There Is More Than One Path to Recovery with Tom Horvath | Sharing Without Shame | Ep60

About this episode

This episode discusses the various pathways to recovery from addiction, emphasizing the roles of shame, guilt, and family support.

Shame, guilt, and addiction don’t have to define your story. In this episode, Donna Marston welcomes Dr. Tom Horvath, a board-certified clinical psychologist, co-founder of SMART Recovery, and pioneer in science-based addiction support. Together, they explore the role of shame and guilt, why recovery is not one-size-fits-all, and how families can support a loved one without losing themselves in the process. Dr. Horvath shares decades of insight on self-empowered recovery, alternatives to the traditional “rock bottom” narrative, and practical tools families can use to create healthier dynamics. This conversation offers hope, clarity, and reassurance for anyone navigating addiction, whether personally or through someone they love. Topics Covered: - The difference between shame and guilt and how each impacts recovery - Why there are many valid pathways to recovery - SMART Recovery vs. 12-step programs - The importance of choice and self-empowerment in healing - How families can support recovery without controlling it - Common myths about addiction and “rock bottom” - Practical ways to communicate with a loved one in treatment - Building a meaningful life beyond addiction About the…

People in this episode

Host: Donna Marston

Guest: Dr. Tom Horvath

Topics covered

• addiction recovery
• shame and guilt
• family support
• self-empowerment
• communication in treatment
• myths about addiction

Keywords

• addiction
• recovery
• shame
• guilt
• SMART Recovery
• family support
• self-empowerment
• communication
• myths

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: SMART Recovery, Practical Recovery, 12-step programs

More episodes of Sharing With Out Shame

• What Parents Need to Know About Addiction Before It's Too Late with Bonnie Tisdale | Ep69 · June 7, 2026 · 36 min
• Addiction, Loss, Recovery & Finding Hope After Tragedy with Ashley Jo | Ep68 · May 29, 2026 · 39 min
• How Jeannie Miller Found Healing Through Recovery, Mindfulness, and Gratitude | Ep67 · May 15, 2026 · 47 min
• Healing Through Awareness, Identity & Emotional Truth with Cătălina Popoveniuc | Ep66 · May 1, 2026 · 40 min
• What Every Parent Needs to Know About Trauma and Substance Abuse with Dr. Janelle Martin | Ep65 · April 17, 2026 · 38 min
• The Hidden Impact of Trauma on Addiction with Jacqueline Williams | Sharing Without Shame | Ep64 · April 3, 2026 · 36 min