This episode is for all the pregnant mamas in addiction recovery (and the friends, family, and professionals who support them). We dove headfirst into a heavy but important topic for this one! It enlightens on both addiction recovery and all things perinatal.
Nikko Kennedy joined us to discuss all the challenges women face in addiction but a myriad of other things going at the subatomic level with pregnancy.
Read on to learn “6 Insights on the additional Challenges Women Face with Addiction” that I was unaware of until Andeea Rae, my incredible podcast partner and Addiction Recovery specialist in Oregon shared with her followers this week (including me). Now I want to shout them off the rooftops!
If you know anyone struggling with addiction, please share her enlightening podcast Quantum Recovery – this could be their game changer as she takes a heavy topic and makes it light, inspiring, and educational.
Who is Nikko Kennedy?
NIKKO KENNEDY, CLD, BS is the Director of Research at the Institute of Applied Quantum Biology. She is also the creator of Brighter Days, Darker Nights, a top parenting publication on Substack, and a quantum biology practitioner & doula supporting individuals and organizations worldwide. She is a graduate of the University of Oregon, and has completed trainings from the Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association, The Institute of Applied Quantum Biology, Doula Training Center, Indie Birth Midwifery School and Pacific Birth Institute. Connect with Nikko and learn more about her work at nikkokennedy.com
We were so thrilled to have her on Quantum Healthy on this challenging subject. She really challenged our preconceived notions on what it takes to have a truly a healthy pregnancy for a healthy baby and of course addressed this additional layer of addiction. Her depth of knowledge and experience of pregnancy through a quantum lens makes this fascinating.
She also touched on the growing infertility issue today, challenges in labour and delivery, post partum depression and other health challenges for the mother and baby. She will be back again soon to continue the conversation about what I call the 4 Ps of having babies – Preconception, Pregnancy, Post Partum and Parenting.
Keep reading for the links & timestamps for the brand-new episode!
But first, my promise to share Andeea’s well referenced insights….
6 Insights on the additional Challenges Women Face with Addiction
Women and men share many of the same challenges when it comes to addiction recovery. However, there are some unique challenges that women face. Some of these challenges include, but are not limited to:
1. Ease of Addiction – Women get addicted more easily than men. The research suggests that women get addicted with lower levels of use in shorter amounts of time. Women progress more quickly than men from first time use.
2. Health Risks: Women have higher health risks. According to the US National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) they are: poor nutrition, low self-esteem, depression, physical abuse, serious medical conditions, high blood pressure, STDs, HIV and AIDS.
3. Pregnancy – If there is active use during pregnancy, there is risk of preterm labor or early delivery.
4. Trauma. There is more risk of being physically or sexually abused. Abuse leads to anxiety, loneliness, and depression which leads to increased use to escape the feelings.
5. Intoxication – Women’s bodies have a lower amount of water and more fatty tissue than men’s bodies. Because alcohol dissolves more in water than fat, women will maintain a higher concentration of alcohol in the blood. Meaning women get intoxicated faster, so they suffer health problems quicker like lung cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, and more severe brain damage from alcohol and other drugs.
6. Relapse Triggers – Depression and negative feelings appear to be more common relapse triggers, while anxiety and positive feelings are more associated with relapse among men.
References:
• Brown, Stephanie. A Place Called Self: Women, Sobriety, and Radical Transformation. Center City, MN: Hazelden, 2004.
• Hazelden. “Women and Substance Abuse.” Research Update, January 1999.
• MAP, Inc. The Media Awareness Project. DrugSense.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
• Owen, Patricia L. I Can See Tomorrow: A Guide for Living with Depression. 2nd ed. Center City, MN: Hazelden, 2000.
Episode 11 – Nikko Kennedy
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Nikko’s Intro
03:22 – What we’re covering today
04:55 – Women in Addiction Recovery
09:07 – Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
14:00 – Circadian Disruption and Addiction
15:06 – Understanding Recovery
17:24 – Secrets in Addiction
20:38 – Medication and Pregnancy Unknowns
21:04 – Infertility Issues
25:20 – Oxidative Stress in Recovery
27:50 – Redox Signaling Explained
32:36 – Helping Women Get Pregnant
35:30 – Importance of Circadian Lighting
37:50 – Theta Healing Techniques
39:40 – Morning Routine Tips
42:58 – Addiction and Life Boredom
46:10 – Farm School Insights
48:50 – Mental Health During Pregnancy
51:54 – Circadian Rhythm vs Sleep Disruption
55:10 – Better Sleep in Postpartum
59:25 – Postpartum Depression and Recovery
1:03:00 – Babies Born Addicted to Substances
1:09:24 – Last Minute Needle Movers
1:16:30 – What does Quantum Healthy mean to you?
1:18:44 – Thank You
1:20:05 – Outro
I hope you enjoy this new episode!
With Joy and gratitude, Laura
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or treatment, particularly if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.
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