Episode 42: Break cycles of addiction and trauma with Sweta Sansara’s story - International Women’s Day Special
Ahead of this International Women’s Day host Ray Donovan is joined by Sweta Sansara, who shares her personal story of overcoming alcohol addiction and sugar addiction. Sweta sheds light on her experience growing up as a Nepalese immigrant in the US, feeling like she didn't fit in, an eating disorder, alcohol addiction, being in the US Marines and eventually finding out her body metabolizes sugar into alcohol meaning she had to quit sugar too in her path to sobriety.
Sweta’s Toolkit:
Drug and alcohol counseling
12-step program
Trauma therapy
Having a strong support system
Setting boundaries
Surrendering to a higher power
Healthy habits such as meal planning
Acceptance and trusting in the recovery process
Therapeutic tools such as CBT
Education and awareness about addiction and wellness
Setting an example for her children
Sweta's Journey with Alcohol and Food Addiction
Sweta opens up about her family history of alcoholism and how she started drinking at a young age. She shares how alcohol became a coping mechanism for her childhood trauma and struggles with fitting in due to cultural differences. Sweta also delves into her co-occurring eating disorder, highlighting the vicious cycle of using food and alcohol to numb her emotions.
Joining the Marines and Struggles with Addiction
Sweta recounts her decision to join the Marines as a way to overcome her addictions but ultimately faced challenges with drinking on the job and developing physical issues due to her lifestyle. Despite her efforts, Sweta's addiction continued, leading to a downward spiral.
Finding Sobriety and Then Learning About the Sugar Problem
After hitting rock bottom, Sweta sought help and found sobriety through addiction counseling. Five years later she discovered that her body was metabolizing sugar into alcohol and had to go through the process of giving up sugar. She says that this was much harder than giving up alcohol. She shares her journey of surrendering to a higher power and making significant lifestyle changes to break free from the cycle of addiction.
Family Dynamics and Cultural Stigma
Sweta reflects on the challenges of discussing addiction within her South Asian family and the cultural norms that influence their perceptions. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and being an example for the next generation to break the cycle of addiction.
Sweta’s details
Instagram: @sweta
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwetaSansara
Connect with the show
Website: https://www.stackndays.com/
Apply to be a guest: https://www.stackndays.com/rsvp-1
Instagram and Tiktok: @stackndays
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC-IqvFJ2SlufC6KuyiztjQ
Resources
https://www.samhsa.gov/
https://www.joinreframeapp.com/
https://www.theluckiestclub.com/
Add Stack’n’days to your calendar:
https://id.podcal.app/1668847465.ics
Instructions:
Apple Calendar (iOS): Click “Calendars” > “Add Calendar” > “Add Subscription Calendar,” then provide the URL above Apple Calendar (macOS): File > “New Calendar Subscription,” then provide the URL above.
Google Calendar: Go to calendar.google.com > “Other calendars” > “+” > “From URL,” then provide the URL above