
EP 1:29 Permission to Heal: Overcoming Resistance in Addiction Recovery with Matthew
09/19/24 • 58 min
Supplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/permission-to-heal-in-recovery
Matthew Fuller is a friend, colleague, and kick-ass Certified Coach, and I was honored to sit down with him for this week's podcast episode. Quitting meth is often the easy part of recovery; the hard work lies in self-awareness, trauma healing, and cultivating radical change. Matthew talks about the complexities of change in addiction recovery. We explore the natural fear and resistance that often accompanies change, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and taking small, manageable steps.
The discussion highlights several key points:
- Embracing fear: Acknowledging and accepting fear as a normal part of the change process.
- Mindful observation: The power of noticing one's thoughts without judgment rather than getting caught in self-criticism.
- Emotional management: Developing a healthy relationship with emotions, including detaching from negative feelings and not letting them define one's sense of success.
- Body awareness: Reconnecting with physical sensations and using them as a tool for healing.
- Self-relationship: The journey of building trust with oneself through small, achievable goals.
- Positive outlook: Cultivating openness to new perspectives and embracing positivity in recovery.
Grab a pen and paper y'all; you'll want to take copious notes.
Find Matthew Fuller (he/him) ACC - ICF here:
linktr.ee/matthewctfuller
From Matthew:
I am a queer Canadian living in the UK. I'm passionate about LGBTQIA+ issues, the arts, fitness, and travel. I work to inspire and support others in navigating changes as they work toward happier and more fulfilling lives. I understand how challenging it is to keep pushing forward despite setbacks on this path of personal development which is why I always say, 'this stuff is not easy, but I know you can do it!'
I am a Change and Accountabillity coach using cognitive behavioural coaching, mindfulness, and other scientifically backed methods to help people transform their lives. I work with individuals and organisations on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) projects, addiction recovery/sobriety, and performance enhancement, both professionally and personally. Change is hard, but necessary to live the lives we’ve always dreamed of so I help people to break it down into something that is doable.
The AfterMeth:
Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/
Dr. Dallas Bragg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdallasbragg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdallasbragg/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drdallasbragg
YouTube: The Aftermeth Podcast
X: https://twitter.com/Drdallasbragg
Free online course to End the Relapse Cycle: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/e7c2Eo22/checkout
Supplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/permission-to-heal-in-recovery
Matthew Fuller is a friend, colleague, and kick-ass Certified Coach, and I was honored to sit down with him for this week's podcast episode. Quitting meth is often the easy part of recovery; the hard work lies in self-awareness, trauma healing, and cultivating radical change. Matthew talks about the complexities of change in addiction recovery. We explore the natural fear and resistance that often accompanies change, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and taking small, manageable steps.
The discussion highlights several key points:
- Embracing fear: Acknowledging and accepting fear as a normal part of the change process.
- Mindful observation: The power of noticing one's thoughts without judgment rather than getting caught in self-criticism.
- Emotional management: Developing a healthy relationship with emotions, including detaching from negative feelings and not letting them define one's sense of success.
- Body awareness: Reconnecting with physical sensations and using them as a tool for healing.
- Self-relationship: The journey of building trust with oneself through small, achievable goals.
- Positive outlook: Cultivating openness to new perspectives and embracing positivity in recovery.
Grab a pen and paper y'all; you'll want to take copious notes.
Find Matthew Fuller (he/him) ACC - ICF here:
linktr.ee/matthewctfuller
From Matthew:
I am a queer Canadian living in the UK. I'm passionate about LGBTQIA+ issues, the arts, fitness, and travel. I work to inspire and support others in navigating changes as they work toward happier and more fulfilling lives. I understand how challenging it is to keep pushing forward despite setbacks on this path of personal development which is why I always say, 'this stuff is not easy, but I know you can do it!'
I am a Change and Accountabillity coach using cognitive behavioural coaching, mindfulness, and other scientifically backed methods to help people transform their lives. I work with individuals and organisations on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) projects, addiction recovery/sobriety, and performance enhancement, both professionally and personally. Change is hard, but necessary to live the lives we’ve always dreamed of so I help people to break it down into something that is doable.
The AfterMeth:
Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/
Dr. Dallas Bragg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdallasbragg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdallasbragg/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drdallasbragg
YouTube: The Aftermeth Podcast
X: https://twitter.com/Drdallasbragg
Free online course to End the Relapse Cycle: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/e7c2Eo22/checkout
Previous Episode

EP 1:28 BONUS Episode: Happy 30th Birthday Crystal Meth Anonymous
Happy 30th Birthday, Crystal Meth Anonymous!
Johnathon Vasquez, a member of Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA), shares his experience with addiction and recovery in this episode of the Aftermeth Podcast. He discusses his journey of relapse and recovery, highlighting the importance of doing the work and following the suggestions of the program. Jonathan emphasizes the need for different anonymous programs like CMA because the experience and effects of crystal meth addiction are unique. He also addresses concerns about triggers and the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals in recovery.
You can reach Jonathan here:
[email protected]
Crystal Meth Anonymous Website:
https://www.crystalmeth.org/
The AfterMeth:
Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/
Dr. Dallas Bragg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdallasbragg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdallasbragg/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drdallasbragg
YouTube: The Aftermeth Podcast
X: https://twitter.com/Drdallasbragg
Free online course to End the Relapse Cycle: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/e7c2Eo22/checkout
Next Episode

EP 1:30 Rewiring the Addict Brain with Alex
I love featuring other Coaches, especially queer ones in recovery! In this episode, I interview my new friend Alex Garner, a Jay Shetty Certified Life Coach, about his journey to sobriety and the tools and techniques that helped him stay sober. Alex shares his experience with addiction to various substances, and how he finally found success in his fifth rehab stint. He discusses the importance of habits, neuroplasticity, and maintenance in maintaining sobriety. Alex also introduces his five-step morning routine, which includes emotional dumping, gratitude and bragging, life planning, affirmations and visualization, and doing one thing differently daily.
Takeaways
- Motivation is not a feeling, it's an action. The more you do it, the more you have of it.
- Finding practical tools and techniques that work for you is crucial in staying sober.
- Habits play a significant role in maintaining sobriety. They can be deleted, edited, or created to support a healthy lifestyle.
- Neuroplasticity allows for the rewiring of the brain and the creation of new habits.
- Maintenance is essential in sustaining sobriety, and additional support beyond traditional programs may be necessary.
- Alex's five-step morning routine, including emotional dumping, gratitude and bragging, life planning, affirmations and visualization, and doing one thing differently each day, has been transformative in his own sobriety journey. Self-reflection is a powerful tool for raising awareness and identifying areas for personal growth.
- Acceptance is not just about being okay with the way things are, but also about consenting to receive the gift of peace and self-worth.
Alex's 5 Step Routine: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yhzAAV83-0Hqc-ONg3ghbUm5eZsnLYm1iuNNTnwDoBE/edit
Find Alex here:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexgarnerlifecoach
FB Group: www.facebook.com/groups/sober1
Website: www.alexsgarner.com
TikTok: @alex.garner.life.coach
IG: @alexgarnerlifecoach
The AfterMeth:
Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/
Dr. Dallas Bragg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdallasbragg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdallasbragg/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drdallasbragg
YouTube: The Aftermeth Podcast
X: https://twitter.com/Drdallasbragg
Free online course to End the Relapse Cycle: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/e7c2Eo22/checkout
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