From Sexual Addiction to Lasting Freedom in Christ (Bernard's Story)

Ann shares how years of alcoholism and codependency were fueled by a lifelong belief that it was her responsibility to hold everything together. Beneath a seemingly successful life, she battled crushing shame, fear, and the mental obsession to drink. Through the grace of recovery, surrendering her will to God, and rediscovering her Catholic faith, she found freedom not only from alcohol but from the burden of self-reliance.

In this episode of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss the importance of sponsorship in 12-step recovery and how helping others strengthens our own recovery. They reflect on how to know when you're ready to become a sponsor, why sponsors don't necessarily need to share the same faith or life experiences, and how to learn from the guidance of your own sponsor. They also respond to a listener's question about navigating differences in spiritual beliefs, emphasizing the importance of healthy boundaries, humility, and compassion when supporting others on their recovery journey.

In this episode of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley reconnect after a busy summer and reflect on how God brings healing and freedom through forgiveness, honesty, and surrender. They respond to a listener struggling to access recovery because of disability and limited privacy, offering practical ways to find support and emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and trusted relationships. They also discuss how families can respond when discovering a loved one’s addiction, encouraging compassion, healthy boundaries, and openness to the healing God can bring through recovery.

Kevin shares how years of functioning alcoholism quietly eroded his interior life despite a successful career, family, and outward appearance of stability. Through the support of recovery, a renewed commitment to his Catholic faith, and a life of prayer, confession, and service, he discovered that sobriety involves not only putting down the drink but allowing God to repair and transform the heart. Kevin’s story is a hopeful reminder that lasting peace and freedom become possible when we surrender our lives to Christ and remain teachable in recovery.

Jana shares how a lifelong struggle with perfectionism, an eating disorder, and alcoholism left her trapped in a cycle of obsession, secrecy, and despair despite outward success and accomplishment. Through recovery, the Twelve Steps, and a profound surrender to God, she experienced freedom from the desire to drink and discovered a deep, personal relationship with Jesus that sustained her through grief, illness, and life's challenges. Jana’s story is a powerful witness that lasting serenity and healing become possible when we trust in God’s love and allow Him to restore what addiction has broken.