As a co-author of Sobriety for Dummies and someone with 28 years in recovery, I’ve discovered that the journey to wellness extends far beyond simply putting down the drink. Throughout my nearly three decades of sobriety, I’ve become obsessed (or so my husband thinks) with understanding how different chemicals interact with our bodies and impact our overall well-being.
For example, why is it that whenever I eat from Mission Chinese, my favorite Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, I am just tired like an old dog? Or when I smell someone’s body deodorant, I want to throw up? And when I drink something with citric acid, the powder form, my stomach cramps, yet if it’s already liquified, I’m okay… Or what about when I look at a screen too long? My head feels like there is a grip on it, and it will explode, and at the same time, I get nauseous. I remember when I drank, I would blackout; it was given, it was a “reaction,” a chemical reaction, every time. My point is that none of this behavior or my reactions have been intentional, except for the drinking. I knew I wanted to feel tipsy or connected, or perhaps it was as simple as not feeling left out; I was still seeking a reaction.
My breakthrough came two years into my recovery when my body essentially broke down—my immune system crashed, I lost my cycle, my hair fell out, I gained 25 pounds in 30 days, and my skin turned yellow. I had consulted all sorts of doctors, but none had any answers. Even specialty doctors were stumped. Inevitably, traditional medicine offered no answers.
In that moment of frustration, I leaned in on power greater than myself, the one that had lifted my obsession with alcohol.
I asked myself: Can I change my thinking? Can I find my health again? Can I shift the way I obsess about everything? Can I harness that power to restore my body and alter my physical being? Can I find ways to better myself?
The good news is this crisis became my opportunity.
This led me to discover and explore the concept of Nof1 (individual experimentation), recognizing that while we share many similarities as humans, each person’s DNA and experience are unique. What works for one person may not work for another, making personal exploration and understanding crucial in recovery and healing. One way to get sober is not everybody’s way to healing and recovery. One program doesn’t suit everyone; each program and pathway support each individual in their way.
I also discovered nutrients, the workings of the body, meditation, mindfulness, prayer, the neural net, and neural pathways. I learned that changing my thinking would lead my body to follow and heal. I also discovered that everything I put into my body triggers chemical reactions.
When I was drinking alcohol, those chemical reactions were dismantling my innate organic system—it was killing me. Every substance I consumed or came into contact with whether it be the pollution of LA, dirt under my fingernails, Ho Ho’s, Snickers bars, kombucha, Tylenol, mushrooms (legal or not), cigarette smoke, Diet Coke, sucralose, stevia, cane sugar, scented lotion, high fructose corn syrup, MSG, all of it—was interacting with my extraordinary body, and not in good ways. And these chemicals continue to do so today.
Yet today, I understand what is happening!
We live in a world that’s imbalanced. We’re surrounded by blue lights, many living next to each other in cramped spaces; some endure city soot, while others bearing the proximity to factories and toxic blooms in lakes, GMOs, antibiotic-fed livestock, chemically treated wood, carpets, cars, and well, the list is endless. The world is vastly different than it was when humans first appeared.
What does this have to do with my recovery, and why am I sharing this? Because during my recovery, I’ve discovered that we are incredibly unique and resilient beings. Yes, there are similarities, but each strand of DNA is fundamentally different; you, my friend, are different; you are your own Nof1 case study.
This is your invitation to investigate.
With an open mind, consider how many people are up against mental health challenges—depression, anxiety, panic, insomnia. These challenges arise because we (the collective we) constantly undergo hundreds of thousands of chemical reactions daily from the substances we consume and interact with. In this series, I will explore how these chemicals interact with the human body and what this means for you. How are these chemicals working in your body? Will they harm you? Will they put someone who is walking a path of recovery in harm’s way? Will there be significant healing and balance? Will they enhance your longevity, improve mood, increase libido, lead to deeper sleep, or result in healthier skin? This series is an exploration of chemicals and their impact.
Here are some of the conventional and cutting-edge compounds that I’m going to uncover:
– Sugar
– Methylene Blue
– Ketamine
– High-Fructose Corn Syrup
– GLPs
– Melatonin 1
– Human Growth Hormone
– MOTS-c
– NAD
– Kombucha
– Vitamin C
– MSG
– Cannabis
– Medicinal Mushrooms
– Psilocybin
– MDMA
Each article in this series will examine these substances through the lens of wellness and recovery, exploring their potential benefits, risks, and impacts on our physical and mental well-being.
I am not coming at this as a scientist; instead, as someone who has navigated both recovery and serious health challenges, I understand the importance of approaching these topics with both caution and curiosity. This series isn’t about promoting any particular substance or protocol – it’s about empowering you with knowledge to make informed decisions about your health and recovery journey.
Whether you’re in recovery or simply seeking to optimize your well-being, this exploration will provide valuable insights into how various chemicals interact with our bodies and impact our lives. Some of these approaches might be considered fringe or controversial, but I aim to share evidence-based information and personal experience to help you become the best version of yourself.
Join me on this journey of discovery as we explore the fascinating intersection of chemical interactions, recovery, and personal wellness. Together, we’ll uncover how understanding these relationships can lead to better health, more profound recovery, and enhanced quality of life.
Have you signed up for my next DNA power half-hour?
#DNA #SpiritualSubstance
SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE with Lane Kennedy: This monthly column explores the intersections of mindfulness, science, and spirituality.
Grab Your Copy of Sobriety for Dummies now! Be sure to tune in to the Your Sober Now What? Podcast to hear an expansion on the themes discussed in SFD!
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
