Episode 7 with Vincent Conlon: Rehab Entrepreneur

Addiction Unmasked

9 months ago, I wrote a post titled: F**k Rehab Centres.

It was a bold hook...

Looking back, it was successful in creating polarisation.

But if I'm brutally honest, it doesn't align with my core beliefs these days.

After connecting with several leaders of rehab centres, I no longer believe they are all inherently bad.

At the time, I didn't have the same entrepreneurial maturity I do now (a lot can change in 9 months...)

Do I believe they're perfect? No.

BUT... many still rely on an outdated 12-step, one-size-fits-all model.

This is unacceptable and needs to change.

Humans have evolved significantly since the 1930s when the model was first developed, and we must recognise that.

However, it's unfair to tarnish the entire industry with the same brush.

Above all else, I want to acknowledge my admiration for people like Vincent Conlon.

He wasn't one of the 60+ keyboard warriors who felt personally attacked by my post and took to the comments section.

Instead, he sent me a private message saying he respected me for speaking my truth, even though he disagreed with me.

This has led to us connecting, having a long form conversation, and finding a lot of common ground in what we believe to be true.

Behaviours like this will help us forge the most effective path through this complex and nuanced area of mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health that we call addiction.

If I can go full existential for a moment, approaching areas of disagreement in this way will do a great deal for healing our collective trauma as a global society.

Love, respect, and honour for one another's views.

This is the way forward.

PS. This is a clip from Vincent and my episode of Addiction Unmasked. You can listen to our full episode on Spotify now (It's a banger)

Thank you Vincent. I appreciate you.

Takeaways

• Motivation and desire are essential for overcoming addiction.
• There is no universal solution to addiction, and diverse approaches are necessary.
• Traditional rehab centres may not be suitable for everyone, and alternative options like halfway houses can provide a bridge between institutional care and returning home.
• Private medical aids in South Africa often only cover 21 days of treatment, leading to a cycle of repeated treatment and relapse.
• Entrepreneurship can be a powerful force in recovery and creating innovative solutions in the addiction treatment field. The rehab industry often falls short by offering short-term programs that may not be sufficient for long-term recovery.
• It is important to find the right approach to addiction treatment that suits each individual's needs and circumstances.
• Rehab centres should focus on providing a holistic and personalised approach to address the underlying issues and support long-term recovery.
• The 12-step program can be helpful for some, but it may not be suitable for everyone and can be rigid in its approach.
• Rehab centres should prioritise the well-being and progress of their clients over financial considerations.
• Building a supportive community and fostering connections with others who have similar experiences can be a powerful aspect of recovery.
• Language and self-identification play a significant role in addiction recovery, and it is important to find empowering and non-destructive ways to define oneself.
• The rehab industry should strive for continuous improvement and collaboration to provide the best possible care for individuals struggling with addiction.