Podcast Summary: Women, Addiction, and Recovery with Patti Clark | Episode 324 of This Is Woman's Work

Release Date: July 7, 2025
Podcast: This Is Woman's Work with Nicole Kalil
Guest: Patti Clark, Author of Recovery Road Trip*

Introduction

In Episode 324 of This Is Woman's Work, host Nicole Kalil engages in a profound conversation with Patti Clark, an award-winning author and seasoned speaker on addiction and recovery. The episode delves into the nuanced experiences of women navigating addiction and the road to recovery, highlighting the unique challenges and societal pressures they face.

Understanding the Gender-Specific Dynamics of Addiction

Nicole opens the discussion by acknowledging the pervasive stigma surrounding addiction, especially for women who are often expected to maintain multiple roles with grace. Patti reinforces this by explaining the physiological and societal differences that make addiction a distinct experience for women.

"Women have a higher tendency to get cancer, many different kinds of cancer than men from alcohol." [04:04]

She elaborates on how biological factors, such as higher body fat percentages and lower levels of alcohol-metabolizing enzymes in women, contribute to a greater susceptibility to alcohol-related health issues. Patti shares a personal connection, recounting her mother's tragic battle with alcohol-induced stomach cancer.

"Nobody wants to hear about alcohol causing cancer... but people like myself that tend to be more inclined to our addiction need to know that." [06:21]

Trauma as a Catalyst for Addiction in Women

Addressing the root causes of addiction, Patti draws upon the insights of Dr. Gabor Maté, emphasizing trauma's pivotal role in fostering addiction.

"Instead of asking why the addiction, we should be asking why we turned to addiction... to numb the pain." [07:23]

Her personal narrative reveals a tumultuous upbringing marked by parental alcoholism and familial chaos, underscoring how early trauma can set the stage for addictive behaviors. Patti highlights that for many women, experiences of sexual abuse and trauma within the family often intertwine with addiction, creating a cycle that's challenging to break.

The Complex Journey of Recovery

Nicole probes into the emotional landscape of recovery for women, particularly the heavy burden of shame and the fear of judgment that hampers the willingness to seek help. Patti shares her own journey, detailing a pivotal moment when she chose recovery not for external pressures but out of self-disgust with her drinking habits.

"I didn’t like myself when I drank... I decided to get back into recovery then." [11:23]

She underscores the inadequacies of traditional 12-step programs, which often feel patriarchal and unreflective of women's unique experiences. This realization led Patti to co-found a women-centric recovery group focused on emotional sobriety, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Relapse Prevention and the Need for Emotional Connection

Discussing relapse, Patti identifies that women often relapse due to unmet emotional needs within recovery programs rather than external temptations.

"Women tend to relapse more because of what they're not getting in recovery, rather than some of the men." [17:54]

She critiques the male-dominated nature of many recovery spaces, which lack the emotional support women crave. Patti advocates for recovery groups that offer a diverse and emotionally enriching experience, allowing women to connect and heal authentically.

Prevalence of Women as Addicts and the Caretaker Role

Nicole raises an important point about the societal tendency to view women primarily as caretakers of addicts rather than recognizing them as addicts themselves. Patti concurs, highlighting that many women are "double winners" who are both caretakers and addicts.

"Women tend to have myriad addictions... they use to numb out depending on what's available." [21:52]

This dual burden often goes unaddressed, leading to compounded struggles that traditional support systems overlook.

Identifying Addiction Beyond the Stereotype of Rock Bottom

Patti offers practical insights into recognizing addiction before it reaches a crisis point. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the red flags that indicate addictive behaviors, such as:

• Constantly seeking substances to feel okay
• Engaging in compulsive behaviors like shopping or eating
• Experiencing shame or regret post-use

"If you can't imagine going to a social event and not having a little bit of wine before you go... it's a red flag." [25:38]
"The shame associated with that is a perfect indicator." [28:57]

Creating Supportive and Non-Judgmental Environments

Concluding the conversation, Patti stresses the critical role of connection over isolation in the recovery process. She advocates for open, judgment-free dialogues where individuals feel safe to share their struggles.

"The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection." [29:55]

Patti encourages listeners to foster environments of honesty and support, whether through structured recovery programs or informal support networks, to aid those on their path to recovery.

Final Thoughts

Nicole wraps up the episode by reinforcing the key takeaways: recovery is a courageous and ongoing journey that thrives on purpose, connection, and compassion. She underscores the importance of dismantling shame and creating safe spaces for women to embrace their recovery journeys without fear of judgment.

"Recovering from anything that holds you back and giving yourself grace in the process, well, that is woman's work." [32:21]

Learn More:

• Patti Clark's Book: Recovery Road Trip – Available on Amazon and other bookstores.
• Patti Clark's Website: pattyclark.org
• Podcast Website: nicolekalil.com