Why “One Right Way” Can Keep People Stuck in Recovery

In this Boozeless Book Club episode of Leaving CrazyTown, Amy Liz Harrison and Dr. Sarah Michaud take a deep, thoughtful dive into Many Roads, One Journey: Moving Beyond the 12 Steps by Charlotte Davis Kasl. Together, they explore how rigidity, fear-based recovery messaging, and one-size-fits-all approaches can unintentionally limit healing—especially for women and people with histories of codependency or religious trauma. With honesty, nuance, and compassion, they discuss how to keep what works in traditional recovery models while making room for choice, discernment, and self-trust.
Key Takeaways

• Recovery loses power when it becomes rigid or fear-based

• One person’s path is not a universal blueprint

• Women often need self-trust and agency, not further self-reduction

• Accountability and compassion can coexist

• Thinking for yourself is not dangerous—it’s necessary

Key Timestamps

[02:00] Why this book feels “meaty” and challenging

[07:00] Rigidity, fear, and belonging in recovery

[13:00] Why women’s recovery needs differ

[20:00] Kasl’s expanded steps and codependency healing

[49:00] “Many roads” and the danger of “only one way”

Notable Resources

• Many Roads, One Journey: Moving Beyond the 12 Steps — Charlotte Davis Kasl

• Women, Sex & Addiction — Charlotte Davis Kasl

Dr. Sarah Michaud — Co-Crazy

If this episode resonated, subscribe, rate, and review Leaving CrazyTown—and share it with someone who needs permission to find their own way.

Leaving CrazyTown is a raw, real-talk podcast hosted by Finn and Dr. Sarah Michaud, two recovering addicts turned relatable guides on the wild ride of codependency healing. Each episode dives deep into the chaos of dysfunctional relationships, identity loss, and emotional recovery—with humor, honesty, and hope. Subscribe and buckle up—we’re leaving CrazyTown.