Hilary Phelps' inspiring journey to sobriety: The hard truths about alcohol

12/18/24 • 53 min

Once the nation’s fastest swimmer in her age group, Hilary Phelps’ life took an unexpected path at the age of 14 when she tried alcohol for the first time. That one seemingly small decision opened the door to a 15-year battle with addiction.
After college, she “just became a wine drinker,” — which is a common rationale in today’s wine culture. Her journey toward recovery began at 29 when she courageously took a significant step toward healing.
In this episode of Living Well with Alison Starling, a podcast brought to you by VHC Health and WBJ, Phelps and Dr. Linda Lang, VHC Health’s medical director for the behavioral health service line, discuss the hard truths about alcohol.
“What if there’s one woman who hears my story — one woman who’s drinking, maybe too much wine ... who decides not to drink today?” Phelps asked. “What that does for her family, her children, her community, her profession — that ripple effect of one woman getting sober is so powerful.”
Listen to this episode to learn about:

How Phelps confronted the underlying issues that led to alcoholism and discovered she wasn’t alone
What kept her quiet for 15 years
How women and men struggle with alcohol and recover differently
Being in a family of athletes (yes, Michael Phelps is her brother)
Determining how much alcohol is too much
The lesser-known dangers of alcohol, such as increasing the risk of six cancers
Signs that point to alcoholism and how to approach the topic with a loved one
Practical strategies for simply cutting back or not drinking at all, including GLP-1 medications

Learn more about addiction treatment at VHC Health, where you can explore our comprehensive services. Treatment often begins with a medically controlled detox process, followed by personalized care, including options such as our inpatient treatment program, residential treatment at trusted facilities or intensive outpatient care. Reach out today to take the first step toward healing.

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Disclaimer
This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it are provided for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and does not create a patient-provider relationship. Seek the advice of your personal healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding the information presented and before undertaking a new health care regimen.
Unless specifically stated in the podcast, the views expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views of VHC Health. Participation in this podcast should not be implied as an endorsement of VHC Health or any particular organization, product or service.

How Phelps confronted the underlying issues that led to alcoholism and discovered she wasn’t alone
What kept her quiet for 15 years
How women and men struggle with alcohol and recover differently
Being in a family of athletes (yes, Michael Phelps is her brother)
Determining how much alcohol is too much
The lesser-known dangers of alcohol, such as increasing the risk of six cancers
Signs that point to alcoholism and how to approach the topic with a loved one
Practical strategies for simply cutting back or not drinking at all, including GLP-1 medications

Previous Episode

D.C.’s celebrity chef Carla Hall on carrying the Alzheimer’s gene, staying healthy and self-advocacy

Although there have been advancements in treatments for dementia-related diseases, a cure remains elusive. This cause is personal for the D.C.’s very own Food Network and Top Chef star Carla Hall who carries the gene for late onset Alzheimer’s. Her grandmother battled Alzheimer’s before she passed away at the age of 96 and her 84-year-old mother has dementia.
In this episode of Living Well with Alison Starling, a podcast brought to you by VHC Health and WBJ, Hall and Dr. Usman Akhtar, internal medicine physician and chief medical informatics officer at VHC Health, explore Alzheimer’s, including their family histories and the importance of nutrition, hydration, exercise and self-advocacy.
When Hall visits the doctor, she’s armed with information, ready to actively participate in her health journey. She works alongside her doctor as a “co-pilot.” Akhtar encourages families to get involved. “Have a family member either join a call or be part of the visit. Your family member is one of the strongest advocates for you — that's a superpower.”
Listen to this episode to learn about:

Reaching the age of 60 (or “sexty” as Hall likes to say) and what she’s doing to stay healthy
How Hall preps her body before she consumes a lot of sugar on baking shows like Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking on the Food Network
A possible link between Alzheimer's and menopause
Practical tips for diet and exercise to boost cognitive and physical health
Understanding Alzheimer's risk factors and the connection between gut, brain and heart health
Advice and resources for caregivers

Learn about VHC Health’s support groups for Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers, which provide a safe space for patients and caregivers to share experiences, learn coping strategies, discover helpful resources and find a sense of community.
VHC Health also offers a Healthy Aging program, creating opportunities for individuals to thrive in their later years. Visit the VHC Health Senior Health Department for outstanding services and programs designed to help you age safely and independently while staying informed and engaged.

Next Episode

Measure health beyond the scale: WebMD’s chief medical officer and VHC Health doctor simplify GLP-1 drugs

Popular weight loss medications are playing a role in the fight against obesity, but are they a help or hinderance in the long term? “The number on your scale is not your only measure of health,” says WebMD’s chief medical officer, Dr. John Whyte.
In this episode of Living Well with Alison Starling, a podcast brought to you by VHC Health and WBJ, Whyte and Dr. Arshad Ali from VHC Health Bariatric & Metabolic Health Center delve into medical weight management, discuss whether obesity is worsening or decreasing, and simplify the information surrounding GLP-1 prescription drugs.
“This (obesity) is a disease, not a moral failing or lack of self-control,” explains Ali. “This is a medical problem that needs to be treated correctly.”
Listen to this episode to learn about:

How GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy work in relation to obesity management
The most common potential side effects
The average percentage of weight patients usually gain back when they stop taking their medication
Micro-dosing for people who just want to lose 10 to 20 pounds
How long you really have to exercise each day to make a difference (it’s less than you might think)
Which single lifestyle change impacts 90% to 95% of the weight loss formula

Learn more about VHC Health’s Medical Weight Management program. Our bariatrician works with patients to create personalized treatment plans that incorporate nutrition, physical activity and behavioral changes, with medication options when appropriate. With support from a clinical psychologist and dietitian, and seamless integration with our bariatric surgery team, VHC Health offers a comprehensive approach to achieving your weight and health goals, whether through in-person or telehealth visits.