Evidence Based Recovery

Max Ariel

Details

A podcast where we explore the science behind getting clean and sober, and why there may be a need for more inclusivity in the 12-step programs. Hosted by a certified addictions counselor who also has personal experience with addiction and recovery. Each episode will feature an interview with someone who is either in recovery or an expert in the field. We will explain how the classic 12-step recommendations can be understood in less scary terms. Also, we will discuss why certain therapeutic interventions are suggested and how they can be supported with research and evidence. There will be links to articles, studies, and research papers, making every claim easy to fact-check and read about. With so many spiritual and faith-based systems, we wanted to provide a safe space for people who are more evidence-minded or perhaps even have trauma from religion or spiritual abuse. We believe that recovery is possible for everyone, regardless of what you believe. And we can demonstrate that even the most stubborn, pedantic, agnostic, or atheist people can still find a way to achieve the self-reflection necessary for recovery. So join us and listen to some interesting stories from people all over the world battling their alcoholism and addiction one day at a time. Have fun clicking the links to make sure that we aren't just making it all up as we go. We invite any questions in the name of discussion, goodwill, and recovery. If you are like us, you will need evidence to believe anything we say, and that's perfectly ok. Whatever helps a person who suffers. Any questions, please email Max Ariel: [email protected] Special thanks to the folks at Grammer for helping with the artwork and for helping us say what we wanted to say: https://grammercreative.com/

Recent Episodes

SEP 12, 2026
Ep. 13: Paul M.
Today's guest is my friend Paul. He has been clean and sober for many years, and he tells us how he did it. A lot of Paul's story is about overcoming shame and judgment. He is an inspiration for anyone who has been spiritually abused or bullied. Somehow, he makes it all work and gives us some good tips for early recovery, particularly in the LGBTQ community. Click the links below for further reading. Feel free to email me with any questions: [email protected] Shame: https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-on-shame-and-accountability/ Full list of various other 12-step programs: https://d.12step.org/directory-directory/categories/12-step-fellowship/?_page=1&num=20&sort=post_published Mindfulness in recovery: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460312001335 God stats: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/05/06/god-spirits-and-the-natural-world/ The Book of Joy: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Joy-Lasting-Happiness-Changing/dp/0670070165 Vulnerability: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7o Spiritual Abuse/Hell: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9729974/ 12 traditions: https://www.aa.org/the-twelve-traditions Trauma from spiritual abuse: https://therapist.com/trauma/religious-trauma/ Therapy and AA: https://www.cornerstonehealingcenter.com/resource/the-importance-of-combining-the-12-steps-and-therapy/ Codependency: https://mhanational.org/resources/co-dependency/ Child adversity: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9058108/ LGBTQ outcomes in 12-step programs: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11583376/ Buddhism in recovery: https://www.jsatjournal.com/article/S2949-8759(22)00010-8/fulltext
50 MIN
MAY 28, 2026
Ep. 12: David D.H.
Our guest today is author David Deane Haskell. A lot of people on this podcast want to remain anonymous, but David wants you to know who he is. You will hear about his journey through trauma, shame, addiction, and recovery. He has a new book out called Wounded Angels. You can contact him directly and ask as many questions as you'd like. His information is below. Feel free to reach out: [email protected] David Deane Haskell: https://daviddeanehaskell.com/ Wounded Angels: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DW7MWPLF?tag=bk00010a-20&th=1&psc=1&geniuslink=true Substack: https://innerchildjournal.substack.com/p/world-premiere-sneak-peak-inner-child Internal Life Practice: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/177185.Integral_Life_Practice The 3-2-1 Shadow Process: https://www.drbren.com/blog/3-2-1-shadow-work-process Co-Dependents Anonymous: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/283530.Co_Dependents_Anonymous Childhood Trauma and Addiction: https://oldvineyardbhs.com/blog/connection-between-childhood-trauma-addiction/ Shame Attacks: https://healingshame.com/articles/2017/12/19/managing-a-shame-attack Family Scapegoat Abuse: https://www.pacesconnection.com/blog/5-critical-things-to-know-about-family-scapegoating-abuse-fsa Financial stress: https://pas.duke.edu/concerns/emotional/stress/money-related-stress/ Internal Family Systems: https://ifs-institute.com/ Music: https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/power-of-music-in-mental-well-being Meditation: https://www.apa.org/topics/mindfulness/meditation Beaches: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/health/article/beach-ocean-mental-health-benefits
50 MIN
APR 26, 2025
Ep. 9: Hugh T.M.
Today's guest is Hugh Taft Morales. He is the leader of the Philadelphia Ethical Society. I asked him to come on the show because I love the way he talks about helping people. You will see how ethics are so vital to the treatment of substance abuse disorders. Click the links below for further reading, and email me with any questions: [email protected] Philadelphia Ethical Society: https://phillyethics.org/ Baltimore Ethical Society: https://bmorethical.org/ Felix Adler: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Felix-Adler-American-educator Basic Principles of Ethics: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7923912/ Freethinkers: https://ffrf.org/uncategorized/what-is-a-freethinker/ Secular Humanism: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-secular-life/202002/what-is-secular-humanism Reason: https://www.britannica.com/topic/logic Peer review: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4975196/ Ethics in counseling/therapy: https://positivepsychology.com/counseling-ethics-code/ Religious Literacy: https://bulletin.hds.harvard.edu/why-study-religion-in-the-twenty-first-century/ Support groups: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9508871/ Cirrhosis of the liver: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcohol/rehab-treatment/cirrhosis-symptoms What is a 501(c)(3): https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/exemption-requirements-501c3-organizations Science Denial: https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/truth-lies-consequences-science-denial How often people die from drug overdoses: https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/nation-s-overdose-epidemic/every-5-minutes-person-dies-drug-overdose-must-end
42 MIN