In this episode of the Pathways 2 Prevention podcast, Terry Gerlach, Supervisor of Clinical Services at Hazelden Betty Ford in Naples, explores recovery and mental health in older adults. Terry shares her career pivot from corporate banking to clinical work, the power of holistic care that treats substance use and mental health together, and practical ways families and providers can recognize risk, strengthen protective factors, and support lasting recovery. The conversation dives into shame versus guilt, “taking your power back,” trauma-informed healing, and small habit shifts that build hopeful momentum at any age.

🎧 Listen now here

Key takeaways

  • Recovery has no age limit. It’s never too late to ask for help and rebuild a meaningful life.
  • Treat both substance use and mental health together. A holistic approach closes harmful care “silos.”
  • Older adults face unique risk factors: loss, identity shifts, social isolation, mobility changes, and medication complexity.
  • Protective factors matter: sober support, faith, movement, purposeful activity, and service or mentorship.
  • Shift from shame to guilt. Shame attacks identity. Guilt focuses on behaviors you can change.
  • “Take your power back.” Focus on what you can control today. One day at a time counts.
  • Family and providers can be bridges. Notice subtle cues, stay connected, offer options without judgment.
  • Small practices, big impact: affirmations, breathwork, gratitude, “habit stacking,” and boundaries to prevent compassion fatigue.

Notable quotes

  • “It is never too late to get help. Help is available. You are worth saving.”  — Terry
  • “Take your power back by focusing on what you can control—today.”
  • “Hope has no age limit.”

Resources mentioned

  • Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
  • Falling Upward by Richard Rohr
  • The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
  • Atomic Habits by James Clear
  • VolunteerMatch.org for purpose-building opportunities

Practical tips

  • For families: Check in regularly, listen for subtle changes, stay curious not judgmental, offer a few vetted options rather than directives.
  • For individuals in recovery: Try two affirmations morning and night. Use a simple breathwork aid like a bracelet. Stack new micro-habits onto existing routines.
  • For providers: Keep boundaries clear. Model the same healthy routines you recommend. Seek uplifting inputs and brief transition rituals between work and home.

Drug Free America Foundation links: