DeepSummary
Edwin Young grew up in the Jehovah's Witness community in Brooklyn, where he was groomed to potentially become a leader from a young age. While he appreciated aspects of the community, he also had doubts from a young age about some of the teachings, particularly around only Jehovah's Witnesses surviving the end of the world. By age 20, he had become an elder and witnessed corruption and disturbing practices behind the scenes, such as the two-witness rule for handling allegations of abuse.
A turning point came when a close friend, who was also an elder, committed suicide after struggling with guilt over accidentally hitting a child with his truck. After attempting to take time off but facing relentless pressure to return, Edwin decided to leave the religion entirely, losing his entire community, friends, and family in the process. This sent him into a downward spiral of alcoholism for over 20 years as he struggled to cope with the loss.
It wasn't until his wife faced a cancer scare that Edwin decided to get sober through Lion Rock Recovery's intensive outpatient program. In recovery, he found techniques to manage his PTSD and panic attacks, made amends with his dying father, and fully embraced a connection to a higher power outside of organized religion. He credits the genuine group therapy as a key component of his nearly 3 years of sobriety.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Edwin Young grew up indoctrinated in the Jehovah's Witness faith, becoming an elder by age 20.
- He eventually left after witnessing corruption and disturbing practices like the two-witness rule for handling abuse allegations.
- Losing his entire community and support system sent Edwin into over 20 years of alcoholism to cope.
- A cancer scare for his wife motivated Edwin to finally get sober through Lion Rock Recovery's intensive outpatient program.
- Authentic group therapy was key to Edwin embracing vulnerability and recovery after decades of isolation.
- In sobriety, Edwin has rebuilt family connections, managed PTSD/panic attacks, and embraced spirituality outside organized religion.
- While traumatic, Edwin's experiences gave him perspective and skills he may not have otherwise developed.
- His story highlights the isolation and trauma caused by indoctrination into fundamentalist faith communities.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “So I committed the worst crime that any Jehovah's Witness could commit. It's worse than celebrating a birthday or a holiday or cheating on your wife. Me leaving the organization meant to these people that I choose Satan.“ by Edwin Young
- “I haven't had a panic attack in almost three years. I mean, it became like I was hunting around for all these things that would be triggers and...“ by Edwin Young
- “Something in the back of my soul was telling me this is wrong in moving up the ranks, was to take that power away from those people who were hurting people that I love.“ by Edwin Young
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Episode Information
The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast
Ashley Loeb Blassingame
10/31/23