It's messy, it's nonlinear AF, and it's definitely not for everyone. We are, of course, talking about recovery. Today's Pickle Poll episode draws from listener comments and voicemails to discuss the following:

• How we define recovery (or lack thereof) for ourselves
• Chronic mental illness, losing hope, and seeing recovery as an unaffordable luxury
• The “anecdote equals fact” approach and why it pisses Lauren off
• How to get to a place where you actually want to recover
• How to replace self-destruction as an outlet
• The temptation to make recovery your entire identity
• Recovery gatekeepers and how Christina keeps people guessing
• Lapses, relapses, and everything in between
• Performative recovery and being honest with yourself
• Finding a reason to recover (and what to do if you don't have one)

Follow Pickles and Vodka for updates, guest inquiries, or to say hi:

• Instagram: @picklesandvodkapodcast
• Facebook: Pickles and Vodka Podcast
• Twitter: @PicklesVodka
• Email: [email protected]
• Christina's personal Instagram: @xtinajumper
• Lauren's personal Instagram: @laurenafh (but mostly @picosauve)

Credits:

• Theme song is Insane OK by The Whines via Free Music Archive