someone becomes addicted and why simply removing drugs or alcohol doesn’t necessarily address what is driving the addiction underneath.Lisa explains the powerful connection between trauma and addiction and how unresolved trauma, shame, attachment issues, emotional pain, and unhealthy coping mechanisms can continue to affect someone even after they have achieved long-term sobriety.We also explore the neurobiology of addiction and relapse, including how the brain becomes conditioned around drugs and addictive behaviors. Even after years of sobriety, those pathways don’t simply disappear. Understanding how the addicted brain works can help people recognize triggers, cravings, emotional patterns, and vulnerabilities before they lead back to drugs or alcohol.One of the biggest themes of our conversation is honesty. Real recovery requires being honest with ourselves and with the people around us—even when that honesty is uncomfortable. Lisa explains why connection, vulnerability, community, self-awareness, and self-compassion can be so important for lasting recovery.We also discuss a different way of looking at relapse. Rather than viewing relapse solely as a failure, it can become an opportunity to examine what has been neglected emotionally, psychologically, spiritually, or socially.Whether you are struggling with cocaine addiction, alcohol addiction, drug addiction, substance abuse, relapse, trauma, mental health, or early sobriety, or you want to better understand the psychology and neuroscience behind addiction, this conversation offers a deeper look at what it takes to heal and build lasting recovery.In This Episode:We discuss Lisa’s personal journey through addiction and recovery, cocaine addiction and relapse, the relationship between trauma and substance abuse, the neurobiology of addiction, why addictive pathways can remain after years of sobriety, recognizing relapse warning signs, honesty and vulnerability in recovery, attachment and emotional regulation, self-care and self-compassion, building meaningful connections, and developing resilience for long-term sobriety.“You made the choice to chase that first line of cocaine.”“Running to stand still in the cycle of addiction.”“Relapse is not a failure, but an invitation to explore.”Connect With Lisa ArrigoLisa Arrigo is a psychotherapist and clinical social worker specializing in trauma, attachment, addiction, and recovery.Instagram: @lisa.arrigo.therapyLisa Arrigo Guest Profile:https://www.guestsonair.com/profile/lisa-arrigoConnect With The Sober Fix PodcastHave you struggled with addiction, alcoholism, relapse, drugs, or substance abuse and found your way into recovery? I want to hear your story.Email: thesoberfixpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: https://www.thesoberfixpodcast.comInstagram: @thesoberfixpodcastTikTok: @thesoberfixSubscribe to The Sober Fix Podcast for real conversations about addiction, alcoholism, sobriety, relapse prevention, trauma, mental health, and long-term recovery.And if you have experience with cocaine addiction, relapse, or rebuilding your life in sobriety, leave a comment below. Your experience could be exactly what someone else struggling with addiction needs to hear.