In this episode of Thrive While Loving an Addict, KL Wells sits down with Dr. Robb Kelly, a neuroscientist and addiction specialist, to explore what it means to understand addiction as a disease rather than a moral failure. Dr. Kelly shares his personal journey from early exposure to alcohol in childhood to losing his family, home, and stability, and eventually living on the streets before reaching a turning point that changed the direction of his life.

Drawing from both lived experience and years of working with thousands of individuals and families, Dr. Kelly offers insight into how addiction affects the brain and why behavior can feel so difficult to understand from the outside. This conversation also acknowledges the impact on families, the complexity of boundaries, and the possibility of healing and reconnection over time.

Key Discussion Points

• Dr. Robb Kelly’s personal journey through addiction, loss, and recovery
• Understanding addiction through a brain-based perspective
• How survival mechanisms in the brain can influence addictive behavior
• The difference between intention and compulsion in addiction
• The role of thinking patterns in sustaining addiction
• How enabling and boundaries can impact recovery
• The emotional toll addiction can have on families and loved ones
• The possibility of reconciliation after long periods of disconnection
• The role of faith, meaning, and perspective in recovery
• The brain’s ability to adapt and change over time

Some Questions I Ask

• What were the turning points that led you from addiction into the work you do today?
• How did your personal experience shape your treatment approach?
• Do you see your life experiences as something that shaped your purpose?
• What would you say to loved ones trying to stay grounded in the middle of addiction?
• Were you able to find forgiveness in your relationship with your father?

In This Episode, You Will Learn

• Why addiction is often understood as a brain-based condition rather than a lack of willpower
• How certain brain processes can influence decision-making and behavior
• Why asking someone to “just stop” can feel unrealistic in the context of addiction
• How patterns of thinking can play a role in sustaining addiction
• The difference between supporting and enabling a loved one
• How addiction can impact the emotional well-being of families
• Why healing and reconnection may still be possible over time
• How the brain has the capacity to adapt and change

Resources

Learn more about Dr. Robb Kelly

https://robbkelly.com/

Explore Breath Box Studio

https://robbkelly.com/breathbox/

In this episode of Thrive While Loving an Addict, KL Wells sits down with Dawn Jackson, a nurse, grief recovery specialist, and author, to explore what happens when grief goes unnamed for years. Dawn shares her experience growing up with both a biological father and a stepfather struggling with alcoholism, and how those early environments shaped what felt normal, safe, and familiar.

Through years of personal development work, Dawn searched for something that would reach the deeper layers of her pain. It was not until she encountered grief recovery work that things began to make sense. This conversation gently explores how unresolved grief can sit beneath patterns formed in addiction-impacted families, and what can begin to shift when that grief is acknowledged.

Key Discussion Points

1. Growing up with two father figures affected by alcoholism and how that shaped early patterns
2. How chaos can become familiar, and why calm may feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable
3. Grief as an underlying thread in addiction, abuse, and life transitions
4. The limits of personal growth work when grief remains unprocessed
5. How grief recovery work can offer a different layer of understanding
6. The emotional complexity of setting limits with a parent in active addiction
7. The shift from surviving to building a more stable and grounded life
8. Naming grief as a step toward understanding long-held emotional pain

Some Questions I Ask

1. When do you begin to recognize that patterns may be repeating?
2. What helped you continue searching for something deeper?
3. Was there a moment when you chose to set limits and accept what is?
4. How do you relate to the idea that life may be happening for you rather than to you?
5. Who are you now on the other side of this healing work?

In This Episode, You Will Learn

1. How unresolved grief can influence patterns developed in childhood
2. Why calm and stability can sometimes feel unfamiliar after growing up in chaos
3. The difference between ongoing personal growth and addressing grief directly
4. Why setting limits with a loved one in addiction can feel painful regardless of the choice
5. How naming grief can bring clarity to long-standing emotional experiences
6. Why healing yourself is not abandonment, but an honest response to a complex situation

Resources

Journey to Peace and Healing by Dawn Jackson

Journey to Self Discovery: 100 Days of Soulful Reflections by Dawn Jackson

Free guide: Unburdening Your Heart: Transforming the Beliefs Stealing Your Joy

https://www.dawnmichelejackson.com/unburdening-your-heart-gift

Learn more about Dawn Jackson

https://www.dawnmichelejackson.com

Connect on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/dawnmichelejackson

Connect on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-michele-jackson/

In this episode of Thrive While Loving an Addict, producer Steve Cary joins host KL Wells to explore how deeply rooted patterns shape the way we think, respond, and relate to others. Many of these patterns begin in childhood as survival strategies within family systems affected by addiction, chaos, or emotional unpredictability.

KL reflects on how growing up with a mother struggling with prescription drug addiction influenced her relationships later in life, including the partners she chose and the way she responded to challenges with her son. Through awareness, reflection, and support, she shares how shifting from a mindset of “life is happening to me” to “life is happening for me” opened the door to healing, forgiveness, and healthier boundaries.

Key Discussion Points

1. Understanding behavioral, emotional, and cognitive patterns developed during childhood
2. How growing up in addictive or chaotic environments can normalize dysfunction
3. The way inherited relationship patterns can shape adult partnerships
4. Survival strategies such as hypervigilance, people-pleasing, achievement, and avoidance
5. The role of education, awareness, and support in recognizing unhealthy patterns
6. Why love alone is often not enough to change addiction or abusive dynamics
7. How boundaries can interrupt cycles of enabling and self-sacrifice
8. Shifting focus from controlling external circumstances to strengthening internal values
9. The mindset shift from “life is happening to me” to “life is happening for me”
10. Identifying growth and insight within painful experiences
11. Understanding forgiveness as release rather than justification
12. How the questions we ask ourselves influence the patterns we create

Some Questions I Ask

1. What do you mean when you talk about patterns of behavior, thinking, and emotional response?
2. How can someone begin to break these cycles if they lack awareness or education about them?
3. When did you first recognize that some of your strengths were actually patterns developed for survival?
4. What happens when someone does not recognize the patterns shaping their life?
5. What would you say to someone who feels trapped and cannot yet see the possibility of change?

In This Episode, You Will Learn

1. How childhood experiences with addiction or instability can shape patterns that follow us into adulthood
2. The difference between coping mechanisms and conscious awareness
3. Why the belief that “love alone is enough” can keep people stuck in unhealthy dynamics
4. How boundaries can support healing and self-respect
5. Why a shift in perspective can influence how we process painful experiences
6. The importance of asking better questions when facing hardship
7. How challenging experiences and relationships can become sources of insight
8. The role forgiveness can play in releasing resentment and emotional burden
9. How curiosity and openness can help create new possibilities for growth

Resources

Learn more about Viktor Frankl and his work on meaning and resilience

https://www.viktorfrankl.org/

In this powerful conversation, host KL Wells sits down with Paul Simard, a death doula, TED Talk speaker, and men’s wellness coach, to explore how our relationship with grief, loss, and mortality shapes the way we love. Drawing from his personal journey through crisis and transformation, Paul shares how facing life’s hardest realities can open the door to deeper compassion, connection, and meaning.

Together, KL and Paul discuss how loving someone in addiction often brings families into an ongoing experience of grief, uncertainty, and emotional complexity. This episode offers a thoughtful reframing of grief as an extension of love, explores the role of shame and isolation, and invites listeners to consider new ways of holding both loss and hope at the same time.

Key Discussion Points

1. Paul’s personal journey and how life challenges led him into service work
2. Reframing death as a natural and meaningful part of life’s cycle
3. Understanding grief as an expression of ongoing love
4. How loving someone in addiction can mirror the emotional experience of grief
5. The difference between shame and guilt, and how shame fuels isolation
6. Why connection and community are essential for healing
7. Rethinking sovereignty as interdependence rather than independence
8. The emotional impact of the language we use around death and loss
9. Cultural perspectives on honoring life and death
10. How personal stories and beliefs shape our experience of suffering

Some Questions I Ask

1. How did your personal experiences lead you into this work?
2. What does it mean to show up as a father, partner, and man today?
3. How can we develop a healthier relationship with death and loss?
4. How do we love someone whose addiction creates constant uncertainty?
5. Where do our stories about shame come from, and how do they affect us?
6. How do we know if the beliefs we’re holding are helping or hurting us?
7. What might be possible if we questioned the narratives we’ve inherited?
8. How can we hold both grief and gratitude at the same time?

In This Episode, You Will Learn

1. How reframing grief and loss can shift your emotional experience
2. Why grief is often a continuation of love rather than the end of connection
3. The role of community and connection in supporting mental and emotional health
4. How shame can keep families isolated and how connection helps interrupt that pattern
5. The influence language and internal narratives have on the nervous system
6. How experiences of loss can deepen perspective and meaning
7. Why strength often comes from interdependence rather than independence
8. How grief and joy can coexist
9. The importance of questioning inherited beliefs and rewriting stories that no longer serve you

Resources

Learn more about Paul Simard

https://paulsimard.co

Watch Paul Simard’s TED Talk: The Mythical Man

https://www.ted.com/talks/paul_simard_the_mythical_man

Connect with Thrive While Loving an Addict

https://voicesincourage.com

Books mentioned in the episode:

Lost Connections by Johann Hari

The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield

The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck

Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari

Learn more about Positive Intelligence

https://positiveintelligence.com/about/

Explore the work of Gabor Maté

https://drgabormate.com/

In this episode, podcast producer Steve Cary joins host KL Wells for an honest and reflective conversation about what it means to thrive while loving someone in active addiction. KL shares lessons from her 20-year journey with her son Sam, including his nearly three years of sustained recovery. Together, they explore the perspective that shaped KL’s healing path: the belief that life is happening for you, not to you.

KL discusses how loving with boundaries helped her reclaim her own agency and emotional stability. She reflects on why feeling like nothing is working often signals that families are trying to manage addiction itself rather than focusing on outcomes that support their own well-being. This conversation offers grounded insight into fear, uncertainty, relapse, and the personal growth that can happen alongside a loved one’s recovery journey.

Key Discussion Points

1. Reframing hardship through the perspective that life is happening for you, not to you
2. The difference between loving with boundaries and rescuing or enabling
3. Brain science and addiction survival wiring and how it shapes behavior
4. Why feeling like nothing is working may signal you are trying to control addiction rather than your own healing
5. Setting clear personal boundaries, including removing financial or rescue-based support
6. Self-care as a survival skill, including emotional processing, tapping, movement, and time in nature
7. Managing fear and internal stories during periods of silence in recovery
8. Viewing relapse as part of a longer learning process rather than a single failure
9. Shifting from focusing on a loved one’s outcomes to identifying your own

Some Questions I Ask

1. Where were you in your journey when you were able to respond with boundaries instead of rescuing?
2. For listeners who feel nothing is working, how can they begin to see a path forward?
3. Was there something different about your son’s most recent turn toward recovery?
4. What are a few early steps for someone who feels overwhelmed, stuck, or afraid?

In This Episode, You Will Learn

1. Why the feeling that nothing is working can signal you are focused on the wrong battle
2. How loving boundaries can support both compassion and self-protection
3. How shifting focus toward your own outcomes can create emotional stability
4. Early support steps that many families find helpful, including peer support and learning from others’ experiences
5. Why addiction can disrupt survival priorities in the brain and create unpredictable behavior
6. Ways to navigate uncertainty during recovery periods
7. How routine, joy, and connection can help rebuild emotional capacity

Resources

Find support through Al-Anon Family Groups

https://al-anon.org

Learn about the Be A Loving Mirror (BALM) family recovery framework

https://balmfamilyrecovery.com

Connect with Thrive While Loving an Addict

https://voicesincourage.com

In Part 2 of this compassionate conversation, host KL Wells continues her dialogue with Denise Frenette on what it truly means to heal while loving someone with addiction. Together, they explore how forgiveness, boundaries, and emotional honesty can exist without minimizing harm or excusing destructive behavior.

Denise reflects on her own journey of reconciling love for her father with the reality of his addiction. She shares how releasing judgment, challenging secrecy, and choosing understanding over blame can help interrupt generational patterns of shame and inherited trauma. This episode centers the healing of the loved one, not as abandonment, but as a necessary step toward truth, freedom, and peace.

Key Discussion Points

1. Holding love and truth at the same time when addiction has caused real harm
2. What forgiveness is and what it is not
3. Moving through anger, sadness, and grief without getting stuck in them
4. Reframing harm through the lens of “nothing is personal”
5. Choosing moments of joy while a loved one continues to struggle
6. Why boundaries are essential to healing, including stepping back when needed
7. How secrecy and silence reinforce shame across generations
8. Telling the whole truth as a form of honoring, not betrayal

Some Questions I Ask

1. How can I love my father and still say, “This was wrong”?
2. What does forgiveness really mean, and what are the most common misconceptions about it?
3. How do we stop taking addictive behavior personally?
4. Is it possible to experience joy while someone we love is suffering?
5. When are boundaries necessary for healing, even if they feel painful?
6. How do we move from anger to understanding without excusing harm?
7. Why does humanizing the person who hurt us help set us free?
8. How do we hold the full truth of our family story without rewriting it?

In This Episode, You Will Learn

1. Why healing yourself is not abandonment, but responsibility
2. How forgiveness can free you without minimizing harm
3. Why emotions are a pathway rather than a destination
4. How boundaries support compassion rather than weaken it
5. Ways to challenge inherited shame without rewriting history
6. How honesty can interrupt generational cycles of secrecy

Resources

Learn more about Denise Frenette

https://www.denisefrenette.com

Read the book by Denise Frenette

https://www.denisefrenette.com/book

Connect with KL Wells and the Thrive While Loving an Addict community

https://voicesincourage.com

Watch KL Wells’ TEDx Talk

The Secret Lives of Families Dealing with Addiction

https://youtu.be/SM4uxpBN-g8?si=Z2LOhmdZMDMuMDHY

Note: This episode is Part 2 of a continuing conversation with Denise Frenette on generational shame and healing.

In this powerful episode, host KL Wells sits down with Denise Frenette, a Canadian spiritual synergist, life coach, and author of the newly released book, More. Denise opens up about the birthing process of her book and the profound realization that she could not teach others about manifestation and habit-breaking without first confronting her own origin story.

Denise shares the raw reality of growing up with a father who was a functioning alcoholic, a gambler, and at times violent, all while maintaining the perfect family image in their community. Through the lens of her father’s passing and the subsequent discovery of the financial devastation he left behind, Denise discusses the difficult journey of moving from intellectual understanding to deep heart work. This conversation explores how to acknowledge the trauma of the past with grace, the duality of loving an addict while hating their actions, and why personal healing is the essential portal to breaking generational cycles of shame.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Acknowledge Phase: Why Denise had to move past denial to respectfully acknowledge what was wrong in her childhood before she could truly heal.
2. The Facade of Perfection: Growing up in a church-going, perfect family and the immense shame associated with any behavior that threatened that public image.
3. The Duality of Love and Pain: Navigating the conundrum of how to acknowledge a parent's harmful behavior without losing the ability to love them.
4. The Breaking Point: How her father’s death and the discovery of his hidden gambling debts acted as the drop in the bucket that forced Denise to step into her authentic self.
5. Fear as an Acronym: Exploring the concept of F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real) and how it keeps us from transparency.
6. The Evolution of Healing: Understanding that healing is not a one-and-done event but an ongoing discovery process.

Some Questions I Ask

1. How can I acknowledge what is going on and still love them at the same time?
2. Was that curiosity about your dad's upbringing born in that experience?
3. Do you think the curiosity and the willingness to step into discovery is the first step in breaking generational cycles?
4. What was the portal or the moment that cracked you wide open to explore the gifts and lessons embedded in this experience?

In This Episode, You Will Learn

1. Why intellectualizing your trauma is not the same as healing your heart.
2. The importance of viewing the boy behind the man to understand the roots of addiction and behavior.
3. How to transition from anger to sadness and finally to curiosity and discovery.
4. Why anger is often sadness that has not been acknowledged and how to ask the right questions to move toward a solution.
5. The power of coming out as your authentic self and realizing that the things you feared most often do not happen.

Resources

Learn more about Denise Frenette

https://www.denisefrenette.com

Read the Book

More by Denise Frenette

https://www.denisefrenette.com/book

Connect with KL Wells

Thrive While Loving an Addict Community

https://voicesincourage.com

Watch KL Wells’ TEDx Talk

The Secret Lives of Families Dealing with Addiction

https://youtu.be/SM4uxpBN-g8?si=Z2LOhmdZMDMuMDHY

Note: This is Part 1 of a 2-part series. Be sure to tune in for the next episode as we dive deeper into the misunderstood nature of forgiveness.

This episode is a powerful testament to the long, non-linear path of grief and a beacon of hope for anyone feeling lost in the darkness of loss.

Key Discussion Points

• The profound impact of stigma and how it prevents families from seeking and receiving help.
• Understanding that the recovery landscape is wide and looks different for teenagers versus adults.
• The family's parallel journey of recovery and the importance of their own healing.
• Navigating the intense, unpredictable emotions of grief, especially during the holidays.
• The distinction between sobriety as simple abstinence and recovery as an active, ongoing journey toward a better life.
• Finding purpose and a path forward through service and contribution after a devastating loss.
• The power of community and why no one should have to walk this path alone.

Some Questions I Ask

• How can we shift our perspective to see relapse not as a total failure, but as part of a longer recovery journey?
• What are the first steps a parent can take when they feel paralyzed by their child's addiction?
• How do we navigate the shoulds and self-blame that often accompany loving someone with an addiction?
• For those deep in grief, what does the path toward finding moments of peace or even joy look like?

In This Episode, You Will Learn

• Why treating addiction as a disease, not a moral failing, is crucial for both the individual and their family.
• The importance of exploring city and county resources for addiction and recovery support, which are often overlooked.
• That grief is not a linear process; it is a rollercoaster with ups and downs, and it is okay to not be okay.
• Practical strategies to interrupt negative thought patterns and head trash when you feel yourself spiraling.
• That your own recovery journey as a loved one is just as important as the person's journey with addiction.
• There is hope for finding light and purpose again, even after the most profound loss.

Links and Resources:

The Zachary Horton Foundation

Learn more about Jim’s work to end the stigma of addiction, spread awareness, and support individuals and families in his community.

🌐 https://zacharyhortonfoundation.org/ zacharyhortonfoundation.org

Thrive While Loving an Addict (Podcast & Community)

Listen to the Thrive While Loving an Addict podcast by KL Wells and find community support for parents and loved ones of those struggling with addiction.

📍 https://voicesincourage.com/podcast

County Mental Health and Addiction Services

As mentioned in the episode, a critical and often underutilized resource. To find support near you, search for:

🔎 "[Your County] mental health and addiction services"

Grief Support Groups

Connecting with others who have experienced similar loss can be incredibly healing. You can find grief support through organizations such as:

📍 GriefShare — https://www.griefshare.org/

Join us for a powerful conversation about the limitations of conventional rehab, the healing power of spiritual connection, and how a life dedicated to service can lead to your own liberation. Pamela’s story is a testament to the fact that it is never too late to rewrite your script and create a life of authenticity, purpose, and joy.

Key Discussion Points

1. Pamela’s story of origin, growing up in an environment of emotional abuse and alcohol dependency in South Africa.
2. The powerful, life-altering journey to India that sparked a deep spiritual awakening and healing from trauma.
3. The concept of being addicted to a "3D reality" and how to break free from societal conditioning.
4. Karma Yoga, or meditation in action, and how serving her community became a cornerstone of her recovery.
5. The critical need for sustainable, holistic, and long-term approaches to addiction recovery.
6. How to practice emotional detachment to find peace and stillness, even in the midst of chaos.

Some Questions I Ask

1. Would you please give our listeners a window into your story of origin?
2. Did you step away from addiction when you got pregnant?
3. Talk about your first journey to India. Was that an experience of awakening for you?
4. How do you describe your formula for thriving?

In This Episode, You Will Learn

1. The limitations of short-term rehabilitation programs and the importance of creating a sustainable, long-term healing plan.
2. How stored trauma and emotions manifest physically in the body and how practices like yoga can help release them.
3. The concept of Karma Yoga and how selfless service can be a powerful tool for healing and finding purpose.
4. Techniques for practicing emotional detachment and finding inner peace, even when surrounded by chaos.
5. The importance of withdrawing the senses to move past physical attachments and connect more deeply with your spiritual self.
6. Why telling your truth is a fundamental practice for living an authentic life and breaking free from toxic relationship patterns.
7. How to find daily excitement and inspiration to stay resilient on your unique, divinely guided path.

Resources

Connect with Pamela Tosh (Indie Pam):

Website: https://indiepam.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pamela.tosh.indipam/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamelatosh/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelatosh/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IndiPam.pamelatosh

Book Mentioned:

The Song of God (A version of the Bhagavad Gita)

https://a.co/d/21ahoyx

Connect with KL Wells and the Thrive While Loving an Addict Community:

https://voicesincourage.com

Antarctic Who?

Mike Pierce, better known as Antarctic Mike, works with organizations that want to find, engage and keep the best performing people. Mike’s background professionally started in the recruiting business in 1997, working specifically to show managers and leaders exactly how to identify and recruit the best people. He now speaks across the US and Canada to executive teams, organizations, associations and sales teams about how to lead people so they are fully engaged in what they do.

Mike is an avid fan of polar expedition history and is an endurance athlete. In 2006, Mike became one of 9 people to run the first ever Antarctic Ice Marathon and a year later became the first American to run the Antarctic 100k, a grueling 62 miles on an ice shelf 600 miles from the South Pole.

His flagship program, Leading at 90 Below Zero, connects the drivers and principles of Antarctic expedition history stories to the real world of finding, engaging and keeping great people in today’s business world.

Mike has a BA from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and resides in Encinitas, California.

Key Discussion Points

• Mike's journey to Antarctica and how it prepared him for life's greatest challenges.

• Angela's battle with chronic pain and subsequent opioid addiction.

• The family's journey through the cycles of addiction, recovery, and relapse.

• The emotional and psychological toll on the caregiver in a relationship with an addict.

• The power of mindset and perspective in navigating trauma and loss.

• The importance of letting go and embracing the present moment.

• Finding hope and new beginnings after profound loss.

Some Questions I Ask

• How did you navigate holding the space for her suffering?

• What are the gifts and lessons embedded in this experience for you?

• How do you reconcile the difference between quitting and surrendering?

In This Episode, You Will Learn

• How to find strength and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.

• The importance of viewing difficulty as a teacher and an opportunity for growth.

• How to support a loved one through addiction while also caring for your own well-being.

• The power of letting go of resistance and embracing the present moment.

• How to find hope and purpose after the loss of a loved one.

• That pain is inevitable, but suffering is a choice.

Resources

Connect with Mike Pierce: You can find more about Mike's incredible story, his speaking engagements, and his book by searching for "Antarctic Mike" on Google. You can also find his TED Talk on YouTube.

Social Links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antarcticmike/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Antarctic-Mike-Speaks-1617958015119843/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AntarcticMike/

TED Talk: https://youtu.be/SzscWpdmIdg?si=HzUS_qK2iy_9UhDa

This conversation is a candid look at how childhood trauma shapes our adult lives, leading to traits like perfectionism, codependency, and a need for control. Krista walks us through her pivotal "awakening" moments—first, as a young mother confronting her own anger, and later, as she stepped onto a path of parallel recovery alongside her son. Together, KL and Krista unravel the isolating nature of shame and illuminate the life-changing power of community, personal responsibility, and finding hope in the midst of chaos.

Key Discussion Points

• How childhood chaos can lead us to unconsciously recreate similar dynamics in our adult relationships
• The profound impact of family tragedy on the cycle of addiction
• Krista’s "awakening" moment with her daughter that led her to seek therapy for the first time
• Navigating a child’s addiction and the journey of organizing a family intervention
• The concept of parallel recovery and the importance of doing your own healing work alongside your loved one
• The isolating role of shame for parents of addicts and the power of community support
• Understanding the traits of Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA) and how these patterns show up in adulthood

👤 About Our Guest: Krista Zaft

Krista Zaft is a clarity and confidence coach, speaker, and host of the Becoming Sound podcast. Her work is rooted in helping women heal from the ripple effects of generational addiction and create lives grounded in authenticity, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. With a background shaped by personal experience, Krista’s voice is a guiding light for those navigating the messy middle of recovery and transformation.

Her podcast, Becoming Sound, is a space for raw, unfiltered conversations about life after dysfunction and the journey toward healing in mind, body, and spirit.

🔗 Follow Krista and Learn More

• 🌐 Website: kristazaft.com
• 🎧 Podcast on Apple: Becoming Sound
• 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: Becoming Sound
• 📺 YouTube: @kristazaft
• 📸 Instagram: @zaftkrista
• 📩 Email: krista@kristazaft.com

Key Discussion Points

• The profound impact of childhood trauma, divorce, and parental alienation on a child's vulnerability to addiction.
• The slow, painful, and often-denied process of a parent realizing their child is using drugs.
• The crisis point that forces a parent to set firm boundaries and seek external help.
• Navigating the overwhelming process of finding an effective treatment program for an adolescent.
• The life-changing discovery of community and the critical role of parent support groups.
• How the 12-step program became a transformative gift for a parent, helping her heal and grow.
• The process of rebuilding a mother-daughter relationship from the ground up through honesty, vulnerability, and shared recovery.
• The journey of co-authoring a book, Losing Her, Finding Us, to share both the mother's and daughter's perspectives.

Some Questions I Ask:

• When did the light bulb go off for you that you had your own recovery in this?
• Can you tell us about how your book, co-authored with your daughter, came to be?
• What are the top non-negotiable things you do to take care of yourself?

In This Episode, You Will Learn

• How hidden family trauma can be a significant root cause of addiction.
• Why a parent's own recovery journey is essential, regardless of their child's choices.
• That finding a community of peers is "mission critical" for parents navigating a child's addiction.
• How the 12-step process can be a powerful tool for personal transformation for anyone.
• That it is possible to rebuild a deep, meaningful relationship with a child in recovery.
• The power of sharing your story to break through shame and offer a lifeline to others.

Resources

• Guest Website & Book: Learn more about Dr. Janelle Martin and her daughter's story, and order their book, Losing Her, Finding Us: A Mother’s Fight, A Daughter’s Journey, and The Road to Recovery, at ourbeautifulrecovery.com
• Dr. Martin's Practice: Discover the work Dr. Martin does with brain health and neurofeedback at the TMC Brain Health Center in Houston: tmcbrainhealthcenter.com
• Community Support: Find a local meeting for support and connection:
• Al-Anon Family Groups
• Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL)

Wendy shares the genesis of her complex PTSD and anxiety, starting with the traumatic death of her father and the subsequent years spent walking on eggshells with an alcoholic and violent stepfather. She details how she intuitively sought out healing modalities—from nature and Buddhism to 12-step programs and Native American spirituality—long before modern science validated their effectiveness.

This conversation is an honest exploration of intergenerational trauma, the biological impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and the courage it takes to rewrite your own story. Wendy introduces her forthcoming memoir, My Pretty Baby (releasing November 4th), which serves as both an “autopsy” of her family’s dysfunction and a guidebook for others seeking to end the cycle of trauma. This episode is a beacon of light, emphasizing that healing is not only possible but contagious.

Key Discussion Points

• The profound trauma of parental loss in childhood and the lack of emotional support in the 1960s
• Growing up with a Jekyll and Hyde alcoholic stepfather, leading to hypervigilance and complex PTSD
• The realization that family dysfunction is often layered with intergenerational trauma, addiction, and mental health issues
• Wendy’s intuitive search for healing through nature, Zen meditation, Buddhism, music, 12-step programs, and Native American spirituality (sweat lodges and vision quests)
• The scientific understanding that trauma is not just an external event, but a biological change that "rewires our biology" and causes the body to "keep score"
• Trauma as a public health issue, with 61% of adults having at least one Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) and the correlation between high ACE scores and decreased life expectancy
• The power of community and "safe connection" as a form of medicine for the brain
• The critical difference between forgiveness (for the forgiver) and reconciliation, and the necessity of strong boundaries or even estrangement for survival

Some Questions I Ask

• What was the turning point when you realized your trauma wasn’t your fault?
• How did you begin exploring healing modalities before they were mainstream?
• What role did nature and spiritual practices play in your journey?
• How do you define forgiveness in the context of trauma and family?
• What do you hope readers take away from My Pretty Baby?

✅ In This Episode, You Will Learn

• How early childhood trauma can shape one’s identity and relationships
• The biological impacts of trauma and how healing rewires the nervous system
• Practical tools for reclaiming your voice, body, and boundaries
• Why healing is possible at any stage of life—and how one person’s healing can ripple out to others
• The importance of community and safe connection in overcoming generational patterns

👤 About the Guest: Wendy B. Correa

Wendy B. Correa is a writer, yogi, hiker, and licensed massage therapist. She has worked in film, television, multimedia, and music in Los Angeles, and later as a radio DJ in Aspen, Colorado. Wendy holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and theater arts and has contributed articles to Mothering magazine.

A devoted wife and mother, she currently resides in Denver, Colorado, and enjoys traveling to magical destinations with her family. My Pretty Baby is her debut memoir, releasing November 4th.

📧 For more information, visit Wendy's website or email her at: contact@wendybcorrea.com

Listeners will learn the critical distinction between guilt and shame—how guilt can inspire integrity-driven action, while shame depletes hope by attacking the self. Ian also explains how trauma and shame become interlinked, shaping limiting beliefs like "I'm unlovable" or "I deserve pain." Most importantly, this conversation reveals practical, empowering tools for "deshaming" shame—opening a path to healing, growth, and connection.

Key Discussion Points

• The concept of “seeing people as objects” and how it creates shame-based thinking.
• The crucial difference between guilt and shame—and why one motivates while the other debilitates.
• Guilt as a signal of misalignment with our values, and shame as an inherited lie about who we are.
• The connection between unresolved trauma and toxic shame narratives.
• How shame fuels addiction and self-destructive behavior patterns.
• The intense loneliness and isolation shame creates—and how sharing breaks that cycle.
• Techniques for recognizing shame-based thinking and developing self-compassion.
• How to support loved ones by breaking the silence around shame and offering presence instead of fixing.

Some Questions I Ask:

• What drew you into exploring shame on such a deep level?
• How does shame differ from guilt in terms of our internal experience and behavior?
• In what ways does shame connect with trauma and addictive behavior?
• What does it actually mean to “deshame” shame?
• How can those who love someone in addiction begin to release their own shame?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• How shame operates as a root cause of addiction, disconnection, and emotional paralysis.
• How to separate guilt (helpful) from shame (harmful) and reframe painful experiences.
• Why sharing your shame story with safe people can neutralize its power.
• The importance of self-awareness and internal dialogue in overcoming shame-based beliefs.
• How to become a more grounded support system for someone struggling with substance use.
• Why your struggles or mistakes do not define your worth—and how to reclaim your narrative.

Resources & Links:

Connect with Ian Vassilaros

• 🌐 Website: learnmoveheal.com
• 📩 Email: ian@learnmoveheal.com

📘 Books Mentioned by Ian

• Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute
• The Anatomy of Peace by The Arbinger Institute
• Bonds That Make Us Free by C. Terry Warner

KL shares her emotional transformation—from trying to “fix” her son to healing herself and choosing to thrive despite the chaos. This shift not only saved her life, but also created the space for Sam’s recovery. Her story is a profound example of how pain can become purpose, and how one mother’s healing journey has now become a mission to help one million people thrive while loving someone with an addiction.

🔑 Key Discussion Points:

• A Message of Hope: KL reads a recent post from Sam, now over two years sober, reflecting on his transformation from homelessness to a stable, fulfilling life.
• Parallel Journeys: The idea of simultaneous recovery—Sam’s from addiction and KL’s from the "mom code" of control and caretaking.
• From Surviving to Thriving: Why KL chose not to settle for surviving, and how she pursued a life of meaning and joy in the midst of struggle.
• Radical Self-Care: KL’s annual solo backpacking trips in the Beartooth Mountains, which became essential for her emotional recovery and renewal.
• Purpose in Pain: Seeing challenges not as punishment but as preparation for a greater mission.
• Agency and Power: The empowering reminder that we always have a choice, no matter the circumstances.
• Mission for a Million: KL’s bold vision to help one million people learn to thrive, shifting the narrative from heartbreak to hope.

❓ Some Questions I Ask:

• What does National Sobriety Month mean to you right now, with where you and Sam are in your journey?
• How did you first glimpse a different path for yourself—beyond just surviving?
• At what point in the 20-year journey did you realize you didn’t want to be hijacked by your son’s addiction anymore?
• When you imagine one million people thriving, what does that vision look like to you?

🎧 In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• The key differences between surviving and thriving while loving someone with an addiction.
• Why prioritizing your own well-being can positively impact your loved one’s recovery.
• How to shift your mindset to find the lessons and meaning in your struggle.
• The power of choice and agency, even when life feels out of control.
• How stories of hope and thriving can spark your own transformation.
• Why normalizing thriving stories is critical to changing the collective experience of families affected by addiction.

📚 Resources Mentioned

• KL Wells’ TEDx Talk – How My Family Learned to Navigate Addiction
• 🎥 Watch on YouTube
• BALM Family Recovery (Be A Loving Mirror) by Beverly A. Buncher
• 🌐 BALM Family Recovery official site
• 📖 Book: BALM: The Loving Path to Family Recovery on Amazon

📣 Connect with KL Wells:

If you're struggling and need support, KL offers resources, referrals, and heartfelt guidance. You're not alone.

voicesincourage.com

This episode offers a raw look at the emotional toll addiction takes on families and the path toward reclaiming one’s identity and purpose through grief, resilience, and service.

Key Discussion Points:

• Growing up in an abusive household and how early trauma laid the groundwork for addiction.
• Amanda’s emotional rollercoaster: disbelief, anger, desperation, and deep personal sacrifice.
• Enabling behavior from within the family and how it fueled the addiction cycle.
• The moment Amanda realized she had completely lost herself in her sister’s chaos.
• Grieving a sibling lost to overdose and the complexity of unresolved pain.
• The journey from heartbreak to healing and becoming a recovery coach.
• Why families must stop trying to “rescue” and start focusing on healthy boundaries.
• Reclaiming your life while still holding love for someone struggling with addiction.
• The importance of honest conversation, education, and community for families impacted by substance use.

 Some Questions I Ask Amanda:

• “Before this, you had never been exposed to addiction?”
• “You gave your sister about two minutes to tell your mom?”
• “In the midst of all this craziness, were you learning about the disease?”
• “How long did you stay in the fight before you chose to step back?”
• “And how does it feel now, on the other side of her passing?”
• “What led you to turn your grief into purpose through coaching and advocacy?”
• “Have you heard of the organization, The Phoenix?”

 In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• The emotional and psychological impact addiction has on siblings.
• How dysfunctional family systems often unknowingly perpetuate addiction.
• Why setting boundaries is not abandonment—but an act of self-preservation.
• How grief can become a catalyst for powerful transformation.
• The concept of “being addicted to rescue” and how to break the cycle.
• The healing power of storytelling, coaching, and serving others.
• How community-based support and sober events can foster connection and recovery.

Resources & Links:

• Amanda’s Memoir: Living in My Sister's Shadow
•  📚 Available on Amazon
• Amanda’s Website:
•  🌐 soberandbeyond.com
• Contact Amanda:
•  📩 amanda@soberandbeyond.com
• Community Highlight – New Form (formerly The Phoenix):
•  🌟 Offers free sober community events to support individuals in recovery and their families.

Connect & Share:

If Amanda’s story resonated with you, please share this episode with someone navigating addiction in their family. You are not alone—there is support, hope, and healing available.

🧡 Thank you for listening. Your story matters.

 Let’s keep breaking the silence and building bridges to recovery, one conversation at a time.

In this insightful episode, host KL Wells sits down with Dr. Amy Swift, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut. A leading addiction specialist, Dr. Swift brings a holistic approach to mental health, addiction, and trauma care. Together, they discuss the realities of addiction treatment, the critical role of families, and how emerging approaches—including medication-assisted treatment—are transforming lives. Dr. Swift offers hope and practical guidance, emphasizing destigmatization, early intervention, and the resilience needed for both individuals and their loved ones on the recovery journey.

Key Discussion Points:

• Dr. Swift’s path into addiction medicine and her holistic care philosophy
• Why early family involvement is essential to treatment success
• The emotional toll of addiction on families—and how to support them
• Psychoeducation: helping families understand addiction as a lifelong condition
• The importance of self-care and boundary-setting for loved ones
• Destigmatizing medications like buprenorphine in addiction recovery
• Emerging trends in treatment, particularly for adolescents
• Addressing trauma and shame for both individuals and families
• How hope, resilience, and compassionate care shape the recovery journey
• Practical advice for families seeking quality help and resources

Some Questions I Ask:

• What inspired you to pursue addiction medicine?
• Have you had personal or family experiences that shaped your work?
• What do you wish you had known at the start of your career?
• How do families typically enter treatment, and what challenges do they face?
• What are the first steps for families to move forward together?
• How can families maintain their own well-being while supporting a loved one?
• What are the most promising trends in addiction treatment right now?
• How do you approach pain management for those with a history of addiction?
• What advice would you give to families who feel hopeless or overwhelmed?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Why family involvement is a cornerstone of effective addiction treatment
• How to navigate the emotional landscape of loving someone with substance use disorder
• The importance of realistic expectations and psychoeducation for families
• Practical self-care strategies for parents, partners, and loved ones
• Why medications like buprenorphine can save lives—and why they should be destigmatized
• How trauma and shame affect recovery—and ways to address them
• The importance of hope and resilience, even in the face of setbacks
• How to find quality treatment centers and advocate for comprehensive care

Resources:

• 🌐 Silver Hill Hospital: silverhillhospital.org
• For information, support, or admissions, contact Dr. Amy Swift at aswift@silverhillhospital.org
• 👩‍⚕️ Guest Bio:
• Dr. Amy Swift serves as the Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Silver Hill Hospital, where she specializes in addiction psychiatry with a holistic focus on mental health, trauma, and recovery.
• 📚 Community Support & Education:
• Pleasure Unwoven by Dr. Kevin McCauley – A powerful resource for understanding the brain and addiction
• Silver Hill Hospital Family Support – Help and resources for families navigating addiction
• 🚑 Get Help:
• If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, reach out to Silver Hill Hospital or your local treatment center for guidance and support.

Call to Action:

If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who might benefit. For more information or to connect with Dr. Amy Swift, visit Silver Hill Hospital’s website or email aswift@silverhillhospital.org.

✨ You are not alone—support and hope are always within reach.

Key Discussion Points:

• Leslie’s early life: navigating a turbulent childhood shaped by parental addiction, mental illness, and abuse
• The lasting impact of generational trauma—and what it takes to break destructive cycles
• Pivotal moments of awakening and self-empowerment during adolescence
• The spiral into addiction after profound loss and trauma
• The miracles and turning points that led Leslie to choose recovery
• The role of writing and storytelling in her healing and advocacy
• Building a new life: education, sobriety, family, and giving back
• Why self-discovery and personal growth remain a lifelong journey
• The power of community and shared stories to inspire hope and connection

Some Questions I Ask:

• What key moments from your childhood shaped your journey?
• When did you realize you needed to reclaim your life and create your own future?
• How did you find the strength to break free from addiction?
• Was there a miracle or turning point that helped you embrace recovery?
• How has writing your story contributed to your healing process?
• What message would you share with families watching a loved one struggle?
• How do you continue to find hope and purpose after so much adversity?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• How generational trauma and family dynamics influence addiction and recovery
• The power of personal agency and the “inner voice” in overcoming adversity
• Why storytelling matters for breaking the stigma around addiction
• Practical steps and resources that supported Leslie’s recovery journey
• The importance of therapy, self-reflection, and ongoing personal work
• How to spot and celebrate resilience—even in moments of setback and loss
• Ways to support a loved one in addiction while holding onto hope

Resources:

• 🌐 Leslie Johansen Nack’s Website: lesliejohansennack.com
• Learn more about Leslie, her books, and connect with her directly.
• 📘 Pre-Order Leslie’s Upcoming Book:
• Available now via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, and more
• 📲 Follow Leslie on Social Media:
• Find links to her Instagram & Facebook on her website for updates and inspiration.
• 📚 Recommended Reading:
• Explore Leslie’s memoirs and books on recovery, trauma, and healing

Connect, Share, and Support:

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs hope. For more inspiring stories and resources, subscribe to the podcast and join our community of courageous changemakers.

Thank you for listening. Your story matters. Together, we can break the silence and build a brighter future.

Key Discussion Points:

• Growing up in a household affected by addiction and chaos
• Finding safety and self-worth through martial arts
• The challenges of boundary-setting in dysfunctional environments
• Navigating postpartum depression and seeking effective therapy
• The impact of ADHD and trauma on personal growth
• The importance of changing environments and support systems
• Redefining self-defense beyond physical techniques to include emotional and mental boundaries
• The role of authenticity and storytelling in healing and empowering others

Some Questions I Ask:

• What was your early childhood like, and how did you find your way out of that environment?
• How did martial arts become a refuge for you?
• What led you to seek therapy, and how did you find the right support?
• How did your experiences with postpartum depression and ADHD shape your healing journey?
• What are the foundational tools you use for managing trauma and triggers?
• How do you teach your students about boundaries and self-defense beyond the physical?
• What advice do you have for those loving someone with addiction?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• How childhood experiences with addiction can shape self-worth and boundaries
• The transformative power of martial arts as a tool for healing and empowerment
• Practical strategies for managing trauma, including EMDR and grounding techniques
• Why changing your environment can be critical to mental health recovery
• The importance of finding the right therapist and being intentional about healing
• How to identify and set healthy boundaries in all areas of life
• The value of authenticity and sharing your story to break cycles of isolation

Resources:

• Connect with Elicia Ybarra:
• Instagram & Social: @prettyhandshardpunches
• Website: prettyhandshardpunches.com
• Free Resource:
• Download Elicia’s “Ideal U Worksheet” to help you define your boundaries and envision your empowered self. Get the worksheet here (Get it Free! Use promo code: IdealYou).
• Recommended Reading:
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
• Podcast Host:
• Learn more about KL Wells and the podcast at Voices InCourage

Ready to take back your power?

Connect with Elicia, download your free worksheet, and start setting boundaries that honor your worth. If you found this episode meaningful, share it with someone who needs to hear they’re not alone.

Key Discussion Points:

• Doug’s personal journey through the loss of his son Logan to fentanyl overdose
• The impact of stigma and the importance of compassionate support for those affected by addiction
• The physiological effects of opioids and the misconceptions about addiction as a choice
• Doug’s involvement with the Hope Movement Coalition and the Bridge the Gap event
• The unique challenges men face in grieving and the need for male voices in advocacy
• The role of community, fellowship, and support groups in the healing process
• Doug’s work as an end-of-life doula and his approach to self-care and resilience
• The significance of sharing stories to break down shame and foster understanding

Some Questions I Ask:

• Can you share the doorway you walked through that led you to become a voice for change?
• What did you learn about yourself and your beliefs about addiction after Logan’s passing?
• How has your understanding of compassion evolved through your grief journey?
• What role has community played in your healing and advocacy work?
• How do men and women grieve differently, and what wisdom do you offer to other fathers?
• What self-care practices help you continue your work and maintain resilience?
• How can others connect with you, access your book, or join your community gatherings?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• The transformative power of channeling grief into advocacy and purpose
• Why addiction is not simply a matter of choice, but a complex disease with physiological roots
• The importance of breaking the stigma surrounding substance use disorder
• How community and shared experience can be lifelines for those in grief
• Practical self-care strategies for those supporting loved ones with addiction
• The value of vulnerability, authenticity, and compassion in healing
• How to support and connect with others affected by addiction and loss

Resources:

• Doug Ballinger’s Website:
• 🌐 logansvoice.com – Access Doug’s podcast, links to his book, and resources for support.
• Logan’s Voice Book:
• 📚 Purchase in ebook, paperback, or hardback via Amazon
• Podcast Links:
• 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio
• Hope Movement Coalition:
• 🌐 hopemovementcoalition.org – Learn more about advocacy, events, and support.
• Connect with Doug:
• 💬 Facebook: Rex Logan’s Dad
• 📧 Email: rexlogansdad@gmail.com
• Community Support:
• 🤝 Join local gatherings and support groups through the Hope Movement Coalition and Logan’s Voice.
• Merchandise:
• 🛍️ Visit the Logan’s Voice swag shop at logansvoice.com to support advocacy efforts.

Call to Action:

If you or someone you know is struggling with loss or substance use disorder, reach out to Doug Ballinger or connect with the Hope Movement Coalition. Share this episode with anyone who may benefit from Doug’s story and message of hope, healing, and compassion.

Key Discussion Points:

• The disruptive nature of sobriety and how it impacts the entire family system
• Shifting from “fixing” the addicted loved one to understanding everyone’s role in the family dynamic
• The importance of hearing the individual’s story rather than viewing them as a problem to solve
• Navigating shame, stigma, and secrecy within families facing addiction
• The concept of loving with boundaries versus “tough love”
• The emotional toll on loved ones and the necessity of self-care and personal joy
• Relapse as a part of the recovery journey and managing expectations
• The evolving nature of personal and family narratives around addiction and healing

Some Questions I Ask:

• What do families often misunderstand about the recovery process?
• How can loved ones support someone in recovery without losing themselves?
• Why is it important to see the addicted person as a “story to be heard” rather than a problem to solve?
• How do shame and stigma affect families dealing with addiction?
• What does healthy support look like, and how can boundaries be established compassionately?
• How can loved ones maintain their own emotional well-being during a family member’s addiction journey?
• What role does personal growth play for both the addicted individual and their family?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Why sobriety is inherently disruptive to family systems and how to navigate this change
• The significance of understanding and validating each person’s unique experience in the recovery process
• Practical strategies for setting and maintaining healthy boundaries with loved ones in active addiction
• The importance of self-care, joy, and permission to live fully—even amidst a loved one’s struggles
• How to reframe relapse as part of the recovery journey, not a failure
• Ways to move beyond shame and secrecy to foster open, authentic family conversations
• How personal and family narratives around addiction can evolve over time, leading to healing and growth

Resources:

David Hampton’s Books:

• Our Authentic Selves: Reflections on What We Believe and What We Wish We Believed – A 40-day reflection for those navigating faith and recovery.
• After the Miracle: Illusions Along the Path to Restoration – David’s personal journey through sobriety and family illness.

Connect with David Hampton:

• David Hampton’s Website
• Positive Sobriety Podcast

Community Support:

• Voices InCourage

Recommended Reading & Support:

• Al-Anon Family Groups
• National Institute on Drug Abuse – Family Resources

Call to Action:

If you or someone you love is navigating the complexities of addiction and recovery, remember: you are not alone. Explore the resources above, connect with supportive communities, and consider reaching out to professionals like David Hampton for guidance. Subscribe to Thrive While Loving an Addict for more conversations that inspire hope, healing, and growth.

Together, they explore the power of resilience, faith, and the vital role of community support. Debbie offers practical wisdom on parenting through adversity, maintaining hope, and the importance of personal healing as a foundation for helping others. This conversation is a testament to the courage it takes to love deeply—even in the midst of chaos.

Key Discussion Points:

• Debbie’s early dreams of motherhood and her battle with infertility
• The heartbreak of losing quadruplets and the lessons learned through grief
• Adopting nine children from foster care and navigating trauma, addiction, and complex family dynamics
• The evolution from asking “Why me?” to “How do I survive and thrive?”
• The importance of faith and surrender in the face of unanswered questions
• Parenting strategies for children with trauma and addiction
• The necessity of self-care, boundaries, and personal healing for parents
• Building and relying on a supportive community
• Navigating marital challenges and maintaining unity as parents
• The courage to ask for and receive help

Some Questions I Ask:

• What were the pivotal moments that shaped your journey as a mother and advocate?
• How did you find the strength to move forward after such profound loss?
• In the midst of your children’s struggles, how do you balance loving them and setting boundaries?
• What does it mean to “thrive” while loving a child in addiction or crisis?
• How do you and your husband stay united through such difficult parenting seasons?
• What advice do you have for parents who feel stuck in anger or grief?
• How can listeners begin to build a supportive community around themselves?
• What are the first steps to healing for parents and caregivers?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

✅ How to transform grief and loss into a legacy of hope and healing

✅ The power of shifting from “Why?” to “How?” in times of crisis

✅ Practical tools for self-care and boundary-setting as a parent

✅ Why personal healing is essential to supporting your children’s recovery

✅ The importance of honest communication and truth-telling in parent-child relationships

✅ How to recognize and manage your own emotional triggers (“shark water moments”)

✅ Ways to cultivate resilience and maintain hope, even in the darkest times

✅ The value of community and asking for help without shame

Resources & Links:

📘 Connect with Debbie Simmons:

thedebbiesimmons.com – Learn more about Debbie’s story, her book, and her ongoing work supporting families.

📖 Debbie’s Book:

The Heart of Legacy – Discover Debbie’s full journey and her guide to being faithful, focused, and fearless as you stand for your children.

🤝 Community Support:

Seek out local or online support groups for parents and caregivers navigating addiction, trauma, and loss.

📚 Further Learning:

Explore resources on resilience, trauma-informed parenting, and faith-based support for families in crisis.

Ready to take the next best step?

Visit thedebbiesimmons.com to connect with Debbie, access her book, and find tools for your own journey. Remember, you are not alone—and there is hope, healing, and community waiting for you.

After four years since their last conversation, KL and Duane dive deep into their journeys—KL’s work in mental health and her TED Talk, and Duane’s transition from the film industry to psychology. Together, they explore the complex intersections of addiction, shame, and betrayal trauma, discussing how these issues affect individuals and families.

Duane shares his expertise on the transformative power of addressing shame, the importance of resilience, and the role of supportive communities in healing.

He also introduces the "Shame Compass," a tool for understanding and overcoming shame, and highlights his impactful work with men’s groups.

Key Discussion Points:

• Duane’s personal journey from addiction as a teenager to becoming a therapist
• The impact of shame, depression, and anxiety on addiction and recovery
• Transitioning from the film industry to the mental health profession
• The isolating effects of shame, especially among men, and the importance of vulnerability
• The "Shame Compass" tool: understanding behavioral responses to shame
• The role of supportive communities and group work in healing shame and addiction
• The difference between healthy and toxic shame
• The importance of self-compassion and resilience in recovery
• How trauma underlies addiction and the need for compassionate approaches

Some Questions I Ask:

• What was the turning point that led you from the film industry to psychology?
• How did shame and anxiety influence your early experiences with addiction?
• Why do men tend to isolate when dealing with shame and addiction?
• Can you explain the "shame compass" and how it helps people in recovery?
• What are some practical steps for loved ones to move through their own shame?
• How can supportive communities help break the cycle of addiction and shame?
• What role does self-compassion play in healing from addiction and betrayal trauma?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• How shame, addiction, and trauma are interconnected and impact families
• The four behavioral responses to shame as outlined in the "shame compass"
• Why addressing shame is essential for addiction recovery and relationship healing
• The value of vulnerability, especially for men, in building meaningful connections
• How to identify and shift toxic shame into resilience and self-compassion
• Practical strategies for finding and building supportive communities
• The importance of both internal and external work in breaking the cycle of shame

Resources:

• Duane Osterlind’s Bio & Contact:
• The Addicted Mind – About Duane Osterlind
• Contact Duane Osterlind
• Free Resource:
• 📘 Download Duane’s free eBook:
• The Shame Compass – theaddictedmind.com/shame
• KL Wells’ TED Talk:
• KL Wells on TEDx
• Community Support:
• Find support and community resources at Thrive While Loving an Addict
• Recommended Reading:
• Brene Brown’s work on shame and vulnerability
• Donald Nathanson’s research on shame and the shame compass
• Join the Conversation:
• Subscribe to Thrive While Loving an Addict for more episodes and resources on healing, resilience, and thriving through addiction.

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who may benefit, and leave us a review to help others find the show!

Key Discussion Points:

• Dr. Schiffer's personal and professional origin story leading to his work in psychiatry, trauma, and addiction.
• The observation of seemingly two different personalities or states in patients.
• Insights from split-brain studies and how different brain hemispheres process information and emotions.
• The concept of dual brain psychology in ordinary people and how lateral visual fields can stimulate different hemispheres.
• How trauma, particularly childhood trauma, contributes to addiction and feelings of inadequacy.
• The traumatic experience of loving someone struggling with addiction.
• Applying dual brain psychotherapy to treat the "troubled side" and strengthen the "healthy side."
• The idea of speaking to and supporting the healthy mind in both the individual with addiction and the loved one.
• Demonstration of the lateral vision technique to observe different emotional responses.
• Discussion of ongoing research, including a study on fentanyl addiction using near-infrared light therapy.
• The potential of stimulating the healthy mind through techniques like lateral vision and light therapy.
• Trauma as anything that cuts at one's worthiness or ability to stand in their power.
• The importance of recognizing and nurturing the healthy side for overall well-being and navigating challenging situations.

Some Questions I Ask:

• So if you would start with, you know your kind of origin story. As to how did you get into this work?
• So question one is obviously in in the space of you know. My belief is that there's nobody walking around that hasn't experienced some sort of trauma... how this might have an impact in how we move from our own trauma and suffering to thriving in the midst of loving someone who's still in addiction, mode.
• And so what you've discovered and learned relative to dual brain psychology and the work that you're doing? How can that inform and influence people like myself, who are loving someone, whether it's a sibling or a brother, or, you know, a sister or a spouse, or, in my case, most dramatically for me, was my son.
• And so can you stack the healthy side of your brain, so that I mean because I think for me personally, I live most of the time in the resilient side of who I am...?
• Does that make sense?
• Well, and I I so here's the caveat is I've done a tremendous amount of work through the years. So does that have any impact in, you know what we just did.
• Wow, okay, so when does this study wrap up.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• How early trauma can contribute to addiction and a cycle of re-traumatization.
• The concept that addiction can be an attempt to both repeat and relieve trauma.
• That the brain may house two distinct "minds" or states, one more troubled and one healthier.
• How stimulating different visual fields can access these different brain states and associated feelings.
• That even in active addiction, a healthy side may exist and can be accessed and strengthened.
• The power of a loved one's steady presence and belief in the individual's true self to support their healthy mind.
• That the principles of dual brain psychology can be applied to help loved ones navigate their own trauma and move towards thriving.
• About promising new research using near-infrared light therapy to stimulate the healthy brain hemisphere in treating addiction.
• That feeling inadequate is a core component of many traumas, while feeling worthwhile is key to wellness.
• Practical techniques, like using lateral vision, to potentially access different emotional states and perspectives.

Resources:

• Learn more about Dr. Fredric Schiffer's work and research papers at his website: dualbrainpsychology.com
• Find Dr. Schiffer's book: Good-bye Anxiety, Depression, Addiction & PTSD: The Life-Changing Science of Dual-Brain Psychology

Closing Call to Action:

Take care of yourself. Healing starts with you.

Key Discussion Points:

• Jim’s transformative experience in Utah and its impact on his recovery journey.
• Navigating grief and addiction: personal stories and lessons learned.
• The importance of self-care for families and loved ones of those struggling with addiction.
• Shifting societal perceptions: comparing cancer and substance use disorder.
• The realities of relapse and recovery as part of the addiction journey.
• Setting healthy boundaries and supporting loved ones without enabling.
• The vital role of community and open dialogue in healing from addiction.

Some Questions I Ask:

• What was the turning point in your journey with addiction and grief?
• How did your experience in Utah shape your perspective on recovery?
• In what ways can families best support themselves while supporting a loved one in addiction?
• Why do you think society views cancer and substance use disorder so differently?
• How do you separate the person you love from the disease of addiction?
• What practical steps can families take to maintain their own well-being during a loved one’s relapse?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

✅ Why self-care is essential for anyone supporting a loved one through addiction.

✅ How to set and maintain healthy boundaries without losing compassion.

✅ The importance of recognizing relapse as a common part of recovery.

✅ Strategies for emotional regulation and finding joy, even in difficult times.

✅ How to distinguish between the person and the disease of addiction.

✅ The value of community resources and ongoing education in the recovery process.

Resources & Links:

🌱 Voices InCourage Resource Page – Explore books, videos, and tools to support your journey.

📖 The 5 Acts of Courage by KL Wells – Discover transformative strategies for navigating addiction and recovery.

👪 12-Week Family Support Program – Access an on-demand, self-paced program designed to help families heal and grow.

🎙️ Learn More About Jim Horton – (Insert link to Jim Horton’s bio or website if available)

🤝 Join the Voices InCourage Community – Connect with others who understand and support your journey.

Closing Call to Action:

👉 Take care of yourself. Healing starts with you. If this episode resonated, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast—it helps us reach more people seeking support and hope. 💙

Key Discussion Points:

• The personal recovery journeys of Natasha and Haley.
• The vital role of support and community in sustaining sobriety.
• Unique benefits and challenges within women's-only recovery programs.
• Understanding the science behind addiction and its impact on decision-making.
• Practical advice for parents supporting children facing substance use disorder.
• How education, love, and tolerance can combat the stigma surrounding addiction.
• Essential self-care practices for families affected by addiction.
• Realities of relapse and the importance of ongoing support and empathy.
• The impact of COVID-19 on recovery and the growth of virtual support meetings.

Some Questions I Ask:

• Can you share the “CNN version” of your personal journeys with addiction?
• What role has AA played in understanding your disease?
• Did you have any pivotal moments around COVID that impacted your recovery?
• What inspired you to start Her Harbor Recovery, and what are your aspirations for it?
• What are the three most important things for parents to understand about addiction?
• Can you speak about your experiences with intervention?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

✅ How addiction impacts decision-making by reducing individuals to an "animal level."

✅ Why creating safe, gender-specific spaces is crucial for women in recovery.

✅ The importance of education in understanding addiction to better support loved ones.

✅ Why you can't cause or cure addiction in someone you love.

✅ The power of practicing love, tolerance, and self-care as family members.

✅ Why relapse can be part of the recovery journey, and how continued support makes a difference.

✅ Strategies for appreciating each day and staying present while supporting someone through addiction.

Resources & Links:

🌊 Her Harbor Recovery

• Website: herharborrecovery.com
• Email: info@herharborrecovery.com

Key Discussion Points:

• The reality of addiction recovery and the average number of rehab attempts before success.
• The emotional and mental strategies KL employs to maintain her well-being.
• The role of community and mastermind groups in providing support and strength.
• The importance of acknowledging and processing emotions rather than suppressing them.
• How KL's personal growth journey has been intertwined with her son's recovery.

Some Questions We Ask:

• What role does community play in your journey of thriving amidst chaos?
• How do you manage intrusive thoughts and maintain a positive mindset?
• Can you share the impact of your self-care routine on your overall resilience?
• What advice would you give to others in similar situations seeking to transform their pain into purpose?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

✅ The significance of intentional self-care and emotional resilience in facing life's challenges.

✅ How to create and rely on a supportive community during difficult times.

✅ The power of vulnerability and honesty in personal growth and healing.

✅ Techniques for managing stress and maintaining mental clarity in the face of uncertainty.

✅ The importance of setting intentions and surrounding oneself with positive influences.

Resources & Links:

🌱 KL Wells' Website – Voices InCourage – Explore resources and support for families dealing with addiction.

👪 Be A Loving Mirror Program – A program designed to support families navigating addiction.

📖 The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle – A book influencing KL's approach to presence and mindfulness.

📚 Loving What Is by Byron Katie – A resource for understanding and transforming thoughts.

🎧 Voices InCourage Podcast – Listen to more episodes and stories of thriving amidst chaos.

Closing Call to Action:

👉 Join us as we continue our Mission of 1 Million People Thriving, offering hope and inspiration to those facing similar challenges.

Subscribe, rate, and review to help us reach and support more people in our goal. 💙

Ian shares his deeply personal journey as a recovering alcoholic and addict, the father of a son in recovery, and the husband of what he calls an "Al-Anon Ninja." He opens up about the challenges of parenting a child with substance use disorder, the importance of boundaries, and how addiction can serve as an invitation to profound spiritual transformation.

Through humor, wisdom, and raw honesty, Ian discusses his latest book, The Fix, which reimagines the Twelve Steps as a universal path to healing—whether you're struggling with addiction, codependency, or simply looking for a new way to live with more freedom and joy.

Key Discussion Points

• Ian’s personal experience with addiction and recovery, and how it shaped his family.
• The misconceptions about addiction and why it’s more than just a lack of willpower.
• How the Twelve Steps can be a tool for anyone, not just those with substance use disorder.
• The role of spirituality in healing and transformation.
• The power of community and connection in overcoming addiction.
• How parents and loved ones can set healthy boundaries while still offering love and support.
• Ian’s perspective on relapse and what it taught him about recovery.
• The importance of self-care for parents and loved ones of those struggling with addiction.

Some Questions I Ask:

• What inspired you to write The Fix now?
• How do you define addiction, and why do you believe it’s part of the human condition?
• Do you see addiction as a doorway to spiritual awakening?
• How can parents and loved ones detach with love while still supporting their child?
• What was it like to set boundaries and ask your son to leave home?
• How did your own relapse shift your understanding of recovery?
• What role does joy and humor play in the healing process?
• How can someone without a substance use disorder benefit from the Twelve Steps?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

✅ Why addiction is often a spiritual workaround—and how to find a real solution.

✅ How to reframe addiction as an opportunity for growth and transformation.

✅ The power of surrender and why letting go can be the key to real change.

✅ How to cultivate a spiritual life that supports healing and resilience.

✅ Why community and connection are essential for recovery.

✅ How to set healthy boundaries without guilt or fear.

✅ The unexpected gifts that can come from walking through the pain of addiction.

Resources & Links:

📖 Get Ian Morgan Cron’s latest book, The Fix – https://ianmorgancron.com/thefix

🎙️ Listen to Ian’s Podcast, Typology – https://www.typologypodcast.com

📚 Learn more about the Enneagram and Ian’s work – https://www.typologypodcast.com

🎙️ KL Wells’ TED Talk: Watch Here

Closing Call to Action:

👉 If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need support and encouragement on their journey. 💙

KL candidly shares her deeply personal journey, highlighting her son Sam’s battle with substance use disorder, particularly the pivotal moment she discovered his fentanyl addiction. She describes the emotional toll, challenges, and ultimately how she managed not only to survive but truly thrive amidst the uncertainty and fear.

This episode serves as a powerful testament to resilience, personal agency, and finding peace and joy—even amidst the chaos of addiction in the family.

Key Discussion Points:

• ✅ KL’s journey from crisis to thriving while supporting her son through addiction.
• ✅ Her initial reaction upon discovering Sam’s fentanyl addiction and its emotional impact.
• ✅ The critical importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care.
• ✅ Introducing the transformative BALM (Be A Loving Mirror) program for family support.
• ✅ Practical techniques for interrupting fear-based thinking and reclaiming personal power.
• ✅ The significance of fostering a supportive community to enhance resilience.

Some Questions I Ask:

• What was your initial reaction when you learned about Sam’s fentanyl addiction?
• How did you maintain your commitment to thriving despite ongoing uncertainty?
• Which resources have been most impactful on your healing journey?
• How do you overcome fear-based thinking to reclaim your power?
• What advice would you give families experiencing similar struggles?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Strategies to manage the emotional rollercoaster of loving someone with addiction.
• How embracing personal agency can shift your experience from crisis to thriving.
• Actionable steps to transition from crisis mode into a healthier, thriving mindset.
• Ways to establish healthy boundaries without feeling guilty.
• The importance of building a strong, supportive community.
• Access to valuable resources like Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine and the BALM program.

Resources Mentioned:

• 🌎 Voices InCourage: voicesincourage.com
• 📘 BALM Program: Learn More Here
• 📖 Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine: Book & Program
• 🎙️ KL Wells’ TED Talk: Watch Here
• 🤝 Subscribe to the Voices InCourage Community: voicesincourage.com

👉 Listen now and take the first step toward reclaiming your peace and personal power.

Stepping into the guest seat, KL shares her deeply personal journey of resilience, courage, and the lessons learned while loving someone through addiction. This conversation dives into the heart of setting boundaries, finding personal power, and thriving amidst life’s toughest challenges.

Together, Beverly and KL explore the importance of setting and maintaining boundaries. KL also discusses insights from her book, The Five Acts of Courage: From Crisis to Thriving, and introduces a roadmap that helps families move from crisis to thriving.

Listeners will gain several tools for strengthening emotional resilience, including self-care strategies, the power of gratitude, and the importance of building a strong, shame-free support network.

KL’s wisdom and lived experience offer hope and empowerment for families seeking to reclaim their peace while loving someone struggling with addiction.

Key Takeaways

• The importance of setting firm boundaries and sticking to them
• How to shift from crisis to thriving using KL’s structured roadmap
• The role of self care, gratitude, and emotional awareness in maintaining resilience
• Why community support is essential for families navigating addiction
• Practical strategies for managing emotions and reclaiming personal power

The Questions That Found Me...

• "Sometimes life just falls apart in order for it all to genuinely fall together." How was this true for you, and how can this realization help other families impacted by a loved one's addiction?
• Are you saying you realized the need for personal growth the whole time, or did that realization come to you at a specific point?" – A deep dive into KL's turning point during her journey.
• What does moving from crisis to struggling, struggling into surviving, and eventually thriving look like for someone in the thick of this journey?
• You emphasize the importance of feeling emotions fully. Can you talk about the connection between our emotions and how the brain processes them?
• Why is building a powerful community so essential for families in recovery, and how did your own communities support you through this journey?

Links & Resources:

📖 The Five Acts of Courage From Crisis to Thriving by KL Wells – Order on Amazon

🌐 Visit Voices InCourage – www.voicesincourage.com

💡 Learn more about the Daily BALM and upcoming retreats – www.balmfamilyrecovery.com

Join the Conversation

What resonated most with you from this episode Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments or connect with us on social media

With over 20 years of experience in education, Kathy shares her personal journey of navigating her son Tucker's substance use disorder. As the executive director of ILUME Family Recovery, she discusses the importance of family education, understanding risk factors, and finding peace while supporting loved ones through addiction. Kathy also previews her upcoming documentary focused on family recovery, which aims to provide hope and practical resources for families affected by addiction.

Key Discussion Points

• The importance of understanding risk factors in substance use disorder
• The role of protective factors in prevention and recovery
• The transition from crisis to peace in family recovery - The power of mindfulness and self-care practices
• The significance of family education in addiction recovery
• The development of healthy boundaries and communication
• The upcoming documentary on family recovery

Some Questions I Ask

• What was your initial reaction when you began to realize your son was struggling with addiction?
• How did you help yourself sleep at night during difficult times?
• What was your biggest challenge as a mom going through this journey?
• How did you navigate the relationship with your husband during this process?
• What inspired the documentary project?

In This Episode, You Will Learn

• How to identify and understand substance use disorder risk factors
• The importance of practicing self-care and mindfulness techniques
• Ways to set healthy boundaries while maintaining loving relationships
• The value of family education in supporting recovery
• How to transition from enabling to supporting recovery
• The power of changing family dynamics in promoting healing
• The importance of finding the right support resources

Resources

• Book: Five Acts of Courage
• ILUME Family Recovery website: www.ilumefamilyrecovery.com
• BALM Family Recovery Program: https://balmfamilyrecovery.com/
• BALM 'On Demand Program' for Leaders
• Upcoming Documentary on Family Recovery (available late spring/early summer)

Links to Tools Mentioned in this Episode

• Risk Factors List for Substance Use Disorder
• Cycle of Change Diagram
• DSM-5 Substance Use Disorder Criteria

Some Questions I Ask:

• What is multi-generational trauma, and how does it shape addiction patterns?
• How does emotional suppression impact our mental and physical health?
• Can families really break free from deeply rooted cycles of dysfunction?
• What is neuroplasticity, and how does it offer hope for healing?
• How can family members model healthy emotional expression?

In This Episode, You Will Learn

• The hidden impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and how they manifest in adult behavior.
• The science of epigenetics and how trauma can be passed down through generations.
• How trauma-informed care goes beyond understanding to emphasize trauma resolution.
• Why emotional suppression is one of the most significant contributors to chronic mental illness and addiction.
• The role of neuroplasticity in healing and rewiring the brain after trauma.
• How families can create safer spaces for vulnerability, honesty, and connection.
• Strategies for embracing personal agency and becoming a catalyst for change within your family.
• This episode is a beacon of hope for families who feel stuck in cycles of pain and dysfunction. If you’re ready to understand the deeper roots of addiction and how to heal as a family, this conversation is a must-listen.

Resources:

Community: Join our supportive community for families navigating addiction! voicesincourage.com

Course: Looking for guidance on supporting a loved one in recovery? Visit VoicesInCourage.com/Family to explore the BALM Family Recovery course—a proven resource for families seeking hope and healing.

Book: Move from crisis to thriving while loving someone struggling with addiction. Get "The Five Acts of Courage" — now at voicesincourage.com/book

Some Questions I Ask:

• How has your experience of being married to someone with alcohol issues informed and influenced the life you’ve created?
• What tools do you use that are non-negotiable for staying steady in the work that you do?
• What advice would you give to loved ones who are navigating the complexities of supporting someone in addiction?
• What was the journey for you in working with women, and how has that impacted you?

In This Episode, You Will Learn

• Personal journey of navigating addiction within a family context.
• The establishment and mission of New Each Morning, a nonprofit for women in recovery.
• The impact of addiction on families and the importance of breaking the cycle of enabling.
• The therapeutic role of community and relationships in the recovery process.
• The significance of post-recovery support and the gap in resources available for ongoing assistance.
• The role of trauma as a root cause of addiction and the need for addressing it in recovery.
• The importance of compassion and understanding in the societal perception of addiction.
• Strategies for providing emotional support and creating a calming presence for those struggling with addiction.
• The necessity of building a supportive network to combat isolation in recovery.
• The balance between caring for loved ones and prioritizing one’s own well-being in the context of addiction.

**Need more support? Join the community! https://voicesincourage.com/family

For more on Cathie and her work, check out:

New Each Morning - Equipping women with purpose, connection, and post recovery support

Some Questions I Ask:

• How do we navigate if there's a relapse during the holiday season?
• What are some practical tips for families to manage emergency situations like a loved one needing an ER visit?
• How can friends and family advocate effectively for their loved ones in crisis while staying calm and measured?
• What alternative treatments exist for individuals recovering from opioid addiction, especially when they need medical care involving pain management?
• What are some trends in addiction treatment, like alternatives to opioids, that are gaining traction and making a difference?

In This Episode, You Will Learn

•  Importance of emergency preparedness during the holiday season for individuals in recovery from addiction.
• The role and accessibility of Narcan (naloxone) in reversing opioid overdoses.
• Strategies for advocating for loved ones in medical emergencies, particularly in emergency room settings.
• Alternatives to opioids for pain management, including non-narcotic medications and innovative techniques.
• Trends in addiction, including the rise of alcohol use disorder and the misuse of inhalants among youth.
• Addressing the root causes of addiction, such as childhood trauma and societal pressures.
• The significance of open dialogue about addiction and mental health to foster understanding and support.
• The need for community education around addiction and the use of Narcan.
• Preparing families for potential crises related to addiction during stressful times.
• The importance of calmness and rationality when navigating healthcare systems for individuals in crisis.

**Need more support? Join the community! https://voicesincourage.com

Some Questions I Ask:

• The shame, the stigma, the judgment that we have for ourselves around this - how do we move past that?
• When shame stops you from making that phone call... what do you do?
• What we're talking about here also is we're interrupting that habit of thinking... how do we make that change?
• If you're just so angry - honestly, they don't know what to do with themselves - what would be a first step?

**Need more support? Join the community! https://voicesincourage.com

For More on Beverly and her work, check out:

BALM Family Recovery

In This Episode, You Will Learn

•  Complexities of addiction and its emotional underpinnings
• The connection between trauma and addiction
• Definition of addiction as a pattern of avoiding emotional pain
• Importance of addressing underlying emotional issues in recovery
• Role of family members in supporting loved ones with addiction
• Reframing addiction as a response to pain rather than a moral failing
• The significance of emotional expression and connection in recovery
• Challenges faced by families dealing with repeated relapses
• Stigma and shame associated with addiction and its impact on families
• The potential for growth and healing through understanding and compassion

Questions I Ask

• How do you unlock the key to get to what the root cause, the real pain is for people?
• How do you loop the family in in a way that they understand what's really going on here?
• How does the family or friends navigate when it's they've been through 12 rehabs?
• If there is a message that you would want families to absolutely hear and absorb, what would that be?

**Need more support? Join the community! https://voicesincourage.com

**Need more support? Join the community! https://voicesincourage.com/thrive

**Need more support? Join the community! https://voicesincourage.com/thrive

**Need more support? Join the community! https://voicesincourage.com/thrive

**Need more support? Join the community! https://voicesincourage.com/thrive

**Need more support? Join the community! https://voicesincourage.com/thrive

**Need more support? Join the community! https://voicesincourage.com/thrive

**Need more support? Join the community! https://voicesincourage.com/thrive

They also explored the challenges and stigma surrounding substance use disorders, the importance of harm reduction, and the potential of non-pharmaceutical interventions like contingency management. Lastly, they highlighted the significance of connection, empathy, and understanding in overcoming addiction, and the need to change the narrative around this disease.

Need more support? Join the community! https://voicesincourage.com/thrive

Links and Resources:

Connect with Jen Lee Hirst

Need more support? Join our community.

Ready to go from chaos to thriving? Join our community!

Click here to learn more!

They explore the concept of "living amends," highlighting actions over words in rebuilding trust. The conversation underscores the need for self-care, communication, and ongoing education for both the individual in recovery and their loved ones. The episode offers hope, emphasizing that with commitment and compassion, families can emerge stronger.

Ready to go from chaos to thriving? Join our community!

Click here to learn more!

Influenced by his father's battle with alcoholism and subsequent recovery, Andrew eventually sought help at the same treatment center. He discusses the "gift of desperation," the importance of community in recovery, and the challenges of loving an addict. Andrew's narrative is one of hope, emphasizing the role of forgiveness, service, and emotional openness in healing and supporting others.

Ready to go from chaos to thriving? Join our community!

Click here to learn more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Do You Need More Support and Resources to Help You Thrive While Loving an Addict?

We've been there and understand exactly where you are. That's why we created the Thrive While Loving an Addict Community. It's filled with resources you can use to calm he chaos in your life and truly thrive, no matter what choices your loved ones make.

Join the Thrive Community Now

Need Support and Resources to Thrive While Loving an Addict?

We've created the Voices in Courage Community for you. We'll help you thrive, even if your loved one is addicted. Learn more at https://voicesincourage.com/thrive.

Embrace "The Power of Optimism" with Dr. Kate Lund as we navigate the art of seeing the positive outside of life's challenges. Learn how to foster change from the inside out and discover how to manage your stress response with the profound impact of cultivating a sense of optimism. After all, true resilience starts with a mindset shift.

We'll share practical tips and insights to help you navigate the tough times and emerge stronger on the other side. In our quest for resilience, we'll explore the significance of developing a routine that works for you. If you’re a parent trying to manage the chaos of the storm of addiction, this podcast is for you!

Jim is the father of Zach, who died of an accidental opioid overdose. In today’s conversation, KL and Jim focus on the grieving process of losing a child.

Jim shares how they lost Zach in January of 2020 when Zach finally met his bottom; in his grief, he wasn’t sure if he could ever feel joy again. However, Jim kept taking the steps of healing, and his new path slowly began to reveal itself.

He shares his daily efforts to create new memories and experiences that begin to shape his future.

If you’re a parent of an addict and need help with the grieving process of addiction, you don’t want to miss this episode!

Ken Clark is back on the Voices InCourage Podcast with host KL Wells in another powerful conversation in the world of substance abuse disorder. In this episode, Ken discusses his “Dos and Don’ts” for those who are afflicted with the disease of alcoholism. Learn the top five things to say or do, as well as the five things never to say or do. Ultimately, Ken uncovers the gifts that substance abuse disorder can provide to your loved ones in the midst of chaos. If you, a family member, or a friend struggle to stay above the water, this discussion is for you.

KL and Tucker dive right back into their own experiences and stories of how we can begin to alleviate shame, the stigma, and the judgment prevalent in today’s society. This is where the narrative begins and changes. Listen to this powerful episode today!