Volunteering Voodoo: When Helping Turns Harmful in Recovery
Sobriety teaches us a lot about boundaries—how to set them, how to honor them, and how to recognize when they’re being crossed. But sometimes, even with the best intentions, we find ourselves stuck in old patterns—especially in places where we’re just trying to help.In this week’s episode of Eternally Amy, I dig into what I call “Volunteering Voodoo”—that strange space where service, faith, guilt, and the desire to belong get all tangled up. If you’ve ever felt burned out, manipulated, or just plain exhausted by your volunteer work, especially in a church, nonprofit, or school, you’re not alone.And if you’re doing all that while in recovery? It can get even trickier.When Overgiving Becomes OverwhelmingFor many of us in recovery, service is sacred. It’s part of how we stay sober. But what happens when that service starts to mirror the unhealthy patterns we’re working to leave behind?In this episode, I share some personal and raw reflections on:Volunteer burnout and the pressure to be “always available”People-pleasing dressed up as “being of service”Manipulation and guilt in faith-based communitiesThe need to belong, and how it can cloud our judgmentSaying “no” as an act of self-care and empowermentWhat 12-Step Programs Get RightOne of the biggest takeaways for me has been the contrast between unhealthy volunteer environments and the non-hierarchical, mutual respect found in 12-step programs. Nobody’s above anyone else. There are no medals for martyrdom. And there’s no shame in stepping back when you need to.That’s the kind of structure I now seek out—and hope to help others recognize, too.Permission to Walk AwayIf volunteering is making you feel drained, resentful, or like you’re not enough unless you’re overextending yourself—pause. Ask yourself: Is this actually helping me grow, or am I shrinking to fit in?Here’s the truth I’m still learning in recovery: You’re allowed to walk away. You’re allowed to protect your peace. And you don’t owe anyone access to your time, your energy, or your emotional labor.Tune InGive the episode a listen if you’ve ever struggled with the tension between faith, recovery, and wanting to do good—but not at the expense of your own wellbeing. (Episode airs May 26th) 🎧 Listen to “Volunteering Voodoo” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 📚 Grab my books on sobriety and healing here 🌐 More from me at amylizharrison.comAmy Liz Harrison is a bestselling author, podcast host, and proud sober mom of eight. She’s passionate about recovery, mental health, and creating honest conversations about life after alcohol. Find her on Instagram @amylizharrison.
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