Hopestream: Parenting Kids Through Addiction & Mental Health

ABOUT THE EPISODE: There is a specific kind of searching that happens at 2am when you are a parent in the thick of it, typing symptoms and half-formed fears into a search bar because you cannot say them out loud to anyone in your life. My cofounder Cathy Cioth knows exactly what that feels like, and in this conversation, we sit down to answer the questions we hear most from parents in our community, including the ones that tend to arrive with a quiet residue of shame just for asking. We start with one that stops many parents cold: does your child actually have to go to formal treatment to get better? The answer is more nuanced than most of us were told, and the data behind it may genuinely surprise you. From there, we get into PAWS, post-acute withdrawal syndrome, the thing nobody warned you about when your child finally got sober and you expected life to start looking better, and it did not. Cathy and I are nine and ten years out from the hardest seasons of our own journeys, both trained in CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training), and nothing in this conversation comes from a textbook. This episode is the conversation you may wish you could have had years ago, before you knew what you did not know yet. You'll learn: Why formal treatment is not the only path to recovery, and what the research actually saysWhat PAWS is, why it blindsides so many families, and how to recognize it in your childHow to reward non-using behavior in a way that feels genuine rather than transactionalWhy natural consequences belong to your child, not to you, and what it costs to keep carrying themWhen doing nothing is the most potent intervention available to you EPISODE RESOURCES: Jo Collete EpisodeRecovery Research InstituteDina Cannizzaro Episodes: 297, 288, 173, 138This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Maya Kruger grew up knowing, in a way children simply know things, that mothers die. Her own mother had lost her mother suddenly at 26, and the shadow of that loss shaped everything, including the fierce, almost desperate closeness Maya and her mother shared. She was so convinced that by leaving nothing unsaid, she could somehow protect what they had. Then, the evening after a morning hike together, her mother was killed in a car accident. Maya was 18, not yet fully formed, and suddenly on her own in a way she had spent her whole childhood bracing for and still could not have prepared for. What followed was not a clean grief. It was the kind that gets woven into everything, into the acting conservatory she attended in Tel Aviv, into the plays she wrote for the national theater, into a one-woman show called Hand Me Downs where she played her grandmother, her mother, and herself all at once. She got into Juilliard and could not go. She got into drama programs in the States and found herself, over and over, cast as other people's mothers, which she describes as both a wound and a doorway. It was not until she was sitting alone for three days on an Outward Bound solo in the Utah desert, nine crackers a day and a whistle around her neck, that something cracked open. She is now a psychotherapist, trauma specialist, and founder of Overture Therapy in New York, where she works with anxious moms navigating the ways that a child's crisis can bring every old wound roaring back to the surface. This conversation goes somewhere I was not entirely prepared for. Maya reframes anxiety in a way that stopped me cold, and she has a way of talking about the guilt and shame that lives in a mother's body when her child is struggling that made me feel genuinely seen. She says something about what anxiety is actually asking for that I keep returning to. If you have ever felt like your child's struggle has cracked open something in you that you did not know was still there, this one is for you. You'll learn: Why Maya grew up believing mothers disappear, and what she tried to do about itWhat maladaptive behavior actually is, and why context changes everythingThe reframe she offers for anxiety that makes it something other than the enemyWhat she means by parking next to yourself, and why it is so hard to doThe message an anxious mom is actually passing to her kids, and how to change itEPISODE RESOURCES: Free, 15-minute consultation with Overture TherapyOverture Therapy websiteHear Brenda Zane on Maya’s podcast, “How Did You Get Here?” episode 22This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Hunter Clarke-Fields was a painter. She had a graduate degree in art education, a high school teaching job, and what looked from the outside like a creative life. What nobody could see was that she was white-knuckling her way through it, cycling between intense highs and pits of despair she could not explain, having panic attacks in the hallways before she had any tools to handle them. She reached for yoga, then for books on mindfulness, and read about it for years before she finally, at 27, sat down and actually tried. She set a timer for 10 minutes and sat there thinking the whole time. She was certain she was doing it wrong. But two months in, she looked back and realized she had not fallen into a single pit. Not one. For someone who had been cycling into darkness every couple of weeks for most of her adult life, that was not a small thing. It was everything. And it sent her down a path she never expected, one that eventually turned her into the Mindful Mama Mentor, a podcast host, a mindfulness teacher, and the bestselling author of Raising Good Humans. Hunter now teaches mindfulness to parents all over the world, with over 20 years of meditation practice behind her and two daughters who, she will freely admit, grew up slightly allergic to the whole thing.  I wanted to have this conversation because I think mindfulness gets written off as vague or soft, and Hunter makes it anything but. She explains what is actually happening in your brain when you blow up at your kid, why longer exhales are not just a cliche, and what she calls the Three R's, a framework so simple you will remember it in the worst moment. She also says something about feelings being like toddlers that I keep coming back to.  If you have ever thought that mindfulness is not for you, or that you are too far gone to start, this one is for you. You'll learn: Why Hunter spent two months certain she was meditating wrong.The part of mindfulness most people skip that changes everything.Her Three R's for the moments you most want to lose it.What she says feelings are like, and why it reframes everything.The one thing she would tell a struggling parent to try today.EPISODE RESOURCES: Hunter Clarke-Fields websiteRaising Good Humans BookMindful Mama PodcastThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When Marie's son was diagnosed with ADHD at eight, she did what devoted parents do. She learned everything and got to work. By the time weed entered the picture in his teens, she had already lined up CRAFT counselors, drug and alcohol specialists, an at-risk youth petition, even a street artist mentor. She is a school psychologist. She had the frameworks, the language. None of it stopped what was coming. What followed were years of watching him cycle through residential treatment, partial hospitalization, therapeutic boarding school, sober living, and inpatient care, all before nineteen. When he came home and relapsed within days, Marie and her husband made the call she'd been bracing for: he couldn't live with them anymore. And something unexpected happened inside her. Today, her son has a job. He calls. He showed up to his dad's birthday and ate cake with relatives he hadn't seen in years. Marie listens without lecturing. She is only now learning what it means to help herself. This is one of the most honest accounts I've heard of doing everything right and still feeling unsure. If you've done everything you can think of and you're still waiting, this one's for you. You’ll learn: The moment Marie felt a significant shift inside her after her son relapsed and had to leave homeWhat “active waiting” looks like in practice, and how that doesn’t mean ‘letting go’The specific kind of change talk Marie started hearing from her son, and what it signals about where he is in his processHow Marie and her husband are thinking through the next housing crisis before it happens, including a practical tool for staying grounded when everything hits at onceThe shift from parenting mode to consulting mode, and what it looks like to give your child a voice in solutions without solving everything for themEPISODE RESOURCES: Clear30 App - helps people take a 30 day break from weedJessica Lahey’s “The Gift of Failure”This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When Sally Harris’s middle daughter started down a dangerous path at 14, she did what most devoted mothers do. She fought hard to fix it. Boarding school. Rehab. Anything and everything she could think of. What she did not expect was that the hardest decade of her life was still ahead, or that the coping mechanism she reached for would quietly become a crisis of its own. Her daughter’s story wound through some of the darkest places a mother can imagine, and Sally will tell you she did not handle it with grace. She handled it the way most of us do: imperfectly, desperately, and often in ways that made things worse. What turned everything around was not something she did for her daughter. It was something she finally did for herself. Ten years later, her daughter is back. They speak together publicly. They laugh about things that were anything but funny at the time. Sally now coaches moms who are somewhere in the middle of their own version of this, and she brings the kind of clarity you can only get from having actually lived it. This conversation goes to places I do not hear enough people talking about honestly: what it does to a mother when her child goes silent, the ways we unknowingly push them further, and what it actually looks like to do the work on yourself while your child is still out there struggling. Sally asks one question of every mom she works with, and I think it will stay with you. If your child has asked for space, cut contact, or simply drifted somewhere you cannot reach, this one is for you. You’ll learn: The coping mechanism Sally reached for and what finally made her put it down for goodWhy honoring a requested pause is harder than it sounds, and what happens when we do notWhat Sally means by "father wounds" and how often they show up in the families she works withThe one question she asks every mom she coaches, and why the answer changes everythingA practical tool she calls a personal board of directors, and why your friends probably should not be on it. EPISODE RESOURCES: Sally Harris YouTube ChannelSally Harris websiteThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Tough love. Two words that get thrown around constantly in the addiction world, and yet nobody can quite agree on what they mean. Kick them out. Cut them off. Save yourself. That’s the version I heard early on, and I couldn’t do it. Not because I was too soft, but because something about it felt fundamentally wrong - especially with a teenager. In this episode, Cathy and I get practical on the topic of this illusive thing called “tough love.” We walk through the nine actual actions we took with our own kids, in order, from the very first steps all the way to the hardest ones (ones we call “strong love”) as a way of demonstrating action, not theories. Just two moms who were figuring it out as we went, without the language, community or support we needed at the time. YOU’LL LEARN: What Dr. Gabor Maté said about tough love that stopped me coldWhy I stopped using the phrase “tough love” and what I call it insteadNine “strong love” actions Cathy and I took with our own kids, and what we wish we had done differentlyThe thing every person in recovery has told me about what finally changed things for themThe two books I recommend to every parent, no matter where you are in thisEPISODE RESOURCES: Heather Hayes on Hopestream episode 111Mary Crocker Cook on Hopestream episode 223Jessica Lahey on Hopestream episode 163Trish Ruggles on Hopestream episode 313Safe Enough To Change course in Hopestream Community’s Limited MembershipThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When I first heard about a woodworking apprenticeship as an addiction recovery program, I was skeptical. And then I sat down with Jeremy French, founder of Making Whole in Asheville, North Carolina, and everything I thought I knew about what recovery has to look like got turned on its head.  Jeremy got sober at 17 after stolen cars, drug runs to Florida, and a flop house he describes as straight out of a Netflix series. He's been in recovery nearly 30 years, never finished high school, and built one of the most remarkable programs I've come across. A small group of men of all ages build high-end furniture together, share a daily meal, and are never forced to stay.  Of the 55 men who've graduated from Making Whole since 2018, 30 of them will tell you they are exactly where they want to be today. That is not a number you hear in this space. I was so intrigued. You'll hear about: Why Jeremy credits drugs with solving nine out of ten problems in his life while he was using, and what that might mean for your childThe two things true in every recovery success story Jeremy has witnessed, without exceptionThe decision his parents made that changed his life more than anything elseWhy stepping back sends a different message than you thinkWhat addiction is actually solving, and why treating it as the problem keeps everyone stuckWhat parents who have lost a child would give anything to do, and what that could mean for you right nowEPISODE RESOURCES:  Making Whole websiteThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: This solo episode is my attempt to provide answers to the question of why some families see greater change than others when using the CRAFT approach. Drawing on 6+ years of watching hundreds of parents move through this process, some gaining traction, some spinning their wheels, I’m sharing the 10 most common reasons why parents who are 'doing the work' aren't getting the results they want. It's a no-fluff audit of what might be holding you back, and it comes from my heart because there are no more important results to strive for than a healthy family. If you've been at this for a while and feel like things aren't moving in the right direction, this one is for you. You'll hear about: A foundational piece most parents skip without realizing itWhy doing more often backfiresA timing factor that determines whether any skill worksThe fastest path forward when communication has broken downWhy inconsistency isn't a character flawEPISODE RESOURCES: Hopestream Playlists - Start Here PlaylistJennifer Ollis Blomqvist on using Motivational Interviewing, Hopestream episode 306Dr. Emily Kline on using Motivational Interviewing for hard conversations, Hopestream episode 160Using Motivational Interviewing and CRAFT as a double punch effort to create change in your family, Hopestream episode 256CRAFT family resources and providers with Helping Families HelpUsing CRAFT, MI and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy together to help your child, Hopestream episode 260Stages of Change workshopStages of Change downloadable cheat-sheet here Hopestream podcast episode 66 on the Stages of ChangeThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE:  When parents hear "wilderness therapy," their minds often race to worst-case scenarios: punishment, boot camps, kids forced to survive in harsh conditions. But Trish Ruggles, who spent over a decade as a field guide and wilderness therapist before becoming an educational consultant, has a different story to tell. After 21 years in the field and working with countless families through Pathfinder Consulting, Trish knows that wilderness therapy has evolved dramatically from its origins. What makes wilderness therapy effective isn't the outdoor skills or fresh air - though those certainly help. It's magic lies in the complete removal of 'noise.'  When you take a struggling adolescent out of their always-on life and place them in the wilderness, the volume goes down on everything that keeps them from thriving. No bedroom door to close, no delivery apps to summon food, no distractions to buffer the work of actually facing themselves. And there are immediate, natural consequences their adolescent brain can actually understand. Trish's approach is refreshingly honest and practical. She'll be the first to tell you wilderness therapy isn't for everyone, but for the kid who's stuck in their room, the one running wild in the streets, or the treatment-experienced individual who knows how to game the residential system, wilderness creates something that can't be replicated indoors: a space where you can't phone it in, where every action impacts your group, and where real-life consequences teach more than any lecture ever could. You'll learn: Key myths and facts about today's outdoor behavioral health offeringsThe critical, natural consequences that wilderness experiences provide in real-timeHow wilderness has evolved from its primitive rootsWhy adopted kids and those with attachment challenges often thrive in wilderness despite parents' fearsThe truth about getting kids to agree to, and actually go to an outdoor, adventure or wilderness programEPISODE RESOURCES: Website Trish Ruggles Trish on Hopestream episode 202 Will White’s Hopestream podcast episode 14 This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

 ABOUT THE EPISODE:  When Campbell Manning's middle son entered detox the day before Valentine's Day, she genuinely believed he'd be "fixed" and home within a week. What followed instead was a years-long journey through both of her sons' addiction cycles that would ultimately transform her from a completely naive parent into a trained addiction counselor who now helps hundreds of families navigate the same treacherous terrain.  Campbell brings both the raw authenticity of lived experience and the clinical expertise she's gained through extensive education plus real-world training with Amber Hollingsworth (Put The Shovel Down YouTube Channel) at Hope For Families Recovery Center.  In this potent conversation, she speaks directly to the particular torture of watching your child actively harm themselves while grappling with decisions that feel impossible, like when her 14-year-old daughter confronted her about how much more "time, emotion, money, and energy" she was going to give to addiction.  What I love is that Campbell's wisdom isn't theoretical; it's forged from setting boundaries that ended up with her sons leave home at 17, refusing to enable behavior that was metastasizing through her entire family system, and learning that "over-loving" your child can actually be the most deleterious choice you make. Her message offers genuine hope grounded in reality: both her sons are in long-term recovery, and she's built a thriving coaching practice helping parents understand that their child's willingness to change often arrives in fleeting moments, which means your preparation and readiness matters profoundly.  You'll learn:  How Campbell navigated the brutal reality of having two sons in active  addiction, including the crucial difference between heartbreak (first son) and fury (second son) in her emotional responses The concept of "tagging it on" and why your child must truly understand there's no one coming to rescue them before lasting change becomes possible Why disenfranchised grief - the kind that receives no casseroles, no sympathy cards, no community support, coagulates within families dealing with addiction and impacts every member, especially siblings How Campbell's daughter's confrontation about "how much more are you going to give addiction, Mom?" catalyzed her understanding that setting strong, healthy boundaries isn't abandonment, it's the most loving thing you can do when your child is drowning EPISODE RESOURCES: Hope For Families Recovery Center website Put The Shovel Down YouTube Channel This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: If you've been waiting for the right moment to bring up the idea of getting your young adult some support, and you're not sure how to do it without blowing up every landmine between you, this episode is for you. Joanna Lilley, therapeutic consultant and host of the podcast Success is Subjective, is back on Hopestream, and she's pulling back the curtain on what it actually looks like to help a young adult move toward help. Joanna works exclusively with the 18 to 29 crowd, and her approach is deceptively simple: meet them where they are, agenda-free, not where your fear wants them to be. What makes Joanna's process so potent is the way it preserves a young adult's agency at every step. There’s no attempt at maneuvering them into a decision or finding the magic words that finally crack them open. It's about creating the conditions where they feel like the architect of what comes next, and why that buy-in matters more than the program itself. Joanna also gets real about what she's seeing shift in the treatment landscape right now, including why young adults are staying longer in programs, how the complexity of what's showing up has changed dramatically, and what questions parents actually need to be asking before you commit to anything. When you listen, you'll learn: Why some young adults may have a deeply distorted picture of what treatment looks like, and how to gently disrupt that narrative without pushing them further awayHow Joanna structures her first conversation with a young adult so it feels like a genuine exchange rather than a formal ‘intake’ processWhy giving your young adult the choice of who to work with matters just as much as the choice of where to goWhy it’s wise to start the ‘what might treatment look like’ process before you think you need to and what it might cost you if you waitEPISODE RESOURCES: Joanna Lilley (Lilley Consulting) websiteJoanna on Hopestream podcast episode #208 Joanna on Hopestream podcast episode #39This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

 ABOUT THE EPISODE:  When your child's phone becomes their constant companion, you might dismiss it as typical teenage behavior. But Duane Osterlind, LMFT with nearly two decades specializing in sexual addiction, shares an urgent reality: the average first exposure to online adult material is now 10 years old. This conversation illuminates why younger people are seeking help in their early twenties after years of private struggle that began in childhood. Duane offers perspective on how behavioral addictions reverberate throughout family systems, addressing both youth struggles and partner betrayal. He shares why most relationships impacted by sexual betrayal stay intact when the person causing harm addresses the shame fueling addictive patterns. You'll learn: Why Duane has seen dramatic demographic shifts in his practiceHow to open conversations with your kids about adult content exposure and impactWhat discovery trauma is and why it can trigger PTSD symptomsThe distinction between supporting a partner versus taking responsibility for their healingHow shame operates as both genesis and sustaining force of behavioral addictions EPISODE RESOURCES:  The Addicted Mind PodcastShame to Resilience Workshop (for adults)Brenda as a guest on The Addicted Mind podcast ep. 360This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: You've been waiting for your child to say they're ready to get help. You've imagined that conversation a thousand times, rehearsed what you'll say, held your breath every time they seem close to opening up. But what happens if that moment arrives and you're under-prepared? What if that precious window closes before you even realize it was open? In this solo episode, I'm diving into a CRAFT procedure that often gets reduced to logistics when it's actually about something far more potent: the intersection where your child's desperation meets their willingness, and your preparation.  I'm unpacking two elements that I believe parents consistently overlook. The first is understanding that this intersection requires a third component—your readiness. The second challenges who we define as the "identified patient" in this entire scenario, because if your child is the only one getting help while the rest of your family ecosystem stays static, you're essentially working to preserve the exact conditions that contributed to their struggle in the first place. This isn't easy work, but it's the kind that can reshape not just your relationship with your struggling child, but every relationship in your life. And you don't have to figure it out alone at three in the morning with Google and ChatGPT as your only companion. You'll learn: Why the magical intersection of desperation and willingness requires a third element that many parents missHow to prepare in the background so you're not scrambling when your child finally says they're ready for helpWhy your child shouldn't be the only "identified patient" and what your own version of treatment needs to look likeThe difference between rescuing your child from discomfort and allowing natural consequences that can actually motivate changeWhy obsessing over daily minutiae (dishes, grades, laundry) is often a distraction from the deeper internal work you need to be doingThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When your child transitions from treatment back into everyday life, the real work begins. Alex Zemeckis and Cannon Kristofferson, co-founders of The Grounds Recovery and Mare's House, know the terrain intimately—not from textbooks or theories, but from walking that precarious path themselves. Now, years into their own recovery journeys, they've built a rock solid sober living ecosystem that helps young adults navigate the delicate nuances of early sobriety while building sustainable, meaningful lives. In this conversation, Alex and Cannon reveal why employment isn't just helpful but essential for young people in recovery, serving as both anchor and compass in those vulnerable early months. They understand the peculiar challenge of leaving treatment's protective bubble, only to face familiar streets, old phone numbers, and muscle memories that can pull a young person back to past patterns. Their approach? Get young adults integrated into real community fabric immediately—working, contributing, encountering actual triggers while building the mental fortitude to navigate them. No therapeutic bubble, no artificial safety—just supported practice at living. After years of working with young adults struggling with substances and mental health, they've noticed the themes that persist: the hunger for genuine connection, the need for purpose beyond sobriety itself, and the surprising power of peer mentorship from those who've earned their wisdom through lived experience and formal education. Their perspective offers something rare—credibility born from personal transformation coupled with professional dedication to helping others architect their own recovery. When you listen, you'll learn: Why meaningful employment serves as recovery's most underutilized tool and how work provides structure that therapy alone cannot The specific vulnerabilities young adults face when transitioning from treatment to home environments (and practical strategies for navigating them) How peer support from those with lived experience creates a different quality of trust and accountability than traditional counseling The common patterns Alex and Cannon observe across hundreds of young adults—and why these patterns actually offer hope Their unconventional approach to community integration that prioritizes real-world practice over extended therapeutic cocooningEPISODE RESOURCES: The Grounds Recovery websiteMare's House website (women's sober living)This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: If you’ve ever felt uncertain about what your teen or young adult might be using—and how easily accessible today’s substances have become—this episode is a must-listen. I sat down with Sebastian Martin, Executive Director at New Life House, a long-standing sober living program for young men, to unpack the alarming rise of so-called “gas station garbage”—substances like Kratom, kava, 7-0H, and “Feel Free” tonics that are marketed as harmless but can create dependency and serious mental health fallout.  With his deep professional experience and 15 years in recovery himself, Sebastian offers an inside look at what’s showing up in schools, treatment centers, and homes—and what parents need to know right now. You’ll hear a candid, compassionate conversation where we explore how experimentation today can escalate much faster than it did even a decade ago, why isolation in a bedroom can be as concerning as chaotic, risky behavior, and how crucial community and connection are in early recovery—for both parents and their kids. We also discuss the life-changing potential of treatments like TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) and what true collaboration between mental health and substance use professionals looks like when it’s done right. What You’ll Learn: What “gas station garbage” really is and why it’s showing up in homes, schools, and even jails (but not on standard drug screens)Why today’s cannabis and other “legal” substances are nothing like what you may have experimented with as a teenHow to recognize when isolation can be just as dangerous as acting outThe essential role of healthy community for teens and young adults—and how parents can encourage itA powerful mindset shift for parents: how to love your child to life, not to death.This conversation offers clarity and calm in a world of misinformation, helping you understand what’s happening beneath your child’s behavior—and reminding you that not all hope is lost. EPISODE RESOURCES: New Life House websiteHopestream podcast episode 241 with Dr. Martha Koo (TMS)DEA Fact Sheet on KratomInformation on the “Feel Free” tonic by Eleanor HealthThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When Jennifer Ollis Blomqvist discovered Motivational Interviewing (MI) in a Swedish women's prison 25 years ago, she found more than a therapeutic technique—she discovered the antidote to professional burnout and the foundation for every meaningful conversation in her life.  Now an MI expert and trainer who works with everyone from incarcerated individuals to parents navigating their children's substance use, Jennifer brings a refreshing perspective on how this evidence-based approach transforms not just our difficult conversations, but our entire energetic contract with change itself. In this conversation, Jennifer and I explore the delicate dance of supporting autonomy while maintaining boundaries, why school refusal might actually be a sophisticated form of communication, and how motivational interviewing becomes the connective tissue between love and limits. Her renowned book, "Lighthouse Conversations: Being a Beacon for Teens," will give you a practical framework for illuminating pathways without forcing direction - a critical distinction when your child's choices feel increasingly difficult to understand. When you listen, you'll discover: • Why sharing responsibility for change prevents parental burnout and creates more durable outcomes than attempting to architect your child's recovery alone • How to navigate the cognitive friction between supporting autonomy and maintaining safety boundaries—including the counterintuitive power of "doing nothing" as an active intervention • The critical difference between rolling with resistance versus reinforcing it, and why your nervous system's response matters more than your words • How motivational interviewing grows with you through different life stages—from negotiating with toddlers to supporting aging parents—making it the most versatile tool in your communication repertoire • Why school refusal might be your child's way of telling you they don't fit the institutional mold, and how MI can help you excavate the real issues beneath the  resistance you see at surface level EPISODE RESOURCES: Lighthouse Conversations: Being a Beacon for Teens Jennifer’s website Email: [email protected] Telephone: +46 736 - 19 54 46 This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: "When elephants fight, it's the grass that suffers." This African proverb stopped me mid-scroll during a walk, and I saw my family's addiction story with some pretty painful clarity. While my ex-husband, husband and I stomped around trying to wage war on our son's substance use and high-risk lifestyle, we completely missed who was getting trampled beneath our giant, well-meaning feet. This week's raw and honest solo episode unpacks the heavyweight champion of family conflicts: parents locked in battle over how to handle their child's substance use. I reflect about missing my younger son Marco's quiet suffering (spoiler: he mastered invisibility to survive our chaos), and you'll hear how our struggling kids internalize parental discord as proof they're destroying the family. You'll hear why treating addiction like toothpaste you can force back in the tube only creates more destruction, and how shifting from head-on combat to clay-shaping might just save your entire family ecosystem. (lots of metaphors in this week's show!) Fortunately, the Invitation to Change Approach offers a roadmap for stepping more carefully through crisis - because your other children, parents, friends, and even your struggling child deserve better than getting flattened while you fight about tough love versus cushioning falls. What you'll learn: Why siblings of struggling kids often perfect the art of being "not as bad" - and the long-term cost of that survival strategyHow late-night battles between parents may send dangerous "I'm the problem" messages to your struggling childThe critical shift from manager to consultant when your child hits adulthood (and why this transition can spark explosive co-parenting conflicts)Why approaching addiction like malleable clay instead of a winnable war creates healing space for everyoneSpecific ways to acknowledge and tend to the "trampled grass" in your family this weekEPISODE RESOURCES: Hopestream podcast episode with Marco Narcsio, (#70)This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When your journey with a child's substance use stretches into its second decade, you enter what we loving call "warrior mom" (or parent) territory – a place where endurance meets wisdom, and self-preservation becomes an art form. Today's conversation with Hopestream co-founder, Cathy, honors these battle-tested parents who've been navigating their adult children's challenges for ten, fifteen, even twenty years or more. This isn't an advice-filled episode - because more advice isn't what you need. It's a raw, honest dialogue between two mothers who know the unique terrain of loving a child through active use, high-risk lifestyles, homelessness, incarceration, and the revolving door of recovery and relapse.  Cathy shares her own marathon story, including driving hundreds of miles to share picnics with her daughter – a simple act of presence that seemed insignificant (and ineffective) at the time but later proved transformative.  You'll hear: Why "handing over a shift" to a higher power becomes essential for sustainable parenting through decades of struggleHow warrior parents navigate the delicate dance of support versus enabling when adult children face eviction, homelessness, or legal troublesThe unexpected and seemingly counterintuitive renewal that comes from serving othersWhy those seemingly fruitless gestures of connection (like Cathy's picnics) create an energetic contract that transcends the immediate momentThe liberating truth about our children's remarkable resourcefulness when stability disappears and traditional safety nets failThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When Jan Winhall landed her first job running a group for incest survivors in a psychiatric ward, she discovered something revolutionary: the young women's self-harming behaviors weren't signs of pathology – they were brilliant survival strategies orchestrated by dysregulated nervous systems. This revelation launched a 45-year journey that would transform how we understand trauma and addiction. Today, Jan brings her Felt Sense Polyvagal Model to parents navigating the bewildering landscape of their child's substance use. Her approach flips traditional treatment on its head: rather than analyzing thoughts and willpower, she teaches us to decode the body's wisdom. Your child's behaviors – the ones that terrify you most – might actually be their nervous system's desperate attempt to regulate between hyper-vigilance and shutdown. Jan's work reveals why true healing happens not through confrontation or consequences, but through co-regulation, physical connection, and understanding the body's protective mechanisms. You'll learn: • Why your child's "crazy" behaviors (cutting, bingeing, substance use) are actually sophisticated nervous system regulation strategies that shift them between states of survival • How to become a co-regulating presence for your dysregulated child through physical touch, synchronized breathing, and embodied connection – even when they're pushing you away • The critical difference between "bottom-up" body-based healing and traditional "top-down" cognitive approaches – and why talk therapy alone often fails with trauma and addiction • Simple daily practices (like extending your exhale or humming) that activate your ventral vagus nerve, creating the safety your child's nervous system desperately seeks EPISODE RESOURCES: Janwinhall.com - Jan’s website (find a practitioner)Jan Winhall's YouTube channelFriendly Circle BerlinUnplugged CanadaArial Schwartz - Resilience Informed TherapyThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When your child's struggles shatter every paradigm you've held about communication, consciousness, and connection, where do you turn? Today's guest, Betsy Hicks-Russ, found herself navigating this exact terrain as the mother of Joey, a 32-year-old non-speaking autistic man whose journey would ultimately revolutionize her understanding of human potential. Through her discovery of The Telepathy Tapes—a groundbreaking podcast documenting telepathic abilities in non-speaking individuals—Betsy's world transformed from one of perceived limitations to infinite possibilities. Now, while you may not think this episode seems relevant to families navigating substance use challenges, the parallels are more profound than you'd imagine. Both journeys involve watching your child exist in what appears to be an unreachable state, questioning expert opinions that don't align with your intuition, and discovering that behaviors we label as "problems" might actually be sophisticated attempts at regulation and connection.  Whether your child is non-speaking or struggling with substances, the path forward often requires releasing control, working on your own healing, and trusting that beneath the visible challenges lies a soul seeking authentic connection—just perhaps through unconventional channels. In this truly riveting conversation, Betsy shares the profound shift that occurred when she learned her son wasn't trapped in silence but was actually part of what she calls "the telepathic tribe"—individuals who communicate through frequency rather than words. Her evolution from believing experts who said Joey "wasn't there" to recognizing him as a spiritually advanced being holding space for humanity's awakening offers a radical reframe for how we perceive our children's challenges.  This isn't just about autism or telepathy—it's about the courage to question everything you've been told about your child's capabilities and to trust the deeper knowing that whispers beneath conventional wisdom. Get ready to have your mind blown.  EPISODE RESOURCES: Autism Odyssey - Betsy’s nonprofit organizationThe Telepathy Tapes podcastBetsty on: TikTok, Instagram, YouTubeThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE:  There's a certain shift that occurs when you stop charging at your child's substance use and instead learn to back in quietly, treats in hand, like Rocky Kanaka (Sitting With Dogs) approaching a terrified shelter dog.  In this conversation with Cathy, you'll discover how this counterintuitive approach, born from watching a man give positive affirmations to traumatized pit bulls, might actually hold the key to reconnecting with your own frightened, defensive teenager. (you have to listen now, right?!) Your child, barricaded behind substance use and sending desperate signals that "all is not okay," shares more with those cornered shelter dogs than you might want to admit. They're both scared, hurting, expecting another confrontation.  Cathy's vulnerable admission—that she never found the words "Wow, I hear you. How can I help you?"—illuminates the cognitive friction so many parents experience when their instinct to fix collides with their child's need to simply be witnessed. What you’ll learn: Why hours spent researching treatment centers might be less effective than learning to sit quietly with your child's discomfortHow holding boundaries actually signals to your child that you're willing to fight for them (even when they're furious)The strategic choreography of "backing in" versus coming at your child head-on with aggression and defensive body languageWhy starting with small boundaries—perhaps not even with your substance-using child—builds the mental fortitude for more significant onesThe liberating realization that a pissed-off kid is infinitely preferable to the alternativeCathy and I map the delicate territory between “jellyfish parenting” and authoritarian rigidity, where boundaries become acts of love and your willingness to endure discomfort becomes its own form of medicine.  EPISODE RESOURCES:  Hopestream episode 215: A Powerful Combo of Proven Tools for Families When Your Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol, with Dr. Jennifer Fernandez (why people use a particular substance) Sitting With Dogs on YouTube This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Author and therapist, Nicole Runyon, LMSW, witnessed something that reshaped her entire career: loving, intact families were producing children with trauma-like symptoms typically identified in severe abuse survivors. As a therapist watching teen after teen struggle with paralyzing anxiety and digital-age depression, she recognized she was working too far downstream. The revelation was both sobering and hopeful—these weren't organic mental health crises, but environmental challenges that parents could actually address.  Her decision to leave a thriving therapy practice (complete with a multi-year waitlist) to educate parents directly speaks to a profound truth: we have far more power than we think, especially when we understand that saying "no" is actually an act of love. The statistics Nicole shares in this episode might make you squirm with recognition: mothers average just 120 minutes daily with their children while logging 4+ hours of screen time. But here's where her message becomes beautifully uncomfortable - through her own "I fell for it" moment rescuing her daughter from a forgetful incident, Nicole illuminates how our discomfort with our children's discomfort actually impedes their growth.  What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why "no" is the ultimate act of loveHow digital rejection can create personality-disorder-like traits in neurotypical teens, especially girls The optimal three-to-nine year old window for connection (but it's never too late)“Asked and answered": Your new boundary mantraHow to move from convenience to connectionEPISODE RESOURCES: “Free To Fly: Fostering Independence In The Next Generation” - Nicole’s bookParent Coaching with NicoleThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Your 3am Google search spiral feels beyond frustrating when you're usually the one with answers. In this week's solo episode I acknowledge the unique exhaustion of spinning your wheels while your child struggles, and offer a concrete 8-step menu of ways to move from wishing into actionable planning and hope.  If your existing parenting toolkit isn't working to create positive change in your family this episode will offer ways to rethink and recharge. The best news is, when you change yourself, the rest of the family system cannot not change. And that's why we start with you. What you'll learn: The distinction between wishing vs. having real hope Hope Theory: agency + pathways = real hopeWhy even highly capable parents get stuckThe paralysis that comes from information overload without implementationThe paradox of excelling everywhere except with being able to help your childUsing research as sophisticated avoidanceEPISODE RESOURCES: 8-Step downloadable template for creating your planHelping Families Help - Provider Directory for CRAFT-Trained Coaches and TherapistsParent Like a Hostage Negotiator Hopestream episode 295Apply for a scholarship for The Stream Community (for moms and female caregivers)This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When your child doesn't believe they need help, finding a path forward can feel nearly impossible and is exhausting in every way. Dr. Xavier Amador offers profound hope through his LEAP method—a neuroscience-backed approach born from both his clinical expertise and the raw reality of loving family members with schizophrenia. Dr. Amador's journey began with seven transformative days at his brother's side, where traditional confrontation failed spectacularly. His brother, brilliant yet trapped by anosognosia (the neurological inability to perceive one's own illness), couldn't recognize what everyone else could see. It wasn’t denial or stubbornness, but definitely looked like it. What Dr. Amador’s brother was suffering from is brain-based, affecting 50% of people with schizophrenia and 40% with bipolar disorder. The beauty of LEAP (Listen, Empathize, Agree, Partner) lies in its counterintuitive wisdom: stop trying to convince someone they're ill. Instead, build a relationship where trust flourishes despite fundamental disagreements about reality. Dr. Amador's approach honors the cognitive friction between what you see and what your child experiences, while creating emotional proximity that transcends the diagnosis. What you'll discover in this conversation:  Why arguing about symptoms backfires—and the neurological reasons behind anosognosia How to implement LEAP strategies that preserve relationships when insight seems impossible (you’ll want to copy the actual words Dr. Amador provides!)Dr. Amador's personal breakthrough with his brother that changed everythingMedications available for psychiatric disorders including injectables and ones suitable for adolescentsWhy accepting their reality (without agreeing) opens doors that confrontation slams shutEven if your loved one never gains recognition of their mental illness, you can still cultivate connection, influence positive choices, and maintain your own emotional equilibrium.  EPISODE RESOURCES: Dr. Amador’s websiteVideos for parentsThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: If you've ever found yourself tiptoeing through your own home, rehearsing conversations to avoid triggering an explosion, or even putting a lock on your bedroom door for protection—you're not alone. Today's conversation with Dina Cannizzaro, Hopestream's Director of Education, confronts the uncomfortable reality so many parents face: how profoundly we normalize dangerous situations when our child struggles with substances. Dina brings battle-tested wisdom from parenting her son Parker through nine years of IV heroin use (now nine years sober) and coaching hundreds of families through similar chaos. She shares the exact phrases that helped her reclaim emotional safety, the incremental boundary-setting approach that actually works, and why maintaining your sanctuary matters more than keeping an artificial peace. This episode offers concrete strategies for those moments when you realize you're living in cognitive friction—simultaneously loving someone while feeling unsafe around them. Dina's approach alchemizes tough love into something more nuanced: fierce protection of the relationship itself, not just the person. You'll learn: The exact phrase to use when verbal abuse erupts (and why repetition matters)How to distinguish between privacy and safety when deciding about bedroom locksWhy leaving your home during conflict might signal defeat—and what to do insteadThe incremental boundary approach that builds your confidence from dishwasher disputes to dealbreakersWhy confiscating substances from your teen's room isn't overstepping (it's parenting)The difference between emotional safety and physical safety—and why you deserve bothHow to humble yourself without sacrificing dignity after heated exchangesAs always when we get to have Dina on the podcast, it's a note-taking worthy hour you do not want to miss. EPISODE RESOURCES: Episode 138 with Dina: Creating Conditions For ChangeThe Chinese Farmer Hopestream episode 173 with Dina CannizzaroPartnership to End Addiction - free resources for families This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When a young person you love is struggling with substances or challenging behaviors, the instinct to fix everything can feel overwhelming. In this illuminating conversation, marriage and family therapist Todd Sarner brings decades of attachment science into sharp focus, and offers a roadmap for parents navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence.  Drawing from his training with Dr. Gordon Neufeld and other attachment pioneers, Todd reveals why our kids' most hurtful behaviors often mask their deepest needs for connection. We explore the delicate dance between holding firm boundaries and maintaining compassion – what Todd beautifully describes as being both the "agent of futility" (clear limits) and the "angel of comfort" (empathy). We unpack why teenagers simultaneously push us away while desperately needing our presence, and how parents can invest in their own nervous systems to weather these storms. Perhaps most powerfully, Todd reminds us that attachment isn't about perfection – research shows secure relationships miss connection bids 50-60% of the time. It's about showing up consistently, even imperfectly, with the understanding that our love remains the most powerful intervention we have. You'll learn: Why sensitive kids often present as tough and disconnected – and how "defensive detachment" protects them from the pain of unmet connection needsThe critical difference between punishment and boundaries, and how to communicate limits while preserving relationshipHow to navigate the teenage paradox: their biological drive for independence colliding with their continued need for guidance and safetyPractical nervous system regulation techniques (including 4-7-8 breathing) that help parents stay grounded during explosive momentsWhy investing in your own self-care isn't selfish – it's essential preparation for holding space during your child's strugglesThe power of "bridging" – maintaining connection even through conflict, letting your child know that nothing can change your love for themEPISODE RESOURCES: Transformative Parenting websiteTodd’s InstagramThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

 ABOUT THE EPISODE:  In this episode Cathy and I discuss unique skills from the business world that can be applied to our relationships - especially one with a struggling teen or young adult who is misusing substances and has mental health challenges.  I share a surprising learning I picked up from reading a book about hostage negotiation (you may even be able to relate to that kind of situation) and we dig into why it’s important for parents not to take your child’s actions and behaviors too personally. We tie this all into the CRAFT approach (of course) and I give a first hand account of how skills like SURF communication can be applied with anyone in your world, not just your struggling child. EPISODE RESOURCES:  Never Split the Difference - negotiating as if your life depends on it, by Chris Voss This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: If someone in your life has an unhealthy relationship with drugs and/or alcohol, you likely already know my guest for today’s episode - Amber Hollingsworth. Amber hosts the wildly popular YouTube channel, “Put The Shovel Down,” with nearly 1 million subscribers.  Amber and I sat down to talk about her addiction-riddled family of origin, and the best advice she gives family members from her two-plus decades in the field of addiction counseling. We cover what to do if parents aren’t on the same page about their child’s substance use, her thoughts on how to navigate a child and a partner or spouse’s addiction at the same time, whether she believes in “rock bottom,” and so much more.  Amber is a passionate and delightful human who clearly cares about anyone struggling with substances (and their family members) - as evidenced by her 1,000+ free YouTube videos that serve as a lifeline for so many in this difficult position.  You’ll learn: How Amber got started in the field of addiction counseling with a group of teens and zero experienceWhere to start first if your child and spouse are both struggling with substancesWhy Amber believes in “moments of clarity” rather than “rock bottom”The difference between a parent’s punishment and the world’s consequencesEPISODE RESOURCES: Put The Shovel Down YouTube ChannelFamily Recovery Academy - Amber’s Organization, Hope For FamiliesThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

 ABOUT THE EPISODE:  When your friend or family member has a child struggling with mental health and substance use, it can feel awkward and difficult to know how to help support them. This episode is meant to be a resource for learning ways that you can be helpful, not hurtful, when your friend or family member is experiencing a parenting crisis. I share some common misperceptions about addiction and substance use, talk about the latest science on motivation and change, and give real examples of what you can do to help. It’s a practical guide to give you ideas and new information about substance use, mental health and navigating the hardest parenting season.  EPISODE RESOURCES:  Understanding Youth Substance Use & Addiction: A Primer for Family Members - download hereDr. Anna Lembke on Hopestream episode 110This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Trevor Hanson had accumulated a pretty good life - from living on a beach in Hawaii, to getting a great job at Tesla and engaged to be married. One year later, he was unemployed, his engagement and his jaw were both broken, and he was living alone in the Reno desert. Trevor suffered depression, nightmares, and suicidal thoughts before deciding to seek therapeutic help. He developed a real appreciation for the process of therapy – but he also had ideas about how it could be better. Today, Trevor holds a master's degree in marriage and family therapy and has helped thousands of people around the world, specializing in a topic critical for everyone, especially parents, to understand: attachment. Trevor has undergone training from some of the world’s top attachment experts, and today he brings his expertise and unique concepts to the podcast. When I sat down with Trevor, we discussed the basic types of attachment styles, why our ‘style’ can lead to difficulties in relationships with our kids, and why being part of a supportive community is a vital part of helping us move from anxious or avoidant attachment, to secure. EPISODE RESOURCES: The Secure Self ClubThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: We've all been there. A tense or heated conversation where something flies out of your mouth that you don't really mean, or you inflict your 'help' when it's not wanted or needed. You might, at times, find yourself solving a problem that has nothing to do with you, or you give well-intentioned advice to someone who will never, ever take it. Enter our favorite Hopestream tool...the Lip Clip. A metaphorical device that prevents you from jumping in when you should really stay back, and gives you a magical opportunity to observe before acting. The problem is, when and how do you use the Lip Clip to its maximum effectiveness? In this episode, you'll learn what situations the Lip Clip is best suited for, how to apply it so you get the most out of it, and, importantly, when and how not to use it. As always, Cathy and I give personal examples from our lives and you'll walk away with a clear idea of how you can put this powerful little tool to use with a challenging child, or anyone in your life who tends to trigger you to act in ways you'd rather not. EPISODE RESOURCES: Hopestream episode with Dr. Mark McConville - Getting Unstuck From Failure To Launch Mode (ep. 51) This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Substance use and recovery can shift every aspect of a young person's life - even the faith that has been deeply ingrained in someone’s upbringing.  Parents often have visions and expectations of their child's lives, and for parents of faith, that usually includes a life of shared values and traditions.  So what happens when our kids choose differently? My guest today, Heather Frazier, only developed ideas about this when her own children not-so-politely exited the family's religious practice. Her advice has striking similarities to our advice to parents of kids struggling with substance use: maintaining healthy, open relationships while learning to let go of expectations and abandoning a false sense of control. In this episode, Heather explains the "dangerous two-part cocktail" of unhealed wounds and ego. We discuss the fullness of God's plan for our family's lives, how looking inward can change our perspective, and how a distorted view of traditional Christianity may contribute to the feelings of being not-enough that often fuel substance misuse. EPISODE RESOURCES: Heather’s websitePivot Parenting PodcastThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When Ed and Mary Ternan finally met the police officer who had been on scene at their son's overdose death, he had an off-the-record theory: "This is not official, and you'll have to wait for toxicology to come back, but this is going to be fentanyl," the officer told them. News about the synthetic opioid is inescapable today, but in 2020, the couple had never heard of it. Charlie was a popular, successful student with no substance use issues. How could this have happened? As it turned out, Charlie was Santa Clara County's seventh fentanyl death in only 10 days. Suffering occasional pain from back surgery a year earlier, Charlie had taken a single counterfeit pill purchased from a dealer ("plug") on Snapchat. Incredibly, it took less than two months for Ed and Mary Ternan to found a nonprofit dedicated to awareness and education about the skyrocketing deaths from accidental fentanyl overdose. In this episode, we trace the lessons we can learn from Charlie's story, the storm of circumstances that has placed young people in such danger, and how to reach both kids and parents in specific ways. EPISODE RESOURCES: Song For Charlie websiteBandcamp page for Song For Charlie (download the song here)This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: It’s hard to come to terms with how little control we have over whether our kids choose recovery or remain in an unhealthy lifestyle. In this episode, you’ll get to hear from Dina Cannizzaro, a mom who has been through hell and back (more than once), but has channeled all that fear and anxiety into taking actionable steps toward relearning how to connect with her son and how to harness the surprising power of self-care.  You’ll hear how far she and her son Parker have come now that he’s in long-term recovery. You’ll also hear how she had to repair relationships she let suffer (including her other children) as she became all-consumed in her fear and efforts to support her son.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why Dina chose to push through her crippling fear of rock climbingHow she invested in the relationship with her son, even when he wasn’t ready to be in contactWhat anticipatory grief is and how it showed up in Dina’s lifeWhat helped Dina realize she was just as sick as Parker, but without the influence of substancesWhy she won’t stop sharing her story with anyone who will listenEPISODE RESOURCES: Dina’s websiteHow to access free NarcanThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: It’s the season parents often dream of - their high school senior has successfully walked the stage and they’re now packing the family car to make the ceremonial drive to the four-year university their family goes to. They’ll do Parent Weekend, buy the sweatshirt and bumper sticker and wave their child off until they see them at Thanksgiving. But it doesn’t go like that for everyone, and it sometimes feels like a facade if your child is on their way to a four-year university when they may be better suited for a community college - or a treatment program. Cathy and I sat down to talk about this very difficult transition period for parents - discussing various reasons why parents hesitate to change plans last minute when their budding college student shows signs they may be headed in the wrong direction, the pressure parents are under at this time, and of course, our personal experience and insights. We also share what parents can be looking for in the senior year of high school and the summer before beginning college, as well as options there are for kids in this tricky season. EPISODE RESOURCES: Success is Subjective podcastTreatment locator - AllKindsOfTherapy.com Assoc. Of Recovery in Higher Education - Collegiate Recovery ProgramsThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this summer 'from the vault' episode I'm resharing an impactful interview with Dr. Mark McConville, a clinical psychologist specializing in adolescents and young adults. We discuss: Strategies for parents to transition from directive parenting into a consultant roleHow to offer wisdom while allowing your child to take the initiativeThe difference between enabling and supportingHow pre-competence might look like incompetence and what to do about itThe value of thinking through the worst-case scenarioPractical examples of limits and setting expectations with a not-yet-launched teen or young adultAnd the critical importance of maintaining a supportive relationshipWe also explore the challenges and anxieties that young adults face, as well as the benefits of non-authoritarian guidance. As always, we share practical tips and personal anecdotes that will give you ideas for strategies to foster independence and resilience in your child. EPISODE RESOURCES: Failure to Launch: Why Your Twentysomething Hasn't Grown Up...and What to Do About It - buy hereDr. McConville's websiteThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: A fresh new, 'from-the-vault' episode that is as relevant today as it was in 2022! Navigating life with a young person who’s misusing substances and struggling with mental health can feel like a ride in a very stormy sea. Parents need to be well-equipped for the journey, but often aren’t sure what the mandatory, life-saving provisions are to bring along.  In this episode, Cathy Cioth, Hopestream Community co-founder, joins me to share our top six recommended provisions for parents as you navigate the turbulence that comes with a challenging child. We identify the items we wish we’d had in our lifeboat when we started our expedition, so you can be better prepared. EPISODE RESOURCES: Our six recommended provisions: Beyond Addiction Workbook for Friends and Family MembersInvitation to Change GuideA journal - Cathy’s favorite is Day OneA Bible or other spiritual reference, like Jesus CallingA token or other physical item that grounds you and brings you peace and calmA personal trainer and chef like Blue Apron or Hello FreshThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this 'from the vault' episode of Hopestream (originally episode #100), I share my journey since launching the podcast in January 2020 and curated the top 11 learnings and insights I gleaned from my incredible guests. If you want a lot of bang for your buck, this is the episode for you. I dive deep into topics such as letting go of control, embracing discomfort, practicing radical acceptance, and fostering open communication. I emphasize the profound influence we as parents have on our children and the transformative power of self-care and presence. And good news, this episode also comes with a downloadable PDF summarizing the insights discussed and links to resources - we've done the work for you. EPISODE RESOURCES: Download the episode PDF with all 11 insights plus links to resources mentioned This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Need a way to better navigate even the most challenging conversations?  Over time, I've learned that making a request of someone can go south quickly when you don't know how to set it up properly. In this "from-the-vault" episode from my 2021 archives (perfect for our summer slowdown while I recharge between recording sessions), I share one of my absolute favorite communication frameworks that you can learn in 30 minutes and start using within hours. The SURF technique—known in traditional CRAFT terminology as "positive communication" provides a practical conversation framework for those moments when you need to make a request of your child, especially during tense or emotionally charged situations. Whether you're asking them to apply for jobs, respect curfew, follow through on treatment commitments, or just empty the dishwasher, this approach helps you move from power struggles to problem-solving...together. If you're the type of parent who can solve any problem or crisis but feels completely powerless when your child yells back at you or slams the door on you mid-sentence, this episode is for you.  I'll break down each element of the SURF framework with real examples, plus I give you five concrete tips for implementation that acknowledge the messy reality of family life. This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: In this episode from the vault, I draw from my own experiences to share four counterintuitive strategies that can transform relationships and encourage healing when you're parenting a young person struggling with substance use and mental health.  I emphasize the importance of asking questions instead of giving commands, focusing on self-reflection rather than solely on your child, trusting a higher power, and broadening your perspective to see the bigger picture.  I've also included recommendations for books, podcasts, and exercises to support you on this challenging journey, promising hope and community support along the way. EPISODE RESOURCES: Episode 22 with Krissy PozatekDr. Brad Reedy's podcast, services & booksBeyond Addiction book and workbookEpisode 3 & 136 with Carrie Wilkens Ph.D.This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: This week I’m bringing back an episode from 2020 that is just as relevant today as it was then. The episode covers ten hard truths parents need to face when you recognize potential substance use, or if you know you’re dealing with an addiction.  It’s a great episode for those who are new to the experience of having your child dabble in or become dependent on substances, and there are also truths that apply to the seasoned parent who’s been at this for a while. This is a straight-forward, lay-it-all-out-there episode that I hope will bring a sense of urgency if you’ve been floundering with what to do, and encourage you to share it with a friend if someone you know is in the early stages of, “what do I do!?” with their child or children. EPISODE RESOURCES: Download the show PDF resource doc hereThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: It's summer and we're diving deep into the Hopestream episode vault to bring you some listener faves and a few that just work when you need connection and understanding. Today, you'll hear about The Secret Menu, originally aired in August of 2023 - with the addition of a new story and insights. Sometimes you can gain a different understanding of things by looking at them through a new lens. This bite-size episode does that for you as the parent of a young person who struggles with substances and mental health - in the form of a short story. You'll hear about a restaurant owner and her strange, secret menu. And for those who eat from it, it can provide benefits and gifts not available anywhere else. It's one you may want to single-task for to absorb the full meaning. Created with love and compassion by me, just for you.  This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Figuring out your evolving role as a parent during your child’s adolescence is difficult, even if you aren’t dealing with substance misuse. The natural inclination to protect and nurture is already being challenged by your child’s growing sense of autonomy. You’re told to step back, control less, and allow them to make their own mistakes.   So, for parents of kids who are misusing substances and struggling with mental health, this process is especially agonizing. How do you walk the line between healthy support and “enabling?”  How do you, as a parent, even understand your own role anymore?  Thankfully, my guest today has lots of answers. Beth Hillman’s 16-year-old son attended a wilderness treatment program at the age of 16. Immediately afterward, he informed her that he would continue using.  Today, Beth is a double-certified life and parent coach who brings her lived experience to other families through a podcast, private and online coaching, and workshops. She has not only lived in the trenches, but has also helped many other families who found themselves navigating a painfully difficult path. In this episode, we discuss specific, actionable ways to understand what it means to be a parent during this challenging time, ideas for building the scaffolding of both boundaries and safe spaces for our kids, avoiding power struggles with curiosity, and what it actually means to “meet kids where they are.”   EPISODE RESOURCES: Beth Hillman Coaching websiteParenting Post Wilderness podcastThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: In part two of this two-part episode, Cathy and I dive deep into two more of those sneaky, often invisible struggles that so many of us experience when parenting through substance use and mental health challenges. PART TWO: In part two, we marvel at and empathize with you when it comes to the insane learning curve parents face when their child is experimenting with or addicted to substances and facing mental health issues. We faced it ourselves and proudly wear our honorary Real Life Research Ph.D.'s.  We then share the very real feeling of doubt and acknowledge how it can reach far beyond just parenting. This experience can knock you off your feet and make your world feel like a movie set - we get it, and we're here to talk about it.  EPISODE RESOURCES: All Kinds Of Therapy - treatment and resource locator: www.allkindsoftherapy.comDr. Gabor Maté websiteHopestream podcast episode with Dr. Maté (episode 131)This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Sometimes, the hardest parts of our journey are the feelings we can't quite put our finger on, when you can tell something feels off but can't really articulate exactly what's wrong. In this two-part episode, Cathy and I dive deep into four of those sneaky, often invisible struggles that so many of us experience when parenting through substance use and mental health challenges. PART ONE: In part one, we cover the kind of grief that doesn't get a funeral, the common response of hypervigilance and the exhaustion it creates, we share personal stories about the physical toll this emotional marathon has taken on us, and the importance of giving yourself permission to feel it all. Key Takeaways: You're not crazy, wrong, or alone in experiencing these hidden strugglesGrief for dreams and expectations is real grief, even when your child is aliveThe difference between helpful vigilance and exhausting hypervigilancePractical strategies for managing overwhelming emotions without numbing themWhy your nervous system needs intentional care and how to provide itThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: At times it can be confusing for parents of teens and young adults who are misusing substances to tease apart the concept of acceptance vs. the act of accepting. In this solo episode, I help distinguish the two and give examples of why it’s so important to both accept this part of your life while at the same time keep yourself safe, healthy and sane through being clear on what you will and will not be accepting of.  I dive into the complex paradox of balancing love and acceptance with limits and loving our kids unconditionally while setting necessary boundaries. You’ll hear a Buddhist parable that may help you reframe some of your suffering, and I share a personal story of a time when I finally got the balance right on acceptance vs. accepting. EPISODE RESOURCES: Episode 138 with Dina CannizzaroTara Brach websitePungent Boundaries, Nancy LandrumThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Henry Maxwell began drinking and smoking marijuana at 12 and by 17, was an IV heroin & cocaine user. Not long afterward, his experimentation expanded to nearly every scheduled drug he could find, from Xanax to amphetamines and highly unregulated substances like ‘spice’. His teen years were largely spent among serious drug users twice his age, and involved many of the traumatic experiences common in that high-risk lifestyle. At the age of 17, Henry was hospitalized for a cocaine overdose that mimicked the symptoms of a heart attack, leaving him afraid for his own life. When an attending nurse asked if he was interested in treatment, he knew he had to say yes, or he wouldn’t make it to see his 21st birthday. To this day, Henry has only worked in one field: addiction and recovery. He now has a BA in psychology and certifications in mediation, intervention, and addiction.  Through Maxwell Recovery Services, he has dedicated his professional life to helping families where a young person is struggling with substance misuse or addiction. In this episode, we discuss the complexities of topics like intervention and return to use, how parents can craft longer-term strategies that look beyond daily crises, and the importance of support systems for the entire family. EPISODE RESOURCES: Maxwell Recovery Services websiteMan’s Search For Meaning on Amazon This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this episode, I offer what might feel like slightly brutal truths if you're parenting a young person who struggles with substances and mental health challenges. I emphasize the importance of self-preservation for parents, noting that while you cannot force lasting change in your child or children, you can create the best conditions to foster it.  I discuss the "self-preservation continuum" - the balance between being fully (overly) involved in your child's recovery and maintaining personal health and sanity. I also provide practical tools you can focus on when you have no idea what to do, and highlight the destructive impact of fear when it dominates.  EPISODE RESOURCES: Hopestream episode 8: Don’t Let Your Child’s Addiction Kill Your Dreams and Passions Hopestream episode 58: Four Counterintuitive Things To Do When You’re Overwhelmed By Your Child’s Substance Use or Emotional Challenges Insight Timer meditation: Your Special Room This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: We’re back with another episode of the ‘Cathy & Brenda Show’, and this week we tackle a topic we see recurring in our community and the parents we work with…achievement-oriented parenting. As two recovering perfectionists ourselves, Cathy and I both share examples of what it looks like to be achievement-focused when your child (or children) struggle with substances and mental health. We talk about the tendency some of us have to want everything on the outside to look a certain way, even when that’s doing damage to our kids, and how it can feel scary to apply self-compassion in fear of getting ‘weak’ or ‘soft.’ We discuss the internal battles many of us face about wishing our kids would just “get it together” and how the Invitation To Change approach can help us instead look at them with compassionate curiosity to understand their behavior instead of punishing it. We also tap into two of our favorite authors and researchers, Dr. Kristin Neff and Jessica Lahey. If you identify as a problem solver, list-checker, task doer, results-focused person…this is your episode. We even go on a tangent or two, but promise you’ll be able to relate. EPISODE RESOURCES: Dr.Kristin Neff’s websiteJessica Lahey’s website and Hopestream podcast episode #163This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: It's that day, mama. The one filled with many hopes, expectations and potentially big, deep, sad feelings. Wherever you are today, if you're parenting a young person through substance misuse, addiction, and mental health problems, I see you.  This short episode is my Mother's Day gift to you - to let you know the things you do are seen, the feelings you feel are valid, and you are beautiful and loved. Enjoy and please be so very good to yourself today, and every day. This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Jen Murphy was working with a group of therapeutic outfitters when she had the idea to offer “on the grid” 4-5 day family intensives.  The program was already providing family therapy on 10-day backcountry expeditions - which can be a great option for some. But she noticed a need for families to receive the same intensive therapeutic service in a shorter timeframe, and in a more private and comfortable setting. As a therapist, this unique model made perfect sense to her and she felt it may lead to more sustainable outcomes. After all, the work of rebuilding trust and repairing family dynamics is often uncomfortable. Why not have a physically comfortable environment to do it in? In response to the demand, Jen created Altitude Family Coaching where she does individual and family coaching and intensives. While the family is usually based in an AirBnb or vacation home, the days are full of experiences that involve natural beauty and supportive experiential-based activities that create opportunities for healing, understanding, on-the-spot coaching and ultimately, growth. In this episode, Jen and I discuss how family intensives work, the biggest issues her clients face, the sticky work of rebuilding trust and why “over-functioning” makes for an unhealthy family dynamic. EPISODE RESOURCES: Jen’s website:Phone and email: 970-871-1231, [email protected]. Strategies for Making Home a Success During and After Treatment - buy here This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this intimate episode, I open up about the hard-earned wisdom I've gathered since 2013 when my son's high-risk lifestyle and substance use changed the trajectory of our family forever. I share the words I desperately needed to hear during those nights when I stared at the ceiling, shame keeping me silent and isolation feeling safer than participation. These are the gentle truths that eventually found their way to me through pain, heartbreak, celebrations, and an enormous amount of trial and error. If you're feeling broken, scared, or wondering if you've somehow failed as a parent, this episode is my heartfelt message to you: You are not alone. From questioning every parenting decision to finding resilience when you feel most broken, I hope these reflections offer you a sense of connection and the reassurance that healing begins when we realize we never had to face this journey alone.  Remember to be gentle with yourself today, strong, SEAL-team parent. You're doing everything you know how, and it's enough. This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: The worst day of Barbara’s life came just before spring break of her son’s 4th grade year, which he spent in a psychiatric ward. At age 12, he began using marijuana, and the familiar cycle of problems only continued from there – multiple schools, multiple treatment programs, sleepless nights, and ostracization from many of the parents she thought were friends. Barbara had zero experience with substance misuse or addiction, and like many parents, she was suddenly thrown into uncharted territory. The friends who stuck with her naturally talked about the positive life paths their kids were taking. Hearing about the colleges they’d been accepted to and the jobs they’d taken was difficult, and her son felt left behind by his peers as well. The constant stress eventually manifested in Barbara’s body as an autoimmune disorder, complicating her life even more. Eventually, she came across a meditation I had recorded years earlier on Insight Timer, and from there, she discovered The Stream Community. In this family story episode, Barbara explains the power of hearing the stories of other parents going through similar experiences, her most effective mantras, and why both she and her son are now helping other parents believe that there is still hope and a path to recovery. EPISODE RESOURCES: InsightTimer meditation - A Gift Of Sleep For Parents Of Addicted Children This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Eight years ago a miracle happened. Today’s episode is one from the vault - originally published in 2021, which I’m resharing today in honor of my son’s eight year anniversary of starting a new life. While it’s longer than my usual episodes, this series of story chapters allows you to drop into the ICU with me, among other places, as our family hung onto hope that my son Enzo would not be one of the statistics you read about in the news. You’ll be along for the excruciatingly long ride to the hospital, through hushed conversations with doctors, unexpected laughter with nurses and more as we spent 30+ days in some very dark places. Lace up for a long walk or listen chapter by chapter during your busy days this week - and remember, if they are alive, there is always, always hope. EPISODE RESOURCES: Get in touch with Enzo Narciso, mentor with Not Therapy, email: [email protected] can read the written version of this story hereThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

In this snack-sized episode, I share three concepts to help parents navigate the stormy waters of having a teen or young adult child who struggles with substance misuse and mental health issues.  I emphasize the importance of self-care and separation from external chaos to maintain emotional stability and effectively support (and not drive crazy) those closest to you.  I share three key points: visualizing personal boundaries to keep chaos out, understanding that every storm will eventually pass, and recognizing the harm caused by neglecting self-care. There's even a little bit of woo-woo included for those willing to experiment. Some practical tips and a personal story underscore the necessity of prioritizing your well-being for the benefit of your entire family. 00:00 Introduction: Weathering the Storm 00:39 Welcome to Hope Stream 02:14 Taking Care of Yourself 03:07 Maintaining Your Vessel's Integrity 06:38 Every Storm Runs Out of Rain 14:44 The Greatest Harm: Not Taking Care of Yourself 17:52 Conclusion and Resources This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: As Patrina's daughter began her college life, their relationship and communication remained strong.  They met weekly, usually grabbing a bite to eat or going to a sporting event while talking about life. Even so, Patrina was starting to notice some things that were a little off: her daughter would map out semester coursework, then end up dropping out. She sent odd texts at night, or called crying. On at least one occasion, her daughter's boyfriend called to tell Patrina that her daughter was out driving drunk after a fight they'd just had. Having gone to night school while working full time, Patrina wasn't certain if this was “typical” college behavior or how serious her daughter’s drinking was. The message she got was this is what everyone else in college is doing - it’s normal. Sadly, it may not have been much of an exaggeration. In this family story episode, Patrina takes us through her daughter's alcohol misuse and recovery, a journey that involved nine treatment facilities over the course of several years.  We discuss her search for a community of moms who truly understood what she was going through, the mantra and coping mechanisms that kept her grounded, the qualities she sought out in a mentor, and much more.  This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this deeply personal episode, Cathy and I peel back the layers of what parent support looks like during your child's long-term recovery, sharing some intimate "what if" questions that continue to echo in our minds.  Drawing from our own experiences with three kids in recovery, we explore the nuanced emotional landscape of supporting our kids, and ourselves, through the challenges of substance misuse and mental health issues. We answer questions like,  "What's my role when when my child is 5+ years into recovery?  "How do you balance vigilance with trust and letting go of control?"  We dive into raw, honest conversations about: Questioning our past parenting decisionsUnderstanding unique recovery journeysMaintaining our own personal recovery practicesRecognizing the unexpected gifts within challenging experiencesYou'll even hear a kayaking analogy that might act as a powerful metaphor for your recovery, learn why there's no "normal" path to healing, and discover how parents can find hope and resilience when supporting children through their unhealthy substance use and into sustained recovery. EPISODE RESOURCES: The Chinese Farmer Episode with Dina Cannizzaro (#173)Episode #251 with Enzo Narciso (Brenda's son)This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: As a two-time NCAA champion, Janice’s son was steeped in macho culture. But over time, the identity he developed there became increasingly at odds with the truth of his privately held, and personally rejected homosexuality. And while Janice, self-admitted “cool mom” was perfectly fine with her son’s sexuality, her casual acceptance overlooked the intense inner struggle he was facing. When he moved home from college during the pandemic, she noticed that he looked terrible, sometimes slept all day, and never seemed to have any of the money he earned at his job. Eventually, she found a bag of crystal meth in his belongings, and her strengths as a no-nonsense New York executive took over. She would, and could, solve the problem. In this family story episode, Janice explains why the attitudes that help you succeed in business are the very attitudes you must let go of, how she finally figured out what it means to “do the work”, and why sobriety is not a panacea for the issues that drive young people to using substances in the first place. EPISODE RESOURCES: Intent Clinical (formerly O’Connor Professional Group - Diana Clark) This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE In this episode, I delve into the concept of allowing natural consequences as a form of 'invisible intervention' in parenting teens and young adults struggling with substance misuse and mental health issues. I share real-life examples and experiences on the benefits of stepping back to let reality teach essential lessons, emphasizing the need for patience and rock solid boundaries.  I highlight the challenges parents face in resisting the urge to fix everything and discuss how this approach can profoundly impact a child's journey towards recovery - creating change sooner than later.  EPISODE RESOURCES: Hopestream podcast episode 174 with Brenda and Cathy on boundariesChecklist: Ten Parenting Patterns That May Prolong Your Child's Struggle with Substances, And What To Do InsteadThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Lynne’s first clue that her son might be using substances was finding a Google search: “marijuana for anxiety.” Outwardly, there was nothing particularly concerning about his behavior - at first. He had always made good grades, even as an elite athlete headed for college play. But inside, the looming life changes were causing a lot of anxiety. The first time he tried marijuana, he knew it was exactly what he had been looking for and it worked…for a while. Once he got to college, his use of marijuana was compounded by other substances, his grades plummeted, and Lynne’s family had to make the difficult decision of no longer paying for school. After a psychotic episode and an automobile accident, Lynne’s son was finally able to embrace treatment and sustain recovery. Meanwhile, Lynne demonstrated the resilience innate to her personality and became certified as a Mayo Clinic Health and Wellness Coach, Invitation to Change parent coach, and meditation instructor. In this family story episode, she shares her process of learning to see the journey without regard for the outcome, the benefits of learning to set boundaries, and reveals the key to her strength that helped her son recover his life. EPISODE RESOURCES: The Stream CommunityThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Consider this your wakeup call: In 2023, the number of people using marijuana products daily surpassed those who use alcohol daily - even though three times as many people drink. Young people aged 18-25 make up the largest group of those daily users. As president of the Partnership to End Addiction for five years, Fred Muench, Ph.D. provided recovery information and resources about all substances, from alcohol to heroin. But when his team looked over their own helpline data, they noticed that calls about marijuana far outpaced every other substance. Most were calls from parents, and they weren't simply discovering that their children had begun using high-potency marijuana. Many were detailing their kids dropping out of school after daily use, or even showing frightening signs of cannabis-induced psychosis. Today, Fred is the founder and CEO of Clear30, a community-centered support app that invites people to change their relationship to weed. The app isn't just a repository of information, but a personalized, interactive support system for withdrawal and recovery. Clear30 invites daily users to take a 30-day break, examine their own symptoms, and find encouragement from others who are finding that high-potency marijuana isn't all it was promised to be. In this episode, Fred and I talk about the inception of Clear30, the specific support systems it can provide, the difference between male and female withdrawal symptoms, and the questionable marketing of marijuana products. EPISODE RESOURCES: The Clear 30 website This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: In this episode, I explore how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) complements CRAFT and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to form a powerful approach to influencing positive change in struggling teens and young adults. I explain key ACT principles, such as psychological flexibility and mindfulness practices, and offer three practical tools you can experiment with to start paying more attention to your experience during the Roller Coaster Ride. This episode encourages you to transform your own responses to create better conditions for those you care about while also emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and emotional well-being.  EPISODE RESOURCES: PDF download: The Stream Community (for moms and female caregivers)Episode 256: Double Punch: Using CRAFT and MIHopestream on YouTube This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When Stefan Bate began his third stay at an inpatient treatment center, he was told that he was a "treatment-resistant alcoholic" prone to chronic relapse. Stefan felt deep shame at this realization, but as he would later learn, this is not as uncommon as you might think: Research by Dr. John Kelly at Harvard Medical School finds that, on average, it takes eight years and eight treatment episodes for someone to find sustained remission. But why? Stefan Bate, the Chief Clinical Officer at Jaywalker Lodge, has a few ideas about that. He graduated from Jaywalker’s inpatient program himself in 2007 and saw the incredible difference it made not only to his own life but to the lives of countless other men who had previously been resistant to treatment.  After the financial crisis of 2008 made his banking career less attractive, Stefan went back to graduate school, earning a Master's in Applied Psychology and his license as an addiction counselor, eventually returning to Jaywalker in a leadership role. In this episode, Stefan and I discuss the concept of "recovery capital," why some individuals do so well in 28-day containment-style treatment but fail in the real world, and how community-based recovery is shifting the landscape of treatment for the better. EPISODE RESOURCES: Hopestream’s Recovery Captial downloadable PDFJaywalker Lodge websiteJaywalker Admissions: 1 (866) 445-1269John F. Kelly, PhD - HarvardThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Welcome to the first episode of our Hopestream family recovery series! Hearing the trials, failures, and successes of families just like yours will give insight into how other parents are navigating their child's substance misuse, as well as offering you the wisdom they picked up along the way.  This series will highlight the importance of core family issues: parent self-care, boundaries, the need for community, and positive communication skills with kids who are often at their worst.  Sarah's story is an excellent place to start. She's the kind of mom who took the initiative when she learned her daughter wasn't just smoking weed - she was addicted to fentanyl-laced Percocet pills. Sarah immersed herself in research and anything that might help save her daughter's life, including, in 2020, a relatively new podcast, Hopestream. Today, Sarah's family is healthy, her daughter is in recovery, and she continues to be an incredible resource for other parents in The Stream. In this episode, we discuss the journey of understanding that substance use makes sense, the brutal reality of potentially losing your child, finding windows of opportunity for connection, and much more. EPISODE RESOURCES: Partnership to End Addiction websiteBeyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change book and workbook for families and friendsNET Device information: Isaiah House (provides NET treatment), Hopestream episodes #83, #86, #113, #246The Final Fix - NET documentary on Amazon PrimeThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When Dr. David Wiss got out of jail the second time, he was determined to change his life.  But he had no fancy treatment program to take him out of his environment, no medication, and very little therapy. Instead, his recovery was realized through a dedication to healthy eating, exercise, and sunlight. Today, David is the founder of Nutrition in Recovery - a group that specializes in treating eating and substance use disorders - as well as the developer of a specialized nutrition curriculum that has been incorporated at more than 50 treatment centers around the world.  His years of study bring together the biological, psychological, and social aspects of nutrition for a truly holistic understanding of its role and importance in recovery and healthy living.  David has spent more than 10,000 hours in one-on-one nutrition counseling, and today we all get to benefit from that incredible knowledge. In this episode, we discuss why healthy, principled eating is so important to the recovery process, how it provides meaning for young people looking to belong, why kids who misuse substances are often drawn to conspiracy theories, and how understanding the actual conspiracies of food and drug corporations can be a step in the right direction.  EPISODE RESOURCES: Dr. David Wiss's websiteAlice Baker, MSRD CEDS-C LMHC LPC LD/N websiteAlice Baker on Hopestream ep. 221This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Find us on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links. This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this episode, I explore the integration of Motivational Interviewing (MI) into the Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) approach for helping a child (or anyone) struggling with substance misuse. I share personal experiences, explain both methods' foundations and principles, and highlight their synergy in fostering effective communication and supporting positive change. I also share when MI will be useful for parents and how to use it, underlining the importance of empathy, creating a non-judgmental space, and building confidence in your child's ability to change. There are also tips on how to get to that empathic and compassionate place if you're not there today. EPISODE RESOURCES: Hopestream Ep. 160 with Dr. Emily KlineDr. Emily Kline's website & book, "The School of Hard Talks"Motivational Interviewing For Loved Ones free e-course by Dr. KlineCRAFT efficacy researchMI and CRAFT researchMI Addiction Treatment Outcome EvaluationThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Over the five years of doing this podcast and participating in hundreds of calls and groups in The Stream, our online community for moms, Cathy and I have seen patterns emerge and today we’re talking about a few of them. We’re sharing three things we see come up over and over which have a great impact on parents when they have a child or children who struggle with mental health and substance misuse.  The good news is that there are simple (not easy) and practical ways you can modify your behavior and thinking that can radically improve the difficult season of life you’re in. Join us as we share these three important topics that can have a major influence on your family. EPISODE RESOURCES: Episode 174 on boundaries, with Brenda & CathayNancy Landrum episode on boundaries, #245Mary Crocker Cook on episode #223Bill Guy on episode #137This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: From the age of 12, Dr. Judy Grisel loved every drug she tried immediately. Over the next decade of intensive use, she found herself kicked out of high school and two colleges, homeless, and contracted hepatitis C from a dirty needle. At the age of 22, she was told she would die unless she stopped drugs entirely. Judy rejected the idea of abstinence, but she developed a plan to stop using just long enough to survive. Against all odds, her experimental period of sobriety led Judy to a career as a renowned neuroscientist studying the role of the brain in addiction. She’s been in recovery for over 38 years. In today's episode, we discuss a wide range of topics, including the most important things parents should understand about marijuana dependence and withdrawal, the critical role of risky behavior in teens, and why so much substance use centers around our kids’ sense of meaning. EPISODE RESOURCES: TED Ed: How does alcohol make you drunk?TEDx Talk: Never Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of AddictionJudy’s Journey - Bucknell Univ. ArticleNever Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction (Dr. Grisel’s Book)This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When Steven Petrow's mother died in 2017, he decided to take up a practice that he'd heard about but never tried: gratitude journaling. As an award-winning journalist for the New York Times and Washington Post and author of several books, he was intimately familiar with writing. But finding joy amidst such an immense sense of loss seemed impossible and a gratitude practice seemed a little woo-woo. Within a year of beginning, his father also died, his marriage was crumbling, and his sister was diagnosed with cancer.  So when the pandemic hit in 2020, Steven began intense research into the accumulated data and wisdom surrounding joy and happiness. His in-depth work has now culminated in a new book, The Joy You Make: Find the Silver Linings -- Even on Your Darkest Days. In this episode, Steven and I discuss how everything he learned helped him through his most challenging season of life, the important difference between happiness and joy, and what happened when he decided to honestly answer a stranger who asked, "How are you?" EPISODE RESOURCES: Steven Petrow’s website & booksSteven on InstagramThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: The tradition continues! Each year, I share a “Golden Nuggets” episode with segments from some of the best of the year. This year, you’ll hear from me, along with Kristina Kuzmič, Mary Crocker Cook, Dr. Amy Hoyt, and Jared Murray. Be sure to head to the show notes and download the PDF with links to each of the full episodes. EPISODE RESOURCES: Download the episode PDF with links to all episodesACES - Adverse Childhood Experiences questionsAssoc. Of Recovery High SchoolsAfraid To Let Go - Mary Crocker Cook’s bookKristina Kuzmič - ep. 244I Can Fix This - Kristina Kuzmić’s bookBrenda Zane on How to Use CRAFT, ep. 239Dr. Mary Crocker Cook, ep. 223Brenda Zane - Mother’s Day Tribute, ep. 218Dr. Amy Hoyt, ep. 236The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk, Ph.D.Brenda Zane on the state of the treatment industry, ep. 203Jared Murray, This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this personal episode, I sat down with my son Enzo Narciso to discuss his journey of recovery, personal growth, and transformation. Enzo shares candid insights into managing ADHD, maintaining sobriety, and working with adolescent boys struggling with substance misuse. Drawing from his own experiences of overcoming a high-risk lifestyle and addiction and having to rebuild his health after a life-threatening overdose, Enzo provides hope and practical strategies for parents navigating their child's recovery journey. The conversation covers topics including setting boundaries, managing triggers, and the importance of consistency in supporting young people through challenging times. I feel so fortunate to be able to have a conversation like this with my son - I hope it brings you peace and encouragement no matter where you are on your path. EPISODE RESOURCES: Narciso Life Strategies Mentoring: call, WhatsApp or text: 619.534.8520  This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: A significant number of parents in the Hopestream community find themselves facing three major issues with their kids: ‘unfinished’ adolescence brains, heavy use of marijuana, and ADHD. That probably shouldn’t be surprising; kids with ADHD are more likely to use substances earlier and more dangerously than neurotypical kids. Fortunately, though, my guest today has studied the intersection of substance use and ADHD for years.   In addition to her academic knowledge, Dr. Mariely Hernandez brings a lot of personal ADHD experience to the table: her own diagnosis, parenting a son who has been diagnosed, and a business practice that helps adults with ADHD recognize and play to their strengths. In this episode, Mariely gives a wide-ranging explanation of all these issues, including the symptoms and experience of kids with ADHD who use, the catch-22 that makes it hard for them to get treatment, specific issues faced by girls, structural supports parents can offer, and why messages of delaying substance use can be more powerful than messages of abstinence.   If your child is experimenting with substances and you suspect - or know- they have ADHD, do not miss this enlightening episode! EPISODE RESOURCES: Twitter & Instagram: @DrMarielyhFlare Calmer Ear BudsDr. Hernandez Researchgate profileMarijuana & psychosis article - Child Mind InstituteThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Matt Lebris spent his early college years on the Dean's honor list, putting on a suit and smoking weed every morning. But after a minor traffic accident, mixing marijuana and muscle relaxers sent him to the hospital in an intense panic attack. Since then, Matt has embarked on a mission to share not only the joys of sobriety but the incredible benefits of therapeutic self-work that have helped him come to terms with the emotional deficits of his youth. Matt is currently the host of the "Decoding Success Podcast", where he invites leaders in various fields to share their inner journeys -- especially how they've used their challenging life experiences to fuel massive success. In this episode, Matt and I discuss marijuana use and addiction, what it's like to be "doing the work" on yourself as a male in modern society, and the hidden power of being a black sheep. EPISODE RESOURCES: Matt’s websiteMatt’s podcast, Decoding SuccessMatt on InstagramThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

This Thanksgiving, join me for a heartfelt exploration of life's most challenging moments. When our carefully constructed and curated expectations shatter like dishes crashing from a flipped table, how can you find grace, gratitude, and grounding?   In this short solo episode, I draw from a deeply personal reflection sparked by loss and uncertainty. This episode speaks directly to anyone feeling untethered—parents struggling with family challenges, individuals navigating unexpected life transitions, or anyone wrestling with the gap between what is and what we thought life (or Thanksgiving) would be.  Gift yourself 15 minutes and find ways to embrace your current journey compassionately, sit with discomfort, and discover that being "okay" looks different for everyone. This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Kyle Robinson first represented someone in court at the age of 18 years old. He was representing himself, defending against charges of assault, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace – for a fight that hadn’t even happened. If that’s not foreshadowing I don’t know what is. Kyle had certainly been in a few fights before this particular arrest. The physical and emotional abuse he’d endured from his stepfather since the age of four had driven him to rebellion, fighting, misusing substances, and a 1.0 high school GPA. But he had checked himself into rehab at the age of 17, and was trying his best to stay out of trouble as a legal adult. Kyle’s courtroom defense was successful. The acquittal made him feel as though he was putting himself on the right track. But when he was accepted to college against all odds, everything changed again. In this recovery episode, Kyle shares the journey laid out in his new memoir, “Wandering Spark.” You’ll hear how he went from a jail cell to law school, how writing the book made him come to terms with the reasons he had used substances in the first place and the incredible importance of adults who take the time to encourage young people who are struggling. This episode is another great reminder that there is always hope! EPISODE RESOURCES: Kyle’s websiteWandering Spark on AmazonNo Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz (IFS)Self-Therapy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Wholeness Using IFS, A CuttiThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: In 2020, a documentary film titled "The Final Fix" introduced the public to a new treatment for opioid use disorder.  The claims of the neuroelectric therapy (NET) device are bold: opiate detox in 3-5 days with little or no withdrawal symptoms, discomfort, or cravings. Since the film’s release, I have personally known three people who acquired NET treatment for their kids, including two from the Hopestream community. All have had great experiences. In 2021, double-blind trials of more than 100 people experiencing opioid use disorder began and the NET Device for OUD treatment was approved by the FDA in May of this year. In this episode, I spoke with Jeff Lott, director of communications at NET Recovery. We discussed the surprising origins of this medical technology, how NET was accidentally discovered by a Scottish surgeon working in Hong Kong, the fact that its groundbreaking results are not a panacea for recovery, and plans for the future of the NET Device for widespread adoption and use in the treatment industry. EPISODE RESOURCES: A randomized, sham-controlled, quintuple-blinded trial to evaluate the NET device as an alternative to medication for promoting opioid abstinenceRevolutionary Kentucky-based opioid use disorder treatment device receives FDA approvalNET Recovery websiteIsiah House NET Recovery InformationThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When Nancy Landrum’s son was hospitalized with congestive heart failure, doctors didn’t expect him to live through the night. His misuse of amphetamines for more than a decade had left his heart double its normal size and generally wreaked total chaos on his life. Nancy’s parents and other family members told her that her son’s substance use was her fault. And for a while, she believed them. It’s not surprising that she developed her own addictions to food and rescuing her son. But these dysfunctional coping mechanisms bred a resentment that plunged her into near-suicidal depression. Nancy is now a highly sought-after relationship coach with a master's degree in spiritual psychology and the author of eight books. In this episode, we look back over the 15 years she spent parenting a child misusing substances to share the most important truths she’s taken away from the experience. We discuss the specific ways she learned to set and keep boundaries - without guilt - the relationship between resentment and depression, releasing the guilt parents often have about their child’s behavior and more. EPISODE RESOURCES: Nancy’s website and booksThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Kristina Kuzmič had harbored some denial about her oldest son's depression, anxiety and substance use. "Lots of kids have problems. Maybe everything will work itself out," she thought. That denial ended abruptly the night she had to call the police. Neighbors she hadn't even met yet stared from their driveways as her son was pushed into a police car, swearing loudly at her. Her three-word response to the shame and guilt she felt that night may just help change the way you view the world. Kristina went on to write the book "I Can Fix This: And Other Lies I've Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child". Her son, now in recovery, encouraged her to write every gritty detail of the family's struggles -- and wrote the final chapter himself. In this interview, Kristina brings the charm and humor that won Oprah's reality TV show to crucial issues facing parents with kids who are struggling. We discuss the power of shared experience in support groups, why she danced the night away as her son was in the psych ward, why the "good kids" in families often suffer in silence, and how parents can connect to them despite their sibling's struggles.  And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCES: Kristina’s YouTube ChannelKristina’s websiteKristina’s FacebookKristina’s InstagramThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: The chaos of Jared Murray's substance use got him expelled from the University of Alabama and banned from campus. How then, did he go on to eventually running the university's collegiate recovery program? You’ll have to listen to find out. Jared now spends every day talking with young adults and their parents about addiction, mental health and sober life at Momentum Recovery in North Carolina. Many of those parents are in a position that you might be familiar with - desperately trying to convince their young adult child to pursue treatment and recovery. In this episode, Jared brings his personal and professional experiences to bear on considerations around when it’s time to seek help, whether youth have to be open to treatment to realize benefits, whether relapse is inevitable, and why interventions don't have to look like anything you've seen on TV. EPISODE RESOURCES: Momentum Recovery website This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

In an unplanned and heartfelt episode, I decided to share some thoughts on the importance of acceptance in the face of life's challenges. I discuss how resisting difficult experiences can hinder personal growth and highlight the beauty of transformation that comes with accepting reality. You'll also hear a story of a life saved recently by one of our members, made possible by the support of Hopestream's scholarship fund. This episode takes place during our Seeds of Hope Giving Campaign for 2024, which you can learn more about at hopestreamcommunity.org/donate. If the Hopestream podcast has been helpful for you and your family, please consider a donation to our 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to keep it on air and, importantly, ad-free. EPISODE RESOURCES: Hopestream’s Seeds of Hope Giving CampaignThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a highly effective but obscure treatment in psychiatry. It received its first FDA clearance for the treatment of depression in 2008 but has since proven itself to be effective for a host of other issues – depression, OCD, smoking cessation, bipolar, PTSD, cognitive impairment, and even autism. And a huge bonus? Side effects are practically non-existent. If that doesn’t get your attention, consider this: The FDA recently cleared TMS for depression in adolescents aged 15 and up, with studies currently being conducted on efficacy for substance use disorders. In this episode, I speak with Dr. Martha Koo, president of the TMS society's board of directors. Martha received her degrees from Princeton and UCLA and is double-board-certified in psychiatry and addiction. She has also participated in the evolution of TMS for decades. She’ll explain who TMS is for, how it works, what it’s capable of, and why there may be an explosion of its use in the coming years. EPISODE RESOURCES: Neuro Wellness SpaYour Behavioral HealthClear Behavioral Health (Mental Health & Addiction Services)TMS Society (find a provider)This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: As a mom of four boys, I confess to knowing very little about raising girls. But my guests today have an intimate understanding of the specific emotional needs and experiences of adolescent girls, young women, and gender diverse individuals grounded in decades of therapeutic work. Dr. Marcy Russo and Sara Osborne advocate for a whole-person approach to residential treatment for many of the most common mental and behavioral health issues -- anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders -- and the substance use disorders that sometimes result. In this episode we'll discuss the perfect storm of issues, from Covid to social media, that has left so many young women feeling they cannot navigate social expectations or develop healthy, supportive relationships. We also talk about the use of relational and somatic therapeutic tools to help girls find authenticity and self-understanding for long term wellness and recovery.  EPISODE RESOURCES: Wellspring websiteAngelus House websiteThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

Community Reinforcement and Family Training (aka CRAFT) is a system for helping friends and family members change the way that they interact with someone they love who has an unhealthy and/or dangerous relationship with substances.  CRAFT teaches family members how to stay connected, increase communication, and effectively encourage their loved one toward treatment, while taking care of themselves in the process.   This episode centers around what parents need to know about CRAFT to have the best possible chance at having their child accept help for their substance misuse. It's one where you may want a notebook to capture the steps and actions involved in this very important process. This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Even before he became a teenager, it seemed to Dr. Steedy Kontos that he was good at anything he tried to do - especially sports.  He shined in football, baseball, basketball, wrestling and track, and recruiters were starting to take notice. It seemed he was well on his way to becoming a professional athlete. But Steedy had also begun experimenting with marijuana and alcohol at the age of 12. When he was caught skipping class in high school, his coach informed him that he would be required to attend extra summer conditioning on top of the school's disciplinary program. He refused, giving up his promising career, and redirected his energies to drugs, alcohol and partying. In the years since he began his own recovery, Steedy has obtained a doctorate in clinical psychology, served as a collegiate recovery program coordinator, and a staff therapist at Division 1 school Georgia Tech. For the first time on the Hopestream podcast, Steedy walks us through the specific challenges and needs of student athletes in recovery.   We'll discuss the role that parents sometimes play in the intense and unhealthy pressure on D1 athletes, imposter syndrome at elite schools, and the academic benefits of collegiate recovery programs. EPISODE RESOURCES: InTown Psychology, Atlanta, GAAssoc. Of Recovery In Higher Education (Collegiate Recovery)Georgia Tech Collegiate Recovery ProgramThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Listeners of Hopestream get to hear from lots of amazing doctors, therapists, specialists, and academics. We can't underestimate how valuable their insights are, but we also need to listen to the voices of young people who have misused substances and come out the other side. That's why our recent guest speakers session for members of Hopestream Community featured an AMA (ask me anything) with three young people who are living healthy lives after facing extreme forms of substance misuse.  Each found their path in the 12-step program, which may be the most common treatment program in the country, but can also be totally unfamiliar to parents suddenly thrown into the world of addiction and recovery. In this conversation, they answer questions posed by the parents of the Hopestream community, including the controversial concept of "rock bottom", the power of peer support and parents' united front, and whether recovery can (or should) include nicotine use. EPISODE RESOURCES: Find an AA meeting here Find a recovery high school here Connect with Young People in Recovery here Search locally for an "Alternative Peer Group" in your city This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: For those who haven't seen their child's life endangered by the misuse of substances, calling the experience "trauma" may sound like an exaggeration. But my guest today says that the effects on the body and mind are almost identical.     Dr. Amy Hoyt has been working in the field of trauma for 10 years, with studies ranging from genocide to addiction. But her understanding isn't just academic.  After suffering sexual abuse in her teens, Amy repressed the memories and began drinking before high school classes every morning. With the help of a good friend and parents who were willing to step in, she has been in recovery for many years. Over the course of her career, Amy has learned that toxic and vicarious stress mimic the effects of trauma in the body and mind. Constant stress changes our gene expression, and can even "turn on" experiences of pain, gut symptoms like IBS, autoimmune disorder, fibromyalgia, and serotonin issues. In this episode, Amy reviews some of the current research on stress and trauma relevant to kids using substances AND their parents, proven methods to down-regulate an overworked nervous system, and why psychological pain isn't "all in your head." EPISODE RESOURCES: The Mending Trauma PodcastDr. Hoyt’s websiteDr. Hoyt on InstagramPeace After Trauma MembershipThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

Parents sometimes fall into patterns that can unintentionally prolong their child's struggle with substance use. In this eye-opening solo episode, Brenda Zane reveals ten common parenting pitfalls that might be keeping your family stuck on the Roller Coaster Ride. I emphasize that recognizing these behaviors doesn't make someone a bad parent but rather, presents opportunities for growth and positive change. In just 30 minutes, you'll discover practical strategies to shift your approach and create the conditions for positive change – without the guilt or shame. And many of them you can implement today! Key points covered in the episode: The importance of self-care and not running on fumesWhy shaming, blaming, or yelling is ineffectiveThe need for consistent parenting approaches between partnersUnderstanding addiction as a health issue, not a character flawMoving beyond the "rock bottom" mythAvoiding information overload and lecturingNot engaging when your child is under the influence (and two other times)Recognizing when "it's just a phase" thinking is harmfulThe dangers of being a "fixer" and preventing natural consequencesThe benefits of seeking support and community instead of isolating Join me for practical tips, resource recommendations, and encouragement. And don't miss the helpful PDF download in the show notes where you can dive deeper into each of the ten pitfalls and find links to resources. EPISODE RESOURCES: Click here to download this episode's free resource guide This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Everyone knows the experience of internal dialogue and conflict about who we are and how we will respond to the world around us. It can feel as if there are parts of us at war with each other. For kids using substances, these parts can become extremely polarized – for instance, part of them wants nothing more than to use, and another genuinely desires self-control.  My guest today says that while their inner parts are engaged in this debate about use, it's hard for them to see the underlying cause of the substance use or addictive behavior, whether that be loneliness, anxiety, or shame.   Cece Sykes saw her first client almost 45 years ago, and since then has been doing incredible work with young people suffering from addiction and trauma. Cece is one of the first practitioners of Internal Family Systems (IFS), a framework for understanding the roles each of these parts are playing, discovering what role they play in our coping, and gaining a deeper understanding of our kids' needs and motivations. Interestingly, understanding IFS can change our relationship with ourselves as well. We all have these parts, and the self-examination that this framework provides can help us move beyond the unhealthy dynamics that often develop between parents and kids using substances. In this episode, Cece explains how that works, and how we can help our kids recoginze all the parts of them, without shame, and with more self-compassion. EPISODE RESOURCES: Cece Skyes, LCSW websiteIFS Therapy for Addictions“We All Have Parts,” by Colleen West“No Bad Parts,” by Dr. Richard SchwartzThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: After years of producing feature films and TV shows about family life like Cinderella Story, Perfect Man, Lizzy McGuire, and many others, Mark Rosman was forced to face the reality of problems in his own family. Mark and his wife spent some time in denial about their daughter's substance use. Even after two trips to the emergency room, they decided against professional advice to get her into treatment immediately.  They chalked everything up to ordinary teen rebellion and experimentation, sending her to a traditional boarding school instead. Less than one month later, she was in the emergency room again after downing a bottle of Listerine. Thus began the roller coaster we're all familiar with: periods of hope and sobriety, followed by lapses into chaos and returns to use. Like many parents, Mark instinctively rejected the notion of "self care", or any form of detachment from his daughter's behavior and state of mind at any given time. Finally, in what seemed like his 100th parent group meeting, he admitted to himself (and everyone else there) the utter hopelessness he was feeling. This was the beginning of the entire family's recovery. In this episode, Mark talks about how this realization helped him to learn to set boundaries and how – now five years into his daughter's recovery – he’s making his own story into a feature film which, for the first time, focuses on the experiences of parents. EPISODE RESOURCES: Keep Coming Back FilmKeep Coming Back Instagram accountThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When Dr. Jarrell Myers took his first job out of grad school, he loved working with children suffering from anxiety disorders, as well as their families. It was a calling he’d already been pursuing for years. But there was a big problem: many kids who needed needed help for their anxiety couldn’t become patients in his program because they were using substances.   While this made some clinical sense (for reasons Jarell will explain), it also failed to acknowledge that substance use was woven into their anxiety, often as a coping mechanism.  This is what finally led him to the Center for Motivational Change (CMC). CMC publishes the book I recommend more than any other to parents of kids struggling with substances – Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change. Today I finally have a chance to speak with Dr. Myers about some of the core principles it contains. In this episode, we discuss the nature of anxiety, why it makes sense that anxious kids to turn to substances, how parenting those kids may trigger our own fear and anxiety responses, and how to give our families the best fighting chance in the face of these realities. EPISODE RESOURCES: Center for Motivation and ChangeBeyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People ChangeBeyond Addiction Workbook for Friends and FamilyThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Christopher O’Reilly says it’s a mistake to think that we can just understand our way out of trauma. But he claims that healing—once we understand how to receive it—can bring intimacy and connection with other human beings in a way we might never know without those challenges. After surviving his own struggles with substance use, Christopher should know. When he discovered the power of mindfulness meditation to examine his own choices and motivations, Christopher chose the path of change. He has spent the past 20 years helping others do the same. After earning his master's degree, Christopher pursued certification in multiple forms of trauma and addiction counseling. He teaches mindfulness-based stress reduction classes at Brown University, but the center of his professional life is serving as Vice President of Clinical Services at Onsite’s residential trauma treatment program, Milestones. In this episode, Christopher and I discuss the anxiety and trauma of parents who have kids misusing substances, why our children can be reluctant to talk about their own anxiety and trauma, and why substance use is sometimes their best option – for a while. EPISODE RESOURCES: Milestones websiteOnsite websiteChristopher O'Reilly on LinkedInThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Upon returning from vacation, I started to notice a theme in our community and my friend groups - there are a lot of exhausted, brain-fried parents who are looking for an escape from the day-to-day strain of having a child who misuses or is addicted to substances. From spouse and partner relationships to our kids themselves, we sometimes need time to tap out and escape. This episode will give you six simple (not necessarily easy) things you can do when you’re looking for an escape hatch to help navigate through difficulties. You’ll also hear about our upcoming Signature Fall Retreat: Restoration Mom and an invitation to dads who may want an escape of their own. EPISODE RESOURCES: Episode 174 on boundaries with Cathy CiothOnsite retreats and intensivesEvoke IntensivesRestoration Mom retreat, Oct. 1-4, 2024This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: We all have more going on in our lives than just kids who are misusing substances. But Leah is currently facing an overload of grief and loss including caring for her father-in-law through in-home hospice, the loss of her first grandchild as a newborn, and now caring in-home for her mother and sister-in-law, both of whom are suffering from alzheimers and dementia. Her oldest son, who’s been struggling with substance misuse for eight years, has recently been expressing suicidal ideation. All of this while Leah is working and raising her youngest, a 14 year old son. It’s hard to overstate the stress and trauma this Hopestream mom has dealt with over the past year. Despite all of this, Leah moves forward with positivity and hope. Some days though, the anxiety pushes her to work herself to exhaustion to gain some control - any control - over a world that seems increasingly unpredictable and scary. In this episode, Leah and I discuss the best perspective she can take on this season of her life, the good it will bring about, how she wants to look back on it in the future, and why the loss of her newborn grandchild may have been a turning point for her oldest son. EPISODE RESOURCES: Hopestream CommunityThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When AJ Diaz left his sober living home after a year-long stay, he got the same thing everyone else did - a sheet of paper that essentially said, "Here is your relapse prevention plan.We wish you the best."  AJ felt in his gut this was insufficient to support people in early recovery, and after years of working in the field, he now knows he was right.   AJ says staying sober within the four walls of treatment isn’t all that hard. Individuals receive hot meals, supportive staff, structure and routine, and socialization with others facing the same challenges. It's when people - especially young people - leave treatment that the world hits them like a ton of bricks. They come face to face with relationships and complications that can disregulate everything they've been practicing, and without the buffer of substances to help them cope. Seeing a desperate need for continuing outpatient care, AJ and his business partner created a supportive early-recovery program called Accountable. In this episode, AJ and I discuss the most common issues families face with a young person in early recovery (many will sound very familiar), why Accountable removes the responsibility of drug testing from parents and spouses, and why fathers often find it difficult to participate in approaches like CRAFT. EPISODE RESOURCES: Accountable website and phone: 646-450-7641Read: Dear Opiates: A True Story Of How A “Harmless” Addiction Took Over My LifeThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Ken Guidroz's son hit a Los Angeles bicyclist while high on heroin, killing the man before his body hit the ground. Ken's son fled the scene but turned himself in less than 24 hours later. What followed this tragic accident was a long period of pain and loss not only for the widow of the deceased but for Ken's entire family, as his son was sentenced to years in prison. Ken had given much of his life to God, making sacrifices to serve nearly a decade as leader of congregations and raise his three sons in the best way he knew how. With an innocent man dead, one son in prison, and the other two making bad decisions, where was God now? In this episode, Ken and I discuss how a long period of brokenness and loss began to transform into forgiveness and healing, culminating in his memoir, Letters to My Son in Prison: How a father and son found forgiveness for an unforgivable crime. In this conversation, we discuss the art of blending quiet intuition with the voice of God, how Ken pulled through a crisis of both faith and confidence and a "near-hallucinogenic" experience of catharsis in his darkest hour. EPISODE RESOURCES: Ken’s websiteLetters to My Son In Prison - Ken’s BookSubscribe to Ken’s Substack This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Over 35 years of reporting on the terrible consequences of both drugs and the war on drugs, Pulitzer Prize finalist Paul Solotaroff developed deep contacts with DEA, Homeland Security, and other branches of law enforcement across the country.  Paul had already seen the deadly wave of fentanyl-spiked heroin in 2013-2014, so when a top official at the DOJ called him last year sounding more desperate than ever before, he knew there was a serious crisis.   Paul was informed that 5-10 children were dying every day from a new scourge: fake pharmaceuticals like Adderall and Oxycontin made from fentanyl.  Even more disturbing, he discovered that kids no longer even have to know a dealer to obtain the pills.  In his lengthy new article in Rolling Stone, Paul details how Snapchat - a platform designed for its content to disappear - has been helping dealers find kids who might otherwise have never bought illegal drugs. In this episode, he shares the terrifying truth about the latest fentanyl crisis, how social media companies have facilitated underage drug use, and the upcoming legal battles to hold them accountable. EPISODE RESOURCES: Rolling Stones articleSocial Media Victim’s Law CenterKids Online Safety ActThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Lara Okoloko wants parents to understand something important: The majority of treatment options were designed for older adults with severe substance use disorders. She says we shouldn’t be surprised that young people with mild to moderate disorders are not interested in identifying with a permanent label of “addict” or “alcoholic” and swearing lifelong abstinence. The standardization of treatment for older adults has also led parents to believe that anyone with a substance use disorder is destined for jail, institutions and death unless they find sobriety. Lara says this just isn’t true for kids and young adults. As a 15-year practitioner and teacher of the CRAFT approach, Lara should know. She has served as a licensed clinical social worker for kids who are at-risk, in foster care, and drug-dependent, and now works with parents and families as well. In this episode, we discuss in more detail why teens can be resistant to treatment, how the TV show “Intervention” changed our entire concept of treatment, the enduring myth that most kids are using substances, and why, despite its proven track record, CRAFT still isn’t the standard approach recommended and used for helping a loved one. EPISODE RESOURCES: Lara’s websiteList of CRAFT-trained therapists in WA StateWA State healthy use surveyFind a CRAFT-trained provider or organization at the Helping Families Help website This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: If you’re a loyal podcast listener, or just new to our space, you might be curious about what the Hopestream Community membership is all about, and if it would be helpful for you.  Because we get questions about this all the time, Hopestream co-founder, Cathy Cioth and I decided to dedicate an episode to answering them. We cover questions like, is my kid bad enough (or too bad) for this community? What if my kid is already in treatment and I have great support there? What if I’m a mental health professional or a prominent member of my community and I don’t want people to know I’m there for help? Tune in to find out answers to these questions and more. EPISODE RESOURCES: Hopestream Community membership infoJohnny’s AmbassadorsLaura Stack on HopestreamKrissy Pozatek websiteThe Parallel Process bookThe Stream’s Restoration Mom Retreat WebpageThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: "Codependent" is one of the many words that has moved from the mental health field into casual, daily conversation. Unfortunately, its broad use has left most of us without a grounded understanding of what codependency really is, how it can affect our lives, and what to do about it.   Mary is the Faculty and Program Coordinator at San Jose City College Alcohol & Drug Studies Program, the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of Recovery Connections Treatment Services, and far too many other programs to list here. Her expertise on attachment and codependency led her to a simple principle: people develop a secure attachment to substances to self-soothe when key adults can’t see them or respond to their needs appropriately. After decades of clinical work and academic instruction, Dr. Cook is uniquely qualified to explain the connection between codependency and substance misuse. In this episode, we'll cover the three components of codependency - development, behaviors, and physiological consequences - how they’re connected to substance use and our ability (or inability) to set appropriate boundaries, and the crucial concept of "lifting the bottom up" for people struggling with substance use disorders. EPISODE RESOURCES: Afraid to Let Go: For Parents of Adult Addicts and AlcoholicsAttached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find – and Keep – LoveAwakening Hope: A Developmental, Behavioral, Biological Approach to Codependency TreatmentMary’s email: [email protected]’s YouTube ChannelThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When Heather discovered that some significant changes were happening in her daughter's residential program, she began to worry the family was not receiving what they were promised. After an unproductive discussion with the program director, Heather made the difficult choice of bringing her daughter home early. Now what? When we spoke for this coaching episode, Heather's daughter had been home for just one week after spending seven months in residential treatment. There are new boundaries to determine - from big issues like driving and employment to simple matters like cleaning up messes in the house. In this session, Heather and I discuss how to assist her daughter in avoiding a return to THC use, while also preventing her own relapse into old, unhealthy patterns of communication. EPISODE RESOURCES: Partnership to End AddictionThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: In this episode, we delve into the complex relationship between eating disorders and substance use and how the principles of CRAFT and The Invitation to Change can apply to both.  Alice Baker, a Stream community parent who is also a licensed professional counselor, dietician and certified eating disorder specialist, guides us through these three issues.  In her high school days, Alice Baker was drawn to the world of competitive dance. The importance of body image in the sport sparked an eating disorder that would linger until she began learning about nutrition in her freshman year of college. Her new understanding of our body’s relationship to food would set her on a lifelong study of dietetics, eating disorders, and their effects on the lives of young people.  Alice joined our Hopestream Community in 2022 when her son developed a substance use disorder, compulsively using marijuana and struggled in school. It was here that she began to realize how the principles of The Invitation to Change approach could also be employed in her field. In this episode, we discuss the connections between substance use and eating habits, the serious dangers of “drunkorexia” and other combinations of the two, how parents can identify warning signs, and what we can change within ourselves to help our kids in their eating disorder recovery. EPISODE RESOURCES: When Your Teen Has An Eating Disorder (Mulheim) How to Nourish Your Child Through an Eating Disorder: A Simple, Plate-by-Plate Approach® to Rebuilding a Healthy Relationship with Food This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: After 14 treatment centers, 10 jails in six different states, and solitary confinement at Rikers Island prison, Patrick Babcock is lucky to be alive.   His parents were barely adults themselves when he was born, dealing with their own alcoholism, physical abuse, and abandonment issues. Patrick’s own substance use began early, sneaking his father's Heinekens at age 7 and smoking marijuana with his friend's parents at age 10. He went from an Ivy League kindergarten to running "feral" in the streets of New York, attending the debaucherous Studio 54 at only 14 years old. Though he managed to get a degree in finance, his life was soon further destroyed by heroin. Patrick's sobriety required a "spiritual awakening" that finally came while sitting alone in a car after escaping the police, drinking the dregs of a wine bottle he'd found in the street. He never returned to substance use after that night. But when the horror of 9/11 changed his life forever in a very personal way, he started down a path to help young people who had suffered in the same way he had. In this episode, you'll hear why the program Patrick founded and runs, Foundation House, believes in failure, the unexpected power of the "inmates running the asylum," and how parents' own "dark inner rascals" may set their kids up to fail. RESOURCES: Foundation House website Chinese Farmer Hopestream podcast episode with Dina Cannizzaro This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Roy Duprez began drinking whatever alcohol he could get his hands on at the incredibly young age of 7.  He managed to stay sober for two of his high school years, but then returned to using alcohol and drugs for 12 years more years. Roy sees lots of young men with trauma-related substance misuse come through his outdoor adventure recovery program, but for him, drinking was part of an imagined lifestyle of success. He didn't drink to escape, he drank to have *even more* fun.  He fully embraced the identity of "alcoholic" without ever connecting his use to the chaos that his life had become. Roy has now been sober and in a healthy life of recovery for nearly two decades. In that time, he’s obtained a Masters of Eeducation, worked with countless community organizations and at-risk youth, and founded his own adventure recovery program, Back2Basics, in picturesque Flagstaff, Arizona. In this conversation, we discuss: what it's like to run into his mom at their local AA meetingthe limitations substance misuse puts on life, and the power of inviting young people into a new world of possibilitieswhy Roy still believes we should "trust the process"RESOURCES: Back2Basics - Roy Duprez’s adventure recovery program in Flagstaff, AZ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: It's Mother's Day week, 2024. I'm personally counting my blessings because my kids are all healthy and our family is in a positive and safe place. It wasn't always this way. There were Mother's Days when I wanted to crawl even deeper under the covers and not show my face. There were Mother's Days when I didn't know where my oldest son was.  Today, I want to honor those who may not be looking forward to Sunday, the ones who are feeling the weight of having a child who struggles with substance misuse and mental health challenges. I see you. I was you. I understand. And for the single dads out there - this is for you, too. You hold both ends of the rope and I recognize how challenging and complex life is for you today as well. Sending much love, peace and comfort to you all this week. This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Jane isn't exactly sure at what age her older son began using substances regularly, but the degree of misuse seemed to come in waves. He stayed in therapy until he left for college - which is just when her younger son began having the same issues. He cycled through four high schools, attended a wilderness program, and eventually enrolled in the therapeutic boarding school where he is today. Jane's family's relationship is pretty good, thanks to the many tools she's been learning and practicing in The Stream. Her sons are honest with her, they respect each other, and Jane's husband actively participates in their recovery process. But after both sons were home for a holiday visit, Jane realized she needed to address a boundary violation that occurred during their stay. We spoke for this episode the day her son was coming home, and the conversation could potentially happen - but should it? Jane needed to talk through how she might approach this difficult conversation and wanted to consider whether acknowledging the boundary violation would throw her family’s relative calm into chaos. We also discuss strategies she can use to step outside the anxiety of imagining worst-case scenarios and getting sucked into future trips. In this coaching episode, Jane and I talk through three specific tools to address issues that so many parents find themselves confronting with a child who struggles with substance misuse. This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: It probably doesn’t surprise you that the majority of Hopestream Community members are moms. About 70% of therapists are women, as well, and women are significantly more likely than men to seek out their services. Last year, we launched The Woods, our private community for dads, stepdads, and male co-parents. And as much as we would love to help more dads who have kids struggling with substances, they don’t come flocking to our services.  I wanted to dive into this imbalance and asked Steve Andrews to join me for a conversation. As host of The Woods, Steve brings a lot of harrowing personal experience to the table. When his son first began misusing DXM, Kratom, alcohol, and marijuana in middle school, he had no idea how bad things would get. (To hear his whole story, check out his first appearance on the show at the link below.) Now, with his son in full recovery, Steve is a practicing therapist. He’s seen this gender dynamic play out within himself, in The Woods, and the world of therapeutic practice. Today, he gives us his best take on why men seem to have a natural aversion to approaches like The Invitation to Change and CRAFT and how we can reframe those ideas in a more accessible way. EPISODE RESOURCES: Steve’s Story, Hopestream Episode 183Never Split The Difference, book by Chris VossSteve's websiteThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: The behavioral symptoms of young people caught up in substance misuse can be disheartening: open hostility, lying, cheating, stealing from family, and others. These symptoms can be hard to view as a result of the substances, and parents may instead blame their child for being “bad.”  My guest today, Dr. Jennifer Fernandez, is a proponent of a compassionate model that sounds more complex than it is - the "biopsychosocial model." This model aims to contextualize all factors contributing to someone’s reliance on substances - not just genetics. She says this type of analysis can help those who love someone struggling with substances understand behavior that would otherwise seem irrational. And when we know more, it leaves room for the empathy we need to parent young people who can appear out of control.  Dr. Fernandez is a doctor of clinical psychology and the founder and Clinical Director of the California Center for Change. She’s an expert in CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training), motivational Interviewing, and harm reduction, a concept many parents struggle with. She oversees psychotherapy and support groups founded on nonjudgmental principles.  In today's wide-ranging episode, Jennifer and I discuss whether harm reduction is really just enabling, the power of motivational interviewing, what we can learn from a person’s “drug of choice”, and the importance of parents presenting a unified front. EPISODE RESOURCES: California Center for Change website This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Patrick Balsley's substance use began with alcohol in middle school and ended 11 years later with heroin- and cocaine-induced psychosis.  But instead of talking to Patrick about who he used to be, today I'm talking to him about the incredible things he's been doing with his life since then and what he's learned while helping so many other families in their pursuit of recovery. Patrick founded Sana Counseling and Sana House, a recovery residence for men. He sits on the board of recovery high school Emerald School of Excellence, which began with two students and has grown to about 35 kids, most graduating and moving on to college or work programs.  He also serves on the board of the PIVOTPoint WNC therapeutic adventure program and the advisory board at the Atrium Health Foundation.  As you can tell,  his incredible range of experience - both personal and professional - makes him an incredible source for parents. In this episode, Patrick and I discuss why many parents have the "it's just a phase" mindset during their child's experimentation, the compounding dangers of parents self-medicating to deal with their family dynamics, and the importance of early intervention for kids - and therapy for everyone. EPISODE RESOURCES: Sana CounselingSana Recovery - young men’s sober living in Charlotte, NCAbout Patrick BalsleyEmerald School of Excellence - Charlotte, NC recovery high schoolArchway Academy, Houston, TX recovery high schoolAssociation of Recovery SchoolsGeneration Found documentaryCRAFT-Certified Therapist List (from Dr. Bob Meyers)Find CRAFT-practitioners at Helping Families HelpThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Because I sit at a vantage point of seeing many parents working to understand and implement the Invitation To Change Approach (ITC) with their child who struggles with substance misuse, I see things others don't. I hear the frustrations and the celebrations, and I know that while an approach like the ITC is very powerful and effective, it isn't a magic wand. Sometimes, the more difficult aspects of using a compassion and empathetic-centric approach to a very scary and challenging problem don't get talked about. In today's short, solo episode I wanted to highlight and pick apart some of the more difficult and less-discussed challenges you may be facing. There's also a short but important pep talk just in case you're feeling a bit deflated at the moment. EPISODE RESOURCES: Beyond Addiction; How Science and Kindness Help People Change - buy it hereLearn more about The Invitation To Change approach hereThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When Dr. Nzinga Harrison was recently approached by her son, a high school senior, about going to his first party, she consented. He was unsurprised by her followup question: “Do you think there will be drugs there?” As an addiction psychiatrist and M.D. specializing in addiction medicine, Dr. Harrison had been talking with him about substances since he was very young, so the question wasn’t awkward. “Yeah, probably,” he replied. As her stomach twisted, she realized that the years of preparation for this stage of his life were about to be tested – if not at the party, then sometime soon afterward. In the two years since our favorite doctor was last on the show, Dr. Harrison has organized much of her extensive knowledge about the roots of substance use disorders into a new book: Un-addiction: 6 Mind-Changing Conversations That Could Save a Life. The framework is comprehensive and data-driven, but also plainly written and easy to understand. I tried using sticky notes to mark the best parts, but gave up when I realized I was marking almost every page. In this conversation, Dr. Harrison lays out these six conversations, sharing with us how the conversation with her son progressed, and covering a range of other topics, including: Conversational scripts for talking to kids about substancesThe importance of asking, “What do you know?” without judgmentThe nascent idea of “pre-addiction” and how understanding it can change the trajectory for someone strugglingHow your ZNA (zip code at birth) predicts health outcomes better than your current zip codeHow cultural traditions and rituals can create risk factorsEPISODE RESOURCES: Un-Addiction bookEleanor HealthDr. Nzinga Harrison’s websiteThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When Dr. Robert Schwebel was approached by a local treatment agency about developing a drug program for adolescents, he was not interested. He decided to meet with the agency about the proposal, but also to share hard truths that he thought would encourage them to find someone else: Don't promise drug free kids overnight. Help them learn to make good decisions rather than telling them what to do. Incorporate life counseling. Rather than rejecting him, the program agreed to Robert’s suggestions and hired him. Robert hoped to find and tweak an existing treatment program that incorporated these principles, but couldn't find one. In the 1990s, residential treatment centers were cash cows, with professionals often advising parents to place their kids in inpatient treatment at the first sign of experimentation. He describes most of those programs as "watered down 12-Step programs," demanding instant and complete abstinence - which he believed was unrealistic for most adolescents. So he started from scratch. The result was the widely adopted Seven Challenges Program. One of the many programs that have adopted this adolescent-specific model is Elements Wilderness, and Lynn Smith, co-founder, and primary therapist there joins me and Robert to share the provider experience with the Seven Challenges model. We cover: How The Seven Challenges builds a climate of mutual respect and honest discussionWhy practitioners don't insist on drug abstinence when adolescents are engaged in the challengesThe power of asking kids what they like about drugsWhy "come back when you hit rock bottom" is the wrong approachEPISODE RESOURCES: The Seven Challenges websiteElements Wilderness websiteThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Years before his gender transition, Jordan Held still remembers the day he asked his employer if he could wear the same clothing as the male faculty. The reply: "We're not ready for that yet." Whether or not your young person is questioning their sexual identity, gender, pronouns or any other aspect of themselves, you’ll get so much from this important conversation. As a teenager, he had been a good student and athlete who just wanted to be the popular girl at school. He wore clothes that weren't comfortable, drank, smoked weed, hooked up with people he had no real interest in, and generally tried to fit in. But after college, Jordan met a trans man for the first time and many of the puzzle pieces from his early life began to fall into place. While the administration of the school where he worked felt "not ready" for Jordan to dress as male faculty, he knew he couldn’t live his life as a lie forever. The administration’s denial was a catalyst for redirecting his life course. Jordan Held now has a Masters degree in both Social Welfare and Sports Leadership, and a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. He’s worked in residential mental health treatment, as well as the world's largest gender clinic, giving him a great deal of experience with the most pressing issues affecting teens and young adults - especially those who are exploring their sexual identity. As a private practice therapist, Jordan has deep expertise in gender and sexual minority youth with complex histories of PTSD and trauma. Many have been in substance use treatment programs as well. In this episode, we discuss why some young people are going "stealth", the post-pandemic spread of school avoidance, why kids don't even consider marijuana a drug any more, and how parenting without shame creates bonds of trust that leave families stronger in difficult times. EPISODE RESOURCES: Jordan Held LinkedInPsychology TodayNetflix show, DisclosureThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: If you could stand outside your own life, watching your family relationships play out like a movie, what patterns of behavior might you notice about yourself?  If you could see those patterns now, wouldn’t it be much easier to improve them each day?  In this episode, we try to understand ourselves and our family dynamics more deeply through the lens of attachment theory. If you’re like me, you’d never heard attachment theory mentioned in recovery spaces or literature.  But my guest today believes it has an important role to play in the families of children using substances. Jack Hinman has provided therapeutic support for young adults for two decades across a wide variety of settings – hospitals, wilderness therapy, residential centers, and community mental health settings.  Serving these different roles has provided him a holistic overview of the therapeutic experience, and has only solidified his belief that attachment theory can be a key component to improving stressful family dynamics. Today we discuss the four attachment styles, their superpowers, how they affect our relationships with our kids and partners, and how we can change them for the better. Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.  -  Aristotle EPISODE RESOURCES: Engage Life Transitions website The Attachment Project (online attachment style quiz)This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When my son began using drugs and alcohol, I did what a lot of parents do: I dove headfirst into a world I didn't know existed, trying to evaluate all the possible programs and places he might go to get help. But there's so much to learn about the treatment world, and the knowledge is extremely specialized, making it almost impossible to sift through it effectively without a guide. On today's show, I spoke with someone who is that guide for families. Joanna Lilley has been an educational consultant (though she prefers "therapeutic consultant") for a decade, and has worked in all sorts of settings, from wilderness therapy programs to academic institutions. She has connected hundreds of families to treatment programs, therapists, and other resources, and you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who has a more holistic and honest view of the industry. Joanna is notorious for her blunt transparency, and she has a lot of knowledge to share. In this episode, we discuss: The importance of finding an independent educational consultantThe ethical standards a consultant should be held toThe role and value consultants bring to the table in a time of crisisInformation consultants have that parents will never get from their own researchThe most important questions parents should always ask before engaging a consultantWhy Joanna says not every family needs a consultantEPISODE RESOURCES: Joanna’s website:  (https://lilleyconsulting.com)Therapeutic Consulting Assoc.:  (https://www.therapeuticconsulting.org) __________________________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Rose has three children, so she's not new to being a mom. But when her son spent six months trying every drug he could find, she stepped into a foreign world of substance misuse and increasing risk. She dealt with the utter shock and disbelief her child had been using substances at all, let alone to the degree she came to realize. Rose’s son was on week six of outpatient rehab when he combined most of those drugs together into a single, dangerous dose, and when we spoke for this coaching session he was, thankfully, in residential treatment.  Rose is sure that her son is not ready to come home, but unsure of the right next step. She knows that if she can find an appropriate follow-on program, she'll finally have a moment to breathe, rest, and regroup. It doesn't help that her own chronic health condition is being made worse by the stress she’s enduring with her son. She's proud of the progress she's made in the past few months, but is finding it hard to hold onto hope. In this coaching episode, Rose and I discuss why accepting reality and letting go of controlling tendencies are the foundation of change. We also dive into the ways her self-care is a service to her entire family, and necessary to develop the stamina she needs for this marathon. ___________________________________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Hopestream co-founder, Cathy Cioth, is back for another episode to discuss six critical mindset shifts we both believe parents need to consider when they have a child struggling with substance misuse. We share how these important pivots in our thinking impacted our families and why, even though both of us have kids in recovery, we still vigilantly adhere to them.  And, as usual, we go on a tangent or two, so grab your dog, bike, walking shoes, or whatever you do when listening to podcasts and let’s jump in. EPISODE RESOURCES: Menopause episode: Surviving The Perfect Storm Of Challenging Kids, Aging And Menopause; This One's For The Mommas, with Dr. Robin Sinclair, ND (www.brendazane.com/hopestream/108)Female Health Masterclass | Menopause, Hormone Replacement Therapy & How To Workout In Your 50’S,60’S - The Proof with Simon Hill (https://theproof.com/female-health-masterclass/)The Partnership to End Addiction - free resources for parents including a Helpline, online support calls, coaching and trusted content (www.drugfree.org)Sky’s The Limit Fund - nonprofit that provides scholarships for Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare for adolescents and young adults (www.skysthelimitfund.org)Trish Ruggles episode - Decoding Today’s Adolescent Substance Use Treatment Landscape (www.brendazane.com/hopestream/202)________________________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: After watching her brother's life cut short by substance use, Ann Coleman was intimately familiar with its dangers. So when her son - who already suffered from anxiety and depression - started using marijuana, hallucinogens and opiates, her trauma and instincts of fear and control kicked in hard. Looking back, Ann recognizes that at the time she believed her son was solely to blame for the unraveling of the relationship. Now, she knows better.  "There were things I screwed up," Ann shares, "but it was mainly in the way that I reacted to and thought about the things he was doing."  As her son began his healing process, Ann herself undertook a two year, self-directed study of every parenting-related topic she could get her hands on: from neurobiology to therapeutic mindfulness. In this episode, she explains how her life as a lawyer was gradually upended by the realization of just how many parents are going into this difficult chapter of life blind and without much guidance at all. Over the course of the conversation we discuss the control-rebellion cycle (undoubtedly familiar to you), the extra complications of ADHD and anxiety, why the only thing that matters to adolescents is peer acceptance, and so much more. This episode is your opportunity to learn from Ann's mistakes -- and her knowledge -- in everyday language, with practical instruction. EPISODE RESOURCES: No Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind Speaking of Teens website & podcast (https://speakingofteens.com/)_______________________________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When young people in recovery return to use, we often hear phrases like “failure to launch,” “regression,” or the suggestion that “recovery is only for those who want it.” Today’s guest, Matt Nannis, says it’s time to abandon these concepts altogether. Matt’s journey from his own addiction to being the founder of the PIVOTPoint Program looked a little different than a typical recovery story. He didn’t “do the work” in treatment to stop using substances, find a more fulfilling life, or heal relationships with his friends and family – he just wanted better snacks and more privileges.  Matt’s experience isn’t all that different from others who eventually pursue treatment, which tells us maybe we should rethink some of the things we’re told about what’s necessary for change. Matt says the problem with concepts like “failure to launch” is they imply some fixed destination along a set path. And while he found great value in the rubric of AA, he now believes the all-or-nothing mindset implied by “regression” just isn't anchored in reality. In this discussion, we cover: Matt’s nontraditional path through treatment and what it reveals about recoveryWhy substance use often feels like it generates a safe, manageable, and consistent lifeThe importance of reframing “failure to launch” as “failure to fail”Why substance use can maintain an illusion of freedom that prevents changeThe importance of helping young people in recovery identify their own beacons and core valuesEPISODE RESOURCES: The PIVOTPoint Program (https://pivotpointwnc.org/)_________________________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: I recently sat down with over 20 treatment program owners, directors, therapists, educational consultants, and 20+ parents who are or have been on the journey with their kids, and I'm sharing the insights I gleaned in today's episode. From insurance nightmares to difficult transitions and THC-induced psychosis, I cover a lot of territory, bringing you a boots-on-the-ground view into what's really going on today in treatment and the struggles parents are facing when they have a child who misuses substances. EPISODE RESOURCES: Hopestream Community (hopestreamcommunity.org)Solutions Parenting Support (https://solutionsparentingsupport.com)Wonder (https://www.teamwonder.org/)Fentanyl & Teens Free Webinar with Brenda Zane and Vicenzo Narciso (hopestreamcommunity.org/fentanyl)CRAFT Provider Directory (https://helpingfamilieshelp.com/hfh-directory)Association of Recovery Schools (https://recoveryschools.org/)Information on high potency THC products and impact on youth - Johnny’s AmbassadorsDelta-8 InformationHopestream podcast episode 55 with Dr. Nicole Kosanke and Krissy PozatekHopestream podcast episode 70 with Marco Narciso (Brenda Zane’s son)The Woods CommunityBeyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change, Foote & WilkensBeyond Addiction Workbook for Family & Friends, Jeffrey Foote, Kenneth Carpenter, Carrie WilkensH.O.M.E.: Strategies for making home a SUCCESS during and after treatment, by Hilary Moses, Jen Murphy ___________________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: At some point along your child's road to recovery, you will almost certainly need to make some difficult decisions about treatment. If they’re an adolescent, this becomes an even more complicated decision. And while I do have some personal experience with treatment, it's been 9 years since my son went to a wilderness program and residential treatment, and a lot has changed since then. My guest on today's episode is Trish Ruggles, a licensed clinical professional counselor and therapeutic educational consultant with 15 years of experience. She has intimate, on-the-ground knowledge of the wide spectrum of mental health and substance use treatment and works with families to match the right treatment setting with a young person’s therapeutic and academic needs. If you're a parent of an adolescent who is looking into treatment options (or you know someone who is), or just want to learn what the options are for future reference, this information will be absolute gold. By the time you're done listening, you will have a broad overview of nearly every option there is, the strengths and weaknesses of each, and professional advice about which might be right for your adolescent child. EPISODE RESOURCES: Pathfinder ConsultingTherapeutic Consulting Association (TCA)________________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Kelly’s son began smoking marijuana all day, every day after a serious trauma two years ago. Therapy and harm reduction strategies have led them to an arrangement where he is allowed to smoke occasionally, but only in the garage. Her son is smoking much less now, and in combination with therapy, reports he’s stopped using substances as a primary coping mechanism.   Things have mostly settled down, but Kelly is still experiencing the constant mental and emotional stress of worry about his safety, and a desire to see him continue moving forward toward sobriety. After two years of being on high alert at all times, and with the potential of paying for college looming on the horizon, Kelly is reaching the end of her rope, finding it difficult to get enough sleep. Her interactions with her son have become more judgmental than compassionate, and Kelly worries about driving him away. In this coaching episode, Kelly and I discuss: The importance of positive reinforcement as a driver of motivation and changeWhy it’s important to acknowledging the progress both Kelly and her son have made in the past few yearsHow to co-create new boundaries that move her son’s current harm reduction strategies toward safer behaviorHow “crowding out” substance use with desired activity works better than restriction and punishment – and how the process could simultaneously improve their relationshipThe “brain dump” method that might help Kelly get better sleep - something she desperately needsEPISODE RESOURCES: Coming to Harm Reduction Kicking and Screaming, Dee Dee StoutThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: In the words of today's guest, Noel Koons, "We all dent our children."  Though it may seem like so many other families have everything perfectly together, Noel assures us that isn't true – and with more than 13 years of clinical mental health experience counseling families and individuals, he should know.   In today's episode, Noel explains why these dents are inevitable: It's literally impossible for parents to meet all of their child's emotional needs, many of which rely on social relationships outside the immediate family. And the dents left by our own parents can often frame the way we understand and react to our children.   During this conversation, Noel gives us a crash course in the six universal emotional needs, why "family of origin" work is so important for us to pay attention to, why parents must present a united front to kids using substances, and why some kids feel like they're just "too much" to expect the fulfillment they need. Make sure to check out the show notes for links to a more thorough discussion of the six emotional needs, along with to-do items that can help us fulfill them for ourselves and our families. EPISODE RESOURCES: Evoke Therapy IntensivesPsychology TodayVolition Counseling (Noel’s private practice)Blog articles by Noel____________________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: I release about 50 episodes of Hopestream every year, and every year there are a few conversations that just stick.  Months later I’ll find myself reflecting on how a specific story or perspective has the potential to change the way we think and act as parents of kids working toward recovery.  I think of these important moments as this year's “golden nuggets.” So at the end of every year, I share these nuggets in an episode packed with some of my favorite bits of wisdom, and we’ve got great ones this year! Wes Robins explains why traditional recovery techniques didn’t resonate with him, and how he helps families with his own “radical” youth workMy own son, Enzo, finally appears on the show to talk about his early substance use, overdoses, and the importance of maintaining family relationships through addiction and recoveryDave and Eleanor discuss the Netflix-worthy story of their daughter’s descent from upper-middle-class college freshman to homeless fentanyl dependenceDr. Emily Kline explains some of the best techniques for beginning a conversation about substances with your kid (that don’t immediately get shut down)Dr. Libby Stuyt lays out the magnitude of the marijuana problem in the nation’s earliest test case of recreational availability: ColoradoOur own Steve Andrews, host of the Woods Community for men, tells the frightening story of one hellish night with his son, as well as the most important lessons he’s learned since thenEPISODE RESOURCES: Dr. Wes Robins on episode 161Enzo Narciso on episode 185Eleanor and Dave on episode 180Dr. Emily Kline on episode 160Dr. Libby Stuyt on episode 162Brenda Zane on episode 176Steve Andrews on episode 183_______________________________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Friend, we made it to the end of 2023. This is my final solo episode of the year and after much thought and debate, I decided to share a gift I'd like to give you, some words of hope and strength for wherever you are in The Journey. This short episode is one you can save and play when things get tough, and I encourage you to share it with someone you know who's also going through difficulties - not just parenting challenges. Looking forward to another year of connection, hope, and healing in 2024. _________________________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Parents trying to navigate treatment with their kids are already pushed to their mental and emotional limits. When you're in it, you're so overwhelmed that it's hard to think about something as frustrating and time-consuming as insurance. But my guest today reminds us the earlier you get started and the more thorough your documentation, the more likely you are to receive coverage for the resources and services your child needs. I contacted Mark DeBofsky before I even finished reading the first article I saw about his work. Finally, here was someone who could not only explain how insurance companies work in the context of mental health and substance use treatment, but also how you can increase the odds of receiving fair coverage. Mark is the namesake and President of DeBofsky Law, which specializes in litigating denial of claims by large insurance companies and corporations. Over the course of this conversation, we cover a lot of ground related to the infuriating process of receiving coverage for treatment services. Among other things, we discuss: The confusing array of coverage guidelines used by companies and the courtsThe industry of physicians contracted by insurance companies to back up their denialsWhat parts of treatment you should expect to get covered by insuranceHow A.I. is being used to both support and deny claimsWhy fewer than 2% of claim denials are appealedWhat steps you can take to set your family up for the best possible level of coverageEPISODE RESOURCES: https://www.debofsky.com/NPR Medical Bill of the MonthProPublica article - Uncovered: How the Insurance Industry Denies Coverage to PatientsKennedy Forum for Mental Health ParityWilderness Therapy Ruling May Deter Broad Policy Exclusions______________________________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: On today's coaching episode, we welcome our first dad from our community for dads, The Woods. As a father, Brad has some great things going for him. He still has a meaningful connection of supportive parenting with his ex-wife, who first introduced him to the podcast, and he’s a member of The Woods, our community for dads, which means he’s not doing this alone. His 18-year-old son is in a good place as well, currently residing in a sober living community after attending wilderness therapy and a residential program. Still, Brad is facing a lot of unknowns. Naturally, he wants his son to have every opportunity for success, but what does helpful parenting look like with a child in early recovery? How does a dad know when to step in and when to hold back and let his son just figure things out on his own? To add to the complexities, Brad’s son is potentially coming home to visit soon, which is exciting and also nerve wracking. In this coaching episode, Brad and I talk about learning to trust through fear, and becoming a source of accountability without driving his son away or infringing on his decision-making. It's a very positive episode that should give parents a glimpse of life down the road with a child successfully navigating early recovery. __________________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: So many kids who turn to substances are brilliant. Often that brilliance gets wielded in a variety of unhealthy ways and can wreck the power balance of an entire household. Perhaps you've felt telltale signs like being held hostage with gaslighting and emotional blackmail. Perhaps you woke up one day to realize you've been walking on eggshells, allowing your child to control the interactions in your own house for months. My guest today says that there are ways to right the ship, stop negotiating when appropriate, and still communicate effectively with our kids. Dr. Janet Sasson-Edgette is not only a mother of three, but also a child and adolescent psychologist who has written half a dozen books in the field. Today we discuss: - The surprisingly simple and genuine conversational techniques that sets Dr. Edgette apart from many other therapists - Why it's important for your child to know you as a person (not just as a parent) - Why kids are actually craving realism and accountability in their therapeutic relationships - Some strategies from her book, Stop Negotiating With Your Teen: Strategies for parenting your angry, manipulative, moody or depressed adolescent _________________________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Long before Olivia became a single parent, she was forced to face her own trauma. The heartbreaking challenges she's faced since then have piled an incredible amount of stress onto an already complex life. The difficult journey for Olivia's son began with his father's brain injury and substance misuse, leading to a messy divorce that would have been difficult for any child. Working full-time as a single parent, Olivia has faced her son's depression, took the blame for the divorce, and dealt with her son’s refusal to attend therapy. Without family support, Olivia has done her best to navigate the situation independently and has bolstered her team with a coach to help her navigate the storm.   Olivia’s son began experimenting with marijuana at the age of 13 and soon moved on to high-potency THC concentrates. He became more aggressive, his anger more volatile, and by the age of 15 was experiencing THC-induced psychotic breaks. He’s since been diagnosed with OCD, PTSD, ODD, marijuana use disorder, anxiety, and depression. Between the COVID school closures and his mental health issues, Olivia’s son hasn't been in a structured learning environment for years but says he wants to go back to school. Olivia isn't sure this is a good idea for her and her son. After nearly a decade of this struggle, she’s depleted, exhausted, and depressed. Today, we'll talk about how these kinds of persistent and extreme issues affect parents going through the worst of it and what Olivia might do to survive as she prepares to make some big life decisions. If you've been through the wringer with a challenging child and it feels like no one else could possibly understand your journey, Olivia's story is a reminder that the Hopestream Community is full of people who DO truly get it. ____________________________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When Julie Merberg returned home from a work trip to find a scale and a pile of baggies on the table, she knew her son's involvement with substances was getting out of control. In the early days of the Hopestream Community, not many people showed up to the group calls I offered to members. Julie and I were the only people who showed up the day I met her, but connecting with her one-on-one in the depths of her crisis was an incredible blessing for me and the entire community. Foreshadowing her current work with Hopestream, Julie had already formed her own neighborhood support group of parents after her 16-year-old son began abusing Xanax and marijuana. As with so many of us, Julie and her husband tried to change their son’s behavior with punishment and control but found that it only made him more oppositional and defiant. Three years later, Julie's son has embraced a life of recovery, and they both work to share the wisdom they've gained while getting there. In this episode, we discuss: The importance of trusting your gut when choosing therapy and recoveryHow untreated anxiety was driving Julie’s son to self medicate in unhealthy waysWhy parents shouldn't expect to find "the one that works" when it comes to treatment programsAccepting that relapse is often part of the journey to recovery for young peopleHow self-care is also a service to our familiesWhy Julie thinks that the all-or-nothing 12 Step approach doesn't work well for teensEPISODE RESOURCES: CMC:FFCBeyond Addiction bookFree Spirit ExperienceJulie’s websiteHazelden Betty Ford Adolescent programTheoppositeofaddiction.substack.comrecoveryworksny.comThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: The experience of coming out as an LGBTQ+ youth varies wildly across the country and world. In some families and communities, it’s celebrated. In others, condemned. But my guest on this episode of Hopestream says that we often forget about the “coming in” process needed for parents and families of those youth. Matt Seelos has worked in the mental health field for 20 years. He’s currently a primary therapist at Elevations Residential Treatment Center in Utah, where he administers an alphabet soup of therapeutic practices – EMDR, DBT, CBT, and ACT among others. In addition to all of this work, Matt goes out of his way to practice compassionate therapy specifically geared toward the needs of LGBTQ+ youth. But he also understands that the coming out process for kids requires an acceptance process for parents. He points out that while a young person has usually been internally processing the reality of their identity for months or years, parents can often feel it’s being sprung on them suddenly. Part of Matt’s job is helping parents come to terms with the loss of expectations and even grief that may accompany the coming out of their kids. In this conversation, we cover: a quick primer on identity and pronounshow the stresses of LGBTQ+ identity in some communities can contribute to mental health and substance use issues how the “coming in” process workshow the “floating back” method helps kids process their feelings of not belongingthe importance of curiosity over judgmentThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Navigating life with a young person who’s misusing substances and struggling with mental health can feel like a ride in a very stormy sea. Parents need to be well equipped for the journey but often aren’t sure what the mandatory, life-saving provisions are to bring along.  In this episode, Cathy Cioth, Hopestream Community co-founder, joins me to share our top six recommended provisions for parents. We identify the items we wish we’d had in our lifeboat when we started our expedition so you can be better prepared. EPISODE RESOURCES: Our six recommended provisions: Beyond Addiction Workbook for Friends and Family MembersThe Invitation To Change WorkbookA journal - Cathy’s favorite is Day OneA Bible or other spiritual reference, like Jesus CallingA token or other physical item that grounds you and brings you peace and calmA personal trainer and chef like Blue Apron or Hello Fresh_____________________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When Ann Batchelder discovered her daughter’s suicidal thoughts, bulimia and substance misuse, she desperately sought wisdom in the places many of us do: therapy, 12-step programs, and Buddhist teachings.  But the ancient Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone gave her the greatest solace and understanding of parenting a wayward child. As Ann “did the work” to preserve mindfulness and realism about what she could control, she also began writing about her family's experiences. Now, a decade after it began, her book is complete. Craving Spring: A Mother’s Quest, a Daughter’s Depression, and the Greek Myth that Brought Them Together is not just a memoir but a universal call for the renewal of families strained by the burden of substance use, mental health, and eating disorders. In this episode, we discuss: the power of Demeter and Persephone’s story for mothers (and all parents) of children struggling with substanceswhy it’s so difficult for parents to accept that they are going through trauma as wellfinding the focus and willingness to care for our own well-being in chaotic timesthe burden Ann was unknowingly placing on her daughter and how she changed herselfhow the immense growth and change (of both Ann and her daughter) during recovery has led to a richer, more fulfilling relationshipEPISODE RESOURCES: Craving Spring, A mother’s quest, a daughter’s depression, and the Greek myth that brought them together (buy here)This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: The time period of recovery between a treatment program and responsible, independent living is an incredibly tricky one to navigate. My guest today says this is especially true in New York City, where marijuana smoke drifts down streets lined with thousands of alluring bars. After her son’s overdose death in 2014, Eve Goldberg founded BigVision, a recovery peer community in NYC that provides a social club of sober young people looking to separate themselves from temptations that permeate every corner of the city.  Whether it’s with basketball tournaments, go-karting, half marathons, or trapeze classes, BigVision creates a cool, supportive social network for young adults in all stages of recovery. In this episode, Eve and I discuss: Our culture’s saturation with alcohol – even in athleticsHow the stigma surrounding recovery made it hard to find a space for BigVision’s new headquarters and activitiesThe difference between therapy and therapeutic funEPISODE RESOURCES: BigVision NYC_______________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: For parents who are on a roller coaster ride with their kids who misuse drugs and alcohol and struggle with mental health, recovery can sometimes feel like an elusive dream.  ⁠ So, after 187 episodes where I've talked with experts, people in recovery, parents, siblings, and my son who's in recovery, I wanted to distill down 10 of the top eye-opening recovery insights I've gathered on this journey. ⁠I also share related episodes for these so you can dive deeper into the ones that resonate most.  ⁠ If you're looking for ways to stay positive and hopeful or wondering how to be helpful as your child is in the early stages of recovery, this is your episode. EPISODE RESOURCES: Download the episode cheat sheet for a list of the 10 eye-openers and related podcast episodes (click here to download)This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Among the red rock cliffs of Sedona, a group of young adults sit together in the Arizona sun, meditating with their roshi - a master instructor in zen tradition. Many of the students have already been through wilderness therapy or other recovery programs. They reside at nearby Red Mountain Sedona, an independent living program where they’re learning how to integrate, alongside more traditional therapies, mindfulness practices to create a healthy, productive, and sustainable substance-free life. My guest today is the founder of Red Mountain, Josh White, who is also a clinical mental health counselor, certified group psychotherapist, and second-ranking practitioner of Ten-Chi kenpo in the world.  In this episode, we discuss the incredible power that meditation and mindfulness practice can give young people in recovery - stepping outside cravings and impulses, observing them, interrogating them, and allowing them to pass. This conversation will also be my first foray into the issue of eating disorders, which Josh will place in the overall context of addiction.  Over the course of this discussion, we’ll talk about: How we build the muscles of mindfulnessHow young people today respond to the concept of using mindfulness in their quest for recovery from substance misuseThe difference between meditation and mindfulness, and their individual roles in recoveryHow the isolation of covid and social media are affecting eating disorders and body issues in young peopleEPISODE RESOURCES: Red Mountain SedonaThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Recovery Golden Nuggets episode. I’m sharing a curated collection of some of my favorite interview clips with people in recovery to celebrate National Recovery Month.  All of these guests have been to the darkest places –  jail, suicide attempts, overdoses. And yet, all have completely changed their lives, with several now working to help others in the field of recovery. Their direct, personal experience with addiction gives them insight and perspective that can’t be found without it. The collection is inspirational to those working toward their own recovery but also for those seeking to understand and support the recovery of loved ones. These excerpts represent hours of inspiring interviews; some will make you want to go back and listen to the original episodes. To make it easy, I’m putting links to each episode in the show notes. If you need a dose of hope, join us as we look back over the last four years of Hopestream. EPISODE RESOURCES: Guests from this episode and their original episode: Adam Sud - episode 177Jeremy Melloul - episode 90 & 133Mark LaPalme - episode 128Mark Pepper - episode 76Rebekah Mutch - episode 113_________________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: For years, listeners of Hopestream have heard stories about my own family’s experiences with substance misuse and recovery. Today, after 184 episodes, I’m thrilled to finally introduce you to my son, Enzo.  I’m inspired by how he’s built a meaningful life free of substance misuse and for the time and energy he now dedicates to helping kids struggling with their own path to recovery. This is a conversation between two people who did (mostly) everything wrong but now spend our lives trying to help others meet these challenges more prepared than we were. For this conversation, I tried my best to step outside the situation I was so intimately involved in – all the confusion, anger, and fear – and talk to Enzo like any other guest. During the conversation, we discuss: The early influences of divorce and Enzo’s shifting friend group on his eventual high-risk lifestyle and substance useWhy it’s always hard to answer what treatment program “worked” for himWhat Enzo was (and wasn’t) thinking about during his addictionThe consistent characteristics he sees in kids in treatment, and how he connects with themEnzo’s near-fatal overdoses and the intense medical recovery that followedWhy it’s so important to spend judgment-free time with kids caught up in substance useThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: I’ve been reminded of something over the past few months: Stories of hope are all around us, even if we don’t hear them. Just last week, I got to speak to my coworker from a former life, Steve Andrews, whose son had a frightening brush with death during the throes of his substance abuse. Both Steve and his son are now living fulfilling lives, and Steve himself has become the caretaker of our men’s community, The Woods. Since then, I was also contacted by today’s guest, Matt Elliott, a client of mine from my life in the corporate world. Until he got in touch, I hadn’t seen or spoken to Matt in five years. I had no idea that he had his own recovery story to share. In this episode, we talk about the traumas Matt put his family through as a young man, the role substances played in his perception of his own value as a human being, how his recovery played out, and what his younger self needed to hear at the time.  This National Recovery Month, it’s worth pausing to reflect on just how many families we interact with daily who’ve endured substance use in their families – and how many come out the other side stronger, wiser and more compassionate. _________________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Today, I have the privilege of introducing the new host of The Woods, our community specifically for dads, stepdads, and male co-parents. After Steve Andrews and his wife got sober through Alcoholics Anonymous as a young couple, their sons never saw them drink or use substances. They warned their kids of the alcoholism and mental health issues on both sides of the family, but when one of them began misusing DXM, Kratom, alcohol, and marijuana in middle school, the couple found themselves in an increasingly volatile situation. Meanwhile, Steve was also trying to maintain a stressful and demanding work life at the office – with me! Yes, Steve and I worked at the same ad agency while our families dealt with the chaos of substance misuse. We found in each other what Hopestream Community provides to all its members: the company of someone who truly understands what you’re going through. Steve is now a practicing therapist, and today we welcome him as host of The Woods with a discussion that includes: The frightening story of Steve’s son losing control – and how he moved into recoveryProof that there is no “one size fits all” way for our kids to find recoveryHow Steve’s new position with The Woods brings full circle yet another personal story of hopeHow a child with substance issues affects work-life perspective and experienceHow we can take accountability for our actions without falling into the “it’s-all-my-fault” trapEPISODE RESOURCES: Steve’s website______________________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When you have a complex child, all your conversations and relationships might feel more strained. If you're like me, you sometimes find yourself at a complete loss for words and struggle with how to diffuse or launch your communication in a helpful and productive way. If this sounds like you, you're in luck as I'm sharing ten very simple and highly effective phrases you can use when you're stuck for words or your words aren't currently working. And to make it even easier, there's a PDF in the show notes you can download free, so you've got these ten phrases handy when you need them. EPISODE RESOURCES: Episode 182 Cheat Sheet: click to download__________________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Sometimes you can gain a different understanding of things by looking at them through a new lens. Today's bite-size episode does that for you as the parent of a young person who struggle with substances - in the form of a short story. You'll hear about a restaurant owner and her strange, secret menu. And for those who eat from it, it can provide benefits and gifts not available anywhere else. It's one you may want to single-task for to absorb the full meaning. Created with love and compassion by me, just for you.  ______________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Every once in a while, I have the opportunity to speak with parents whose experiences are a perfect case study of why Hopestream Community exists. This episode with Eleanor and Dave is one of those conversations – especially for those of you with kids who are young adults living outside the home. Eleanor and Dave raised their two children in Silicon Valley, where they had a nice house, a beautiful community, and access to California's best schools. But as many parents recognize, economic stability is not necessarily a shield against substance misuse.   In the span of one short year, Eleanor and Dave watched their daughter spiral from a university student to homeless, living in her car and using fentanyl regularly. After a brief period of denial about the seriousness of her situation, the couple was  forced to accept the reality in front of them. The hard work that followed should be held up as an example of what to do right, and that’s why I’m speaking with them today. You'll hear how Eleanor and Dave implemented many of the tools and strategies we talk about frequently in Hopestream Community – creating supportive boundaries, rooting actions in love and empathy, implementing strategies from The Invitation to Change Approach, performing loving, family-based interventions, and so much more. EPISODE RESOURCES: Book: Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People ChangeThe Beyond Addiction Workbook for Family and Friends________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: In this coaching episode we reconnect with Stream member Alice who I spoke to 18 months ago, when her son was in the worst of his substance misuse. And what incredible growth and development her family has seen since then!   After wilderness and a therapeutic boarding school, Alice’s son is now an 18-year-old holding down a heavy load including work, volunteering and school in sober living. But the everyday things that Alice used to do for him at home – laundry, groceries, appointments, picking up prescriptions – are starting to create a level of stress that is no longer buffered by substances. Alice learned a lot over the past 18 months about natural consequences and setting boundaries, but now that her son is well on his way to full recovery, she can’t help but want to jump in and help maintain everything he’s worked for. How much should she get involved?  Should her boundaries shift? And how much should he participate in drawing those boundaries? EPISODE RESOURCES: Telos (Therapeutic Boarding School)This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Today we tackle the difficult topic of shame and how it can affect our entire families.  As parents of kids who are misusing drugs or alcohol, it’s common to experience a profound sense of failure or guilt when their lives begin to spin out of control. And as today’s guest says, “How could you not?”  For many of us, it can seem like our kids are entirely different than the people we raised.  As a substance use disorder progresses, they may engage in ugly behaviors like lying, cheating, or stealing that are contrary to everything we taught them.  It’s not hard to understand why that often leads to a sense of shame in parents. On this episode, I’m joined by Patrick Hawkins, founder of Triple Divide Lodge, a 90-day program that combines residential treatment and adventure therapy for young men ages 14-19.  Patrick’s wealth of experience helps us work through these family dynamics of shame and how they affect not just our kids but us as well. You'll hear: How “spontaneous rationalizations” trump unidentified and unresolved feelings in our kidsHow those feelings pile up over time into chronic emotional distress, which is often used as a subconscious justification for continuing their substance useWhy kids are truly unaware that the problem is addiction, and why that should alleviate so much of the guilt we may feelWhy turning our child into our parental report card leads to emotionally driven behavior – and why that’s rarely goodEPISODE RESOURCES: Triple Divide LodgeThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When I heard today’s guest on another (seemingly unrelated) podcast, I immediately wanted to bring his wisdom and perspective to the listeners of Hopestream.  After years of stimulant and other substance abuse, Adam Sud tried to take his own life with an overdose - which thankfully failed. In the decade that followed that pivotal event, he became a behavioral wellness nutrition expert, international speaker, and the founder and CEO of a nonprofit that studies how nutrition impacts mental health and addiction. I began this interview wanting to bring you a conversation more specifically about food and nutrition, but once we got started, it was clear that Adam had SO MUCH MORE to share – about the core motivations and behaviors connected to substance misuse.  He’s full of truths that are sometimes hard to hear but are invaluable to help parents understand what their kids are going through, how to be an active part of their recovery, and, importantly, how not to sabotage it. This episode is long, but that’s because it’s full of gems that I couldn’t bury in the editing room. Over the course of this conversation, we discuss: Why we must understand how it “makes perfect sense” to misuse drugs and alcohol The evolutionary programming that leaves humans susceptible to addictionWhy we should never ask, “Why won’t you stop?” and what to ask insteadHow food both fueled and healed Adam’s addictive patternsHow the notion of willpower has become a trapWhy Adam believes the word “recovery” shouldn’t be defined as “an absence of substances”EPISODE RESOURCES: INFINITE Study about the benefits of a plant-based diet in addiction recoveryAdam Sud's websiteRip Esselstyn, PlantStrongDoug Lisle, Ph.D., Author, The Pleasure TrapDoug Lisle, Ph.D. Ted TalkPlant Based for Positive Change (Adam’s nonprofit organization)Johan Hari Ted Talk (Rat Park Experiment)This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Shorty episode alert 💫⁠ ⁠ Today I'm taking a break from talking about addiction, substances, mental health, all.the.things. ⁠ ⁠ Instead, I'm sharing six decisions you get to make as a parent that can help better your life when you have a child struggling with substances or finding their way to recovery.⁠ ⁠ It's a quicky that will give you a few things to consider if you feel a bit untethered or like life is controlling you vs. the other way around.⁠ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: On several occasions, Hopestream has hosted conversations about the complex intersection of substance use and other issues like anxiety, trauma, and ADD.  But there’s one convergence we haven’t yet discussed: substance use, addiction, and autism.  After searching for a trustworthy specialist, we're finally covering this topic today with neuropsychologist Dr. Brandon Park, Founder and Executive Director of New Focus Academy. In this episode, Dr. Park explains why kids with autism can find themselves especially susceptible to addictions – not just to alcohol and drugs, but also technology use and other behaviors.  Over the course of this conversation we discuss: What is neurodiversity and how does it impact teens and young adults?Indicators for undiagnosed autismWhy some kids (especially girls) are good at masking neurodivergence and how that makes them even more vulnerableWhat parents need to know if they're considering treatment for a neurodiverse childHow therapists and mental health professionals can sometimes misunderstand the experience and needs of kids with autismThe importance of working with professionals who can parse the connections between trauma, autism, substance use, and other issuesEPISODE RESOURCES: New Focus Academy WebsiteInstagram: @newfocusacademySocial Emotional Fluency Model developed by Dr. ParkThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: You might hear the term "boundaries" thrown around as you work to parent your child who's misusing drugs and alcohol - but what exactly are they, and why do you need them? Hopestream Community co-founder Cathy Cioth and I deep dive into this topic today because we see parents in our communities struggle with it constantly.  We share: What boundaries are and are notWe divulge some of our own struggles with setting and holding boundariesWhat can happen if you don't have boundaries Why Cathy called herself the "marshmallow" when it came to holding boundaries with her kidsExamples of boundaries we set with our families during our experience with our kidsIt's practical, a little humorous, and revealing in a way that may help you gain some confidence and control in what can feel like a very out-of-control situation. Please click here if you'd like to join the Hopestream Community two-hour boundaries workshop and come away with an actionable plan to make a change in your life and family. This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: In this episode, Stream advisor Dina Cannizzaro is back with me to discuss the profound lessons in the story of the Chinese farmer.  The parable applies to everyone’s lives, but it is especially relevant for those going through difficult times, as many parents in the Hopestream Community are.  Take it from two moms who have survived their child’s extreme substance misuse: you never know what good may come from tragedy and misfortune. Yes, we are acutely aware of how crazy that sounds to parents currently going through it. It certainly would have sounded crazy to us amid our children’s struggles. But take a few minutes to hear us out. In this episode, we discuss: what the radical skepticism of the Chinese farmer has to teach us about withholding judgment and letting go of what we cannot controlthe one thing we can (and should!) control in situations that often leave us feeling powerlesshow Dina’s son taught her that she had her own recovery to dothe power of a parent's “tagline”being a shining light in the dark experiences of children dealing with substance useThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: By the time Cindy learned to establish boundaries with her son Colin, he had already endured brain injuries and intubations as a result of his alcohol abuse. When Colin finally called her from jail one night, she knew that she shouldn’t bail him out despite her instincts. She expressed sympathy but didn't offer to rescue him - again. As Colin stewed in a holding cell that night, he realized his parents would no longer buffer him from the natural consequences of his actions. And he knew if he continued down his current path, his life would culminate into nothing. Since that day, Cindy and Colin have both experienced profound personal growth. Colin is now a fitness enthusiast serving as director of personal training at a gym. Cindy is an advisor in The Stream Community and personal coach to several moms. Their story gives hope that change can and does happen – and that’s what Hopestream is all about. In this episode, I talk to Cindy and Colin together about how they each experienced Colin’s addiction and the work they both had to do to move beyond it. We discuss: Cindy's go-to strategy for getting through their family's crisiswhat they each wish they had known during Colin’s addiction and recoverywhy parents must confront their own issues to have whole-family healingthe practical application of boundariesa Netflix show that helped Colin move forward and thrive in long-term recovery EPISODE RESOURCES: Tara BranchKristin NeffPartnership to End AddictionPsalm 80StutzThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: On this episode of Hopestream, the show comes full circle to its roots. My guest, Jess Kupferman, is the CEO of She Podcasts, a membership-based group of all-women podcasters that played an important role in the creation of this show.  What I didn’t know when I launched the podcast was that Jess lost her daughter to a heroin overdose at the same time I was going through our family struggles with my son. One of the most fascinating things about Jess is the way she has learned to process this trauma with a sharp sense of humor rarely seen in addiction and recovery spaces. Don’t feel bad if you laugh a few times while listening to her story, but take her advice on telling your own story seriously. On this episode Jess and I discuss: why she sometimes views her family’s struggles as great sitcom materialhow she “kinda kidnapped” her daughter from a rehab facilitythe frustrating state of recovery centers for those who suffer from other mental health issuesthe incredible benefits of an all-female podcasting communitybaby steps toward telling your own storyEPISODE RESOURCES: ShePodcastsShePodcasts PodcastThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: It's a very special Hopestream episode today in memory of a dear friend and host of The Woods Community, Bill Guy. Bill passed away June 2nd and he leaves a big gap in the world - we were fortunate to have had him as a generous and brave leader for our community in it's infancy.  Bill was on the podcast late last year and to honor his legacy of helping parents of kids with substance misuse challenges I decided to share a compilation of beautiful thoughts and insights from our previous conversation. If you want to hear the voice of someone who led by example and epitomized the approach of love, education, empathy, boundaries and self-care when your child is misusing substances, you won't find anyone more pure than Bill. This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: It's a shorty episode today, tackling the question of whether a calm approach can work when you have a child misusing substances. I share my perspective on why I believe parents often think they need to use aggressive, confrontational tactics to get their children to change and invite you into an experiment to test the theory. I then provide a four-step way to move into a CALM approach when things get heated with your child. It's a simple but effective way to have less drama and more control. This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Figuring out how to parent a teen or young adult experimenting with substances is hard enough on its own.  But if you’re like me, there’s an additional layer of confusion about how this all happened:  Didn’t we provide a stable home life for our kids?  Didn’t they have access to everything they needed?  What did I miss to prevent this? My guest today is Dr. Crystal Collier, an award-winning therapist working with adolescents and adults suffering from mental illness, behavioral problems, and substance use disorders.  But her experience is not entirely academic.  What made her so interested in recovery was her own misuse of alcohol beginning at age 12, and the difficult times that followed. After finding recovery at a young age, Crystal had the same question about herself that Hopestream Community parents often have about their own children:  How did an otherwise smart kid with a great family end up making terrible decisions about substance use? That question led to a 30-year journey of study and service, and I’m happy to share some of Crystal’s insights with you in this episode, including: How our own childhood experiences created “Family Of Origin (FOO) buttons,” and how they connect to present-day responses to our kidsThe FOO buttons we are programming into our own kids, and why they could lead to escapism, drug use, and antisocial behaviorThe pervasive myth that when parents allow drinking at home, it prevents excess “forbidden fruit” binging later onHow helicopter parenting destroys a sense of self-efficacy in young peopleEPISODE RESOURCES: Dr. Collier’s websiteDr. Collier's BooksThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: If you currently have a teen or young adult, you likely grew up in an era of marijuana liberalization and legalization. At that time, many of us learned that marijuana was not nearly as dangerous as we were led to believe by films like Reefer Madness and claims that showed our "brain on drugs.” But those studies were based on the potency of leaf material available before marijuana became a legal, multi-billion dollar industry – and the industry has radically changed. New, high-potency forms of marijuana (like shatter, wax, edibles and vape oils) are delivering regular doses of THC that are hundreds of times more powerful than the original recommendations for medical treatment. To make matters worse, they're increasingly available to middle and high school kids. My guest today is Laura Stack, founder of Johnny’s Ambassadors and a mother who lives in Colorado – ground zero for the nation’s marijuana legalization. Laura watched her son go from a straight-A student with no mental illness to marijuana-induced psychosis after obtaining his medical marijuana card. He eventually, tragically, took his own life. Laura now travels the country speaking frankly with high school students about what the frightening new science says about young people and high-potency THC extracts. In this interview, we discuss: Why parents are sometimes less concerned when their children try marijuana Why old studies showing the medicinal benefits of marijuana are often irrelevant in the world of concentratesNew science surrounding the use of concentrates and their connection to marijuana-induced psychosisHow parents can help spread the word through Johnny's AmbassadorsEPISODE RESOURCES: Johnny’s Ambassadors Parents of Children with Cannabis-Induced Psychosis (POCCIP) support group Video library of THC research and presentationsPartnership to End Addiction Marijuana Talk Kit - how to talk to your child about marijuanaThe Link Between Youth Marijuana Use and Suicidality - researchFrequently Asked Questions about today’s marijuanaThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: It's Mother's Day and for those with kids who struggle, or who lost their struggle, it can be hard. It can also be joyous and amazing, kind of a mixed bag. So this is your Mother's Day card from me. Sending so much love your way. This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Parents often don’t realize they’re deeply and unhealthfully embedded in their child’s life- especially when that child struggles with their relationship to substances. The official term for this dysfunction is called enmeshment, but since Cathy and I aren’t therapists, we liken it to back-pocket parenting. If you find yourself intertwined in your child’s life to the degree that they’re not doing age-appropriate things for themselves, or you don’t know where they end and you begin, this is your episode. We talk about what enmeshment looks like, examples of our own relationships, the impact it has on a teen or young adult, and ideas for how to start to disentangle from your child using boundaries and natural consequences (and a good therapist!) EPISODE RESOURCES: AutoCamp (The Stream Spring retreat venue)This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Jessica Lahey has been surrounded by addiction her whole life. As a person now in long-term recovery, she grew up around alcoholism, came to her own reckoning with dinking, has taught every grade from 6-12, worked with adolescents in residential treatment, and written two New York Times best-selling books, The Gift of Failure and The Addiction Inoculation.  Jessica’s books are a gift to parents looking for ways to set their kids up for the best possible outcome regarding substances and the ability to navigate life independently as they progress through high school and their young adulthood. You’ll hear how Jessica went from being adamantly against substance use to realizing she had a serious drinking problem, why she wants parents to focus on progress, not product, why allowing our kids to struggle truly is a gift, and explains the data behind the mantra, “delay, delay, delay.” It’s appointment listening, even if your child is already down the path of misusing substances. You’ll gain so much from this frank and encouraging conversation. EPISODE RESOURCES: How To Raise An AdultNever EnoughI’ve Taught MonstersOn Being 40ishNadine Burke Harris - The Deepest WellDifferently WiredTilt Parenting podcastQuiet, Susan CainJessica’s Parent Teacher Conference NYT Column#AmWriting podcastThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When voters in Colorado legalized marijuana in the year 2000, they did so with good intentions: as compassionate health care for people with serious conditions.  After all, the FDA was approving THC-based medicines like marinol at doses of 20mg.   Then concentrates hit the market. In Colorado today, an 18-year-old with a medical marijuana card can legally purchase more than 50 times the daily dose of THC originally prescribed as medicine.  And my guest for this episode, Dr. Libby Stuyt, says she is seeing the consequences. Dr. Stuyt is a board-certified addiction psychiatrist, and has worked in the addiction and behavioral health field for more than 30 years.  Most of that time was spent as medical director at a Colorado inpatient program for people who had failed to progress through other treatments.  She has seen it all. In this episode Dr. Stuyt explains how we are gaining new understanding of the potential dangers of high-potency marijuana products, especially for adolescents.  We discuss: How the market transformed from well-intentioned medicine to a THC free-for-allWhat parents need to understand before they ask, “Where would my kid even get marijuana?”Why edibles can be more dangerous than smokingWhat we’ve learned about the connection between adolescent marijuana use and opiatesSome of the most frightening problems associated with heavy users of concentrates, including rapid-onset addiction, IQ-loss, psychosis, and hyperemesisEPISODE RESOURCES: INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY ON THE SCIENCE AND IMPACT OF CANNABISJohnny’s AmbassadorsThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: It’s nearly impossible for our kids to see us as anything but authority figures.  And, of course, we are.  We want to protect them from the world and sometimes even from the consequences of their own actions.  But teens and young adults struggling with substance misuse often need a different kind of relationship to accept responsibility for their actions and explore their behavior's roots. My guest for this episode is Dr. Wes Robins, founder and CEO of Eternal Strength, which focuses on what he calls “radical youth work”.  This work breaks down the perception of counselors or therapists as authority figures, focusing on relationships rather than behavior modification.  Over the course of his life, Wes has progressed from his own addiction to cocaine and methamphetamine to a doctoral thesis in Consciousness and Society, making him a unique lens through which to view teens and young adults in recovery.  On this episode we discuss: Why parents should shift their energies from behavioral control to support with boundaries and self-careWhy recognizing the sovereignty and responsibility of teens and young adults is key to helping them open upHow Wes builds mutual respect with young adults that sidesteps a hierarchical relationship – and why it’s so difficult for parents.You can learn more about Eternal Strength here: https://www.eternalstrengthatl.com/ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: You’ve probably heard me (and many of my guests) talk about letting go of the idea that you can control your teen or young adult child.  This is so hard to do, for obvious reasons, and parents who struggle with this have some valid questions:  Isn’t it our job to protect our kids at all costs? If I stop confronting these problems, isn’t that just avoidance? How is this different from just giving up? My guest today says that these questions miss an important paradox: The more we let go of controlling behavior (which often doesn’t work anyway), the more opportunity we have to gain real influence – especially with skills like Motivational Interviewing. Dr. Emily Kline received her Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, following up with clinical and post-doc training at Harvard Medical School.  She has presented to audiences all over the world on the topics of mental health and interpersonal communication. Her new book and (free!) E-course is titled The School of Hard Talks. I’ve been seeing Emily’s name everywhere lately and I’m excited to finally bring you this conversation, in which we discuss: How Motivational Interviewing can help us give up control in exchange for influenceOne big reason adolescents and young adults can be self-destructiveSome go-to phrases to facilitate low-conflict discussion and relationship buildingEPISODE RESOURCES: School of Hard Talks online e-courseThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: In today’s episode, I announce some big news for my organization and also share the question I've come to believe parents really need to ask to help their kids heal and move away from misusing substances. This question is hard to ask and many parents don't want to go there, but it's necessary and doable with the right support. I share what parents see "above the iceberg" and why that's only part of a big picture they need to have visibility to. It's a short but important message you'll want to hear if you're confounded by your child's unhealthy relationship with drugs, alcohol, or anything else that's taking away from their health and wellbeing. EPISODE RESOURCES: Hopestream Community - our new nonprofit organization to support parentsEpisodes mentioned: #131 with Dr. Gabor Maté, #56 with Hope Payson and Daryl McGraw, #104 with Steve SawyerThe Wisdom of Trauma documentary with Dr. Gabor MatéUprooting Addiction documentary with Hope PaysonPediatric ACEs and Related Life Events Screener (PEARLS) - for parentsThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Teen girls and young women are experiencing unprecedented spikes in anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. There are differing opinions about what’s driving this surge, but nearly everyone agrees it’s happening. These young women often struggle with their identity and role in the world, manifesting a wide range of unproductive behaviors: withdrawal, avoidance, manipulation, and misuse of substances. And of course, substance misuse complicates every problem even further. My guest is Greg Ostler, Clinical Director at Skyterra Young Adult Wellness Retreat. Greg says young women in recovery often don’t have environments conducive to learning healthy routines, essential skills, and the importance of self-care. Skyterra couples this kind of practical knowledge with communication and conflict resolution skills that allow young women to transition into healthy, responsible adulthood.  In this interview, we talk about: The five pillars of lifestyle habits that help young adults thrive“Adultolescence”, and why 18 is just a numberWhy it can be helpful to “blow things up” at timesWhy it’s okay to admit you don’t know what to doThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: At the time Julie’s teenage son began misusing drugs, she had been a clinical psychologist specializing in addiction for more than 15 years. In her own words: “I know most of what there is to know, and we’re still here anyway. How did that happen?” After working with families in the area of addiction for years, Julie was now one of “those parents.” This personal experience layered onto her academic expertise gives her a unique, holistic perspective that can benefit us all.  Join us for this incredibly vulnerable and enlightening conversation, where we discuss: the difference between an intellectual understanding of substance misuse and the emotional, first-person experiencewhy Julie was resistant to wilderness therapy – and why she’s glad she tried itand how to react when it seems like C.R.A.F.T. tools “aren’t working”This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Having a child who misuses drugs or alcohol can look very different for all of us – especially for children of different ages.  For parents of kids who are still living at home, the responsibilities and realities are simply not the same as parents whose children are young adults, living on their own outside the home. In today’s coaching episode, my guest Tracey tells us how her 26-year-old son finally accepted treatment just a few months ago, after more than a decade of alcohol misuse.  Tracey is still learning how to strike that balance between support and control, and how to let go of the downward spiral of anxiety about her son’s relapse that, I’m sure, so many of us can relate to. In this episode we discuss: how Tracey finally came to understand why her son began drinking so many years agohow she has made so much progress toward her goal of relinquishing control of her son’s life, and what she might still do to improveand a few tips and tricks to staying grounded – from a “letter of resignation” to ice cube handlingEPISODE RESOURCES: Aware RecoveryCare (in-home detox services)This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: I’m always happy to share testimony from individuals in recovery. Their stories can give hope and perspective to families of young people currently working through substance misuse and treatment. The stories I’ve previously shared have almost always been from people in recovery for a decade or more. Those interviews are, of course, valuable, but they’ve also been conducted in distant hindsight of the experiences that many families listening to this podcast are going through today. In this episode, I’m speaking with Spencer, a 22-year-old who is now one year in recovery, has a full-time job, and maintains a healthy relationship with his family. Spencer began experimenting with alcohol and marijuana at age 14, eventually moving on to regular doses of hallucinogens that began to disconnect him from reality. His journey includes adolescent treatment, multiple relapses, homelessness, drug-induced psychosis and now, a new life. His experiences with drugs, alcohol and treatment are not only fresh in his memory but also unfiltered and, at times, raw. Join us as Spencer bravely offers a fresh perspective that may illuminate important aspects of your own child’s struggles and successes. EPISODE RESOURCES: Benchmark TransitionsFind an AA or NA meetingThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: In this episode, I share the reason behind my passion for helping parents navigate this stressful season of life and share eight important, free, and available ways of being that will help your child become more motivated to change their relationship with substances. I spend a lot of time talking with professional experts and parent-experts - those of you living with and parenting young people who misuse substances. I recently took some time to reverse-engineer the things I've heard consistently that helped make the experience better and that have helped kids move faster through this period in life. What I found in the process were eight nuggets of wisdom and insight that you can start implementing today - and we need to act quickly because our young people are dying at an unprecedented rate.  As a precursor to the eight insights, I share recent statistics about teenage overdose deaths in the U.S. to emphasize why I'm so passionate about bringing parents more tools, skills, and knowledge when their child misuses substances. EPISODE RESOURCES: Teen overdose statisticsHopestream podcast episodes mentioned: #3, #136, #151, #17Center for Motivation and ChangeBeyond Addiction, How Science and Kindness Help People ChangeThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: For many parents, having their teen or young adult child undergo psychological evaluation can feel incredibly stressful. They worry that even talking to their son or daughter about the process can make it seem like they think their child is broken, or maybe even that they're crazy. When my son entered wilderness therapy, I'd never even heard of psychological evaluations - so I never knew it could have been a tool to provide insight into his challenges and strengths.  And for parents taking a “wait-and-see” approach to addressing their child’s behavior, these evaluations can be beneficial to get a thorough and professional assessment of your child’s psychological strengths, weaknesses, and specific needs. This information can be critical and directive when you're making treatment decisions. My guest today is Dr. Alison LaFollette, a psychologist based in Salt Lake City with over a decade of experience conducting psychological and neuropsychological assessments. The last seven years of her career have involved working with young people in residential treatment programs, therapeutic boarding schools, and wilderness therapy programs. Given her extensive education and experience, she has a lot to share with us about how evaluations can benefit families with young people who struggle with substances and mental health. In this episode, Alison and I discuss: Myths and misperceptions about psychological assessmentWho’s qualified to conduct these assessments, and who isn’t Ideas for approaching your child about doing an evaluationHow test results can be used to direct treatment optionsEPISODE RESOURCES: Alison LaFollette's website: lifeelevatedpsychological.com Hopestream podcast episode 79 with Virginia Holleman on insurance for behavioral healthcare coverageThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: The experience of parenting a child in, or transitioning out of, treatment almost always feels like uncharted territory. And for each of us as individuals, it usually is. But what if there was a way to zoom out and find patterns within thousands of family experiences? With that insight, we might even be able to predict situations we find ourselves in and prepare appropriately.   My guests today have done just that.  Hillary Moses and Jen Murphy have a combined 40 years of experience working with kids in treatment and their families.  They are co-owners of Solutions Parenting Support, and authors of the new book H.O.M.E.: Strategies for making home a SUCCESS, during and after treatment. H.O.M.E. is not just a guidebook to chart the territory you’re in or heading toward. It’s also an thoughtful model to sustain personal growth during an incredibly difficult time. In this conversation we cover: behavior patterns of kids in recoverya simple model to apply when you're faced with a situation you don't know how to handlenavigating boundaries and self-ownership for kids 18+and how the self-assessment questions provided by the H.O.M.E. model can keep us grounded and in control.EPISODE RESOURCES: Solutions Parenting SupportThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: A common feeling parents express when they have a child struggling with substance misuse or addiction is helplessness. It feels as though day-to-day events whiplash you around, and there's nothing you can do to help create stability or calm - let alone encourage your child to accept help.  The good news is there are ways to wield great influence in your home, with your child who struggles, and in your relationships in general. In this candid conversation with my business partner Cathy, we talk about how parents can begin to take back some control and positively influence what's happening. It's empowering and uplifting, and we go on a tangent or two, as usual when we're talking to each other. You'll hear: why we shouldn't wait till everything is "right" to enjoy our kids and life in generalwhy it's totally normal to feel knocked over when your child is misusing substanceswhen is the worst time to engage with your childour point of view on rock bottoma spolier alert if you're using the yell, blame, punish, restrict approachthoughts on kids who "just" use marijuana and harm reductionwhy Cathy wants you to go to a marijuana dispensarywhat you're 100% in control ofEPISODE RESOURCES: Huberman Labs Podcast on the effects of cannabis and marijuana on the brain and bodyThe Marijuana episode on Hopestream with Dr. Nzinga HarrisonStages of Change podcast episode on HopestreamTwo Sparrows in a Hurricane - Tanya TuckerResearch on parent’s influence: According to Marlowe et al. (1996), substance abusers reported that family members exerted substantially more influence over their decision to enter treatment than other sources of influence, including legal pressures exerted by court-mandated treatment. Research has also shown that family members and significant others can be important resources in treating drug abuse (Azrin, 1976; Garrett et al., 1997; McGillicuddy, Rychtarik, Duquette, & Morsheimer, 2001; O'Farrell & Fals-Stewart, 2003; Sisson & Azrin, 1986; Szapocznik, Kurtines, Foote, Perez-Vidal, & Hervis, 1983; Thomas & Santa, 1982).   This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Sometimes, parents seeking guidance and comfort during difficult times are told to “choose happiness”.  My guest today believes instead, we should be choosing joy. Alex Stavros is the CEO of Embark Behavioral Health, a leading network of premiere youth outpatient centers and residential programs.  Their “big hairy audacious goal” is driving down youth anxiety, depression, and suicide from the all-time highs of today to all-time lows by 2028. In addition to his decade of work with Embark, Alex brings some unique personal experiences to the conversation.  As a child, his family uprooted their lives in Minnesota to serve people living in abject poverty in the slums of Peru.  This upbringing has given him some much-needed perspective on happiness, joy, and how each applies to the lives of families struggling with substance misuse issues. In this episode, we discuss: the difference between happiness and joy - and why it matters to parents in particularhow Embark is using this concept to change livesand the three major challenges to fixing the nation’s mental health crisisEPISODE RESOURCES: Embark Behavioral HealthThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: If you’re here listening to Hopestream, you probably know that working through substance misuse can take a heavy toll on family relationships.  Even after a child achieves sobriety, family dynamics are sometimes still disrupted by  the intensely  emotional process everyone has been through. In this coaching episode, I’ll meet Alana, a Stream Community parent whose oldest daughter is now 11 months sober.  Alana has watched her struggle — especially during the first two years of COVID — with devastating  bouts of depression and anxiety, which have twice been made worse by personal traumas. Alana is optimistic about her daughter’s sobriety, but she’s  still navigating those mental health issues. She wants her to be stable and independent but can’t seem to stop trying to “fix” her daughter’s life with a never-ending to-do list and nagging. In this episode, Alana and I work through: How she can encourage  good, sober choices by her daughter - without nagging herRecognizing progress and the importance of positive reinforcement how self-care changes the way our children see usand what I did wrong that pushed my son to continue his substance use This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Numerous studies show that adopted children are significantly more likely to develop substance use disorders. Is this true? If so, why? And how can parents of adopted children support and guide them through those tendencies? Today I’m speaking with Eric Fawson. Eric has been practicing therapy for more than 15 years, focusing on attachment, trauma, and the substance misuse that often accompanies these issues. He has served as a Clinical Director and is currently a therapist at Elements Wilderness. Eric was also adopted at birth and has worked with countless adoptees, making him particularly qualified to talk about the unique challenges facing adoptive parents. In this discussion, we’ll be exploring: why adopted children may struggle with addictionhow parents’ state of mind can affect discussions about substance useand why it’s so important to be part of a community that understands what you’re going through as a parent with a child experimenting with or misusing substancesEPISODE RESOURCES: TCA - Therapeutic Consulting Assoc. IECA - Independent Educational Consultants Assoc. Allkindsoftherapy.comBooks: 20 Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew (Sherrie Eldridge )The Primal Wound (Nancy Newton Verrier)Being Adopted (Amy Wilkerson Lcsw)The Family of Adoption (Joyce Maguire Pavao)This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Today I'm going to share from my heart some things I've been thinking about which haven't really seemed to fit into any other episode.  I decided to bump the show I had planned as the first in Season Four of Hopestream to share a few heartfelt thoughts with you as we head into a new year.⁠ ⁠ You'll learn what I really want, more than anything, and why. You'll also learn something you don't get to do while you're in a very difficult season with your son or daughter.⁠ It's short, real, and a bit of a pep talk/love letter just for you. This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: In this compilation of 12 impactful episodes, you'll hear from:  Dr. Anna Lembke, Carrie Wilkens, Ph.D., Dina Cannizzaro, Dr. Brad Reedy, Cathy Cioth, Steve Sawyer, Dr. Gabor Maté, Mark LaPalme, Rebekah Mutch, Andy Goldstrom, Bill Guy and Anne Moss Rogers. It's that time of year! This episode has become an annual tradition here at Hopestream, where I open up the vault from 2022, reflect on the year, over 50 episodes, so many guests, and pluck out a few of the golden nuggets that were shared. It’s ridiculously hard because it feels like I’m picking my favorite children, but it’s meaningful in that I see common threads and themes that emerge through the various conversations. EPISODE RESOURCES: Dr. Anna Lembke - episode 110, Dr. Carrie Wilkens - episode 143Dina Cannizzaro - episode 138Dr. Brad Reedy - episode 101Cathy Cioth - episode 130Steve Sawyer - episode 104Dr. Gabor Maté - episode 131Mark LaPalme - episode 128Rebekah Mutch - episode 113Andy Goldstrom - episode 95Bill Guy - episode 137Anne Moss Rogers - episode 141This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: When your son or daughter has been struggling with mental health or misusing substances for any period of time, it can be hard to recall who they are without the external influence of those substances, screens, or social media. Let alone remember who they are when they get consistent sleep, good nutrition, and regular outdoor exercise. A benefit of residential therapeutic environments is that they help re-discover your son or daughter’s behavioral and mental health baseline and identify what resources will impact lasting change most.  In this episode, I’m talking with the founder of Pure Life Adventure Therapy, Andrew Taylor. He shares how Adventure Therapy is different from Wilderness Therapy and how it specifically supports young adults who are experiencing isolation, anxiety, and depression. While it’s not designed to support young people in active addiction or those who are newly sober, it’s a powerful combination of nature, fun, and deep therapy. It’s a way for young adults to learn first-hand how to develop resilience for the challenges of everyday life.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  The impact of nature on the brain and nervous systemWho Adventure Therapy is good for and who isn’t a good matchThe difference between “acting in” versus “acting out” and what to watch forHow to engage a son or daughter who is regularly wearing the mask of, “I’m fine!”Why we need to be affirming of emotions and challenge our kids to exercise grit and resilience at the same timeEPISODE RESOURCES: Pure Life Costa RicaOctagon MentoringYour Brain on Nature (book)The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative (book) This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: If your son or daughter has been to residential treatment or Wilderness Therapy, you may have considered asking (begging?) a staff member to come home with them to help with the transition.   Thankfully, I was able to sit down with two experts who specialize in supporting parents during this vulnerable time-Jen Murphy and Hilary Moses of Solutions Parenting Support.   You’ll hear why it can be easy to think “all is lost” when the tools you’ve gained during treatment feel challenging to implement in a new setting. You’ll discover why the “container” of treatment is so effective and how you can borrow from what worked well and embrace the bumpy ride to lasting change. Jen and Hilary also share about their new book, “HOME” which will be available in February 2023!   In this episode, you’ll learn The different traps parents fall into when they’re preparing to lose the “container” of support like residential treatment or Wilderness TherapyWhat to do when your child has zero positive influences back at homeHow to be cautiously optimistic about your son or daughter and not encourage a performance mentality to gain trustWhy it’s important to consider when you need to be a parent versus when you need to be a mom or dad, and what the difference isEPISODE RESOURCES: Solutions Parenting SupportSign up here to get pre-release book snippets and launch detailsThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: If you’ve been around here long, you know that nurturing the connection in your relationship with your son or daughter is the top priority as we support a path to recovery. But trying to stay level-headed when our kids are lying, pushing boundaries, or just deflecting and distracting from the issue at hand is challenging.  This week on the podcast, I have the honor of sitting down with Ellen, a mom, and member of The Stream Community. Her son is about to turn eighteen, has relapsed in the last few months, and has significant mental health challenges. Ellen shares her frustration with feeling a lack of respect from her son and is lacking confidence in her decision-making. Together, we explore how the exercise of beginning with a value can drive confidence and peace into the way she communicates and holds boundaries with her son in the future. There’s so much to relate to here, and I know you’ll find encouragement as you listen.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  How the pandemic and a gap in resources and support continue to impact so many young people struggling with mental healthWhy the stress of second-guessing your parenting decisions can impact other areas of your lifeHow to take a personal inventory of your values before establishing rules or expectationsThe way Ellen holds to her values and embraces her son’s limitations at the same timeHow even amid a hard season, Ellen is still finding creative and healthy ways to connect with her son This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: In this episode with my right-hand woman, business partner, and all-around inspiring mom Cathy Cioth, we dive into the harsh reality that life with a child who's experimenting with or actively addicted to substances doesn't look like the pictures we had in mind when they were little. As parents, we do a disservice to our kids when we intentionally or subconsciously layer expectations on them around who they should be, how they should be, what they should accomplish, and what we think they should want. We might project onto them things we experienced in our own family growing up, and Cathy and I dig into why it's sometimes easier to focus on our kids than on ourselves. We share personal experiences from our family's journeys and, of course, go on a tangent or two along the way. We address the very real grief that comes with life looking far different than we'd anticipated and share insightful solutions for navigating it all. EPISODE RESOURCES: Episode 130: Nine things we never talk about when our kids misuse drugs or alcohol This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: With well over a hundred episodes on Hopestream, I couldn’t believe we haven’t talked about the very common link between substance use and suicide rates. Since it was time, I’m honored to introduce you to mother, author, and mental health advocate, Anne Moss Rogers. She courageously shares her story of the loss of her son to suicide in hopes of spurring more honest conversations before it’s too late for other families.  While this is another topic that’s messy and difficult to navigate, Anne Moss reminds us that patience and curiosity are the best tools we have for exposing the root of our kids’ pain. You’ll also hear practical ways to recognize signs that your child needs to talk about suicide and ways to work through what can be an overwhelming fear. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why Anne Moss left a corporate career she was highly passionate about to pursue advocacy for suicide prevention full timeWhether talking about suicide plants seeds in a person’s mind about killing themselvesHow her son Charles' battle with mental health showed up in the beginning and how it progressedThe connection between self-harming behavior and suicide ideationHow Anne Moss had to navigate her son’s immediate relapse after going to treatmentThe red flags to look for if someone you love is contemplating suicideWhat you can do if your son or daughter avoids engaging this topic with youEPISODE RESOURCES: Anne Moss Rodgers:The Emotionally Naked SpeakerNAMI Virginia Board MemberBlog: EmotionallyNaked.comSpeaker Site: AnneMossRogers.com, My 6-minute TEDxDiary of a Broken Mind: A Mother's Story, A Son's Suicide and the Haunting Lyrics He Left Behind (book)Emotionally Naked. A Teacher’s Guide to Preventing Suicide and Recognizing Students at Risk (book)Free Tools: Free Self-Harm Safety BoxCrisis Text Line: 741-741Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988Suicide Prevention: WebsiteThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Today I dive into a key component of encouraging more positive behavior through the use of consequences.  You probably already know consequences can be confusing and hard to get right when your child is misusing substances and struggles with mental health issues. They're sometimes hard to be consistent with, and often backfire. Chapter 11 in the book Beyond Addiction is the base for the information shared in this episode and outlines four ways you can go about using consequences with your son or daughter - however, only three are recommended. It's a snack-sized lesson on a really confusing topic, so lace up for a quick walk or hop in the car and listen in to get some practical strategies you can start using today. EPISODE RESOURCES: Australian Dollar and British Pound payment accepted for membership: The StreamDina Cannizzaro on Hopestream episode 138This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Friday, Saturday, Sunday. If you’re a parent of a child misusing drugs or alcohol, you know why these three days can send you into a tailspin. The free time and lack of structure mean our kids will likely find themselves in risky situations. In this coaching episode, I met with Marie- a Stream Member who booked this last-minute session with me on a Friday, which told me something was brewing.  Marie has a son who has experienced trauma and struggled with substances and has been attending a therapeutic boarding school. Yet, for many reasons, it wasn’t an ideal fit. Now he’s back at home, doing online school, and not in treatment, but 17 days sober. The bright spot in this story is that this mom and son are close, have good communication, and he’s expressed that he wants to stay sober. Listen as we explore how Marie can initiate some hard conversations to reduce her anxiety and increase the chance of her son choosing support and sobriety over the weekend.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  How previous trauma can complicate recovery unexpectedlyWhy we have to consistently affirm our kids even when we don’t love their behavior How Marie is helping her son assess the risk factors associated with different friends and social scenariosWhy our kids need to know that we’re also learning and not confident, eitherWhat Marie is learning about the impact of choosing self-care on this pathEPISODE RESOURCES: Hopestream podcast episode using "SURF" communication skills: www.brendazane.com/hopestream/73This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: It’s tough to come to terms with how little control we have over whether our kids choose substances or healing and recovery. In this episode, you’ll get to hear from Dina Cannizzaro. She’s a mom who has been through hell and back but has channeled all that fear and anxiety into actionable steps toward relearning how to connect with her son and harness the surprising power of self-care. Hear how far she and her son Parker have come now that he’s been in active recovery for six years. You’ll also hear how she had to repair relationships she let suffer (including her other children) as she became all-consumed in her fear and efforts to support her son. You’ll be thrilled to know she will also be your guide through the Beyond Addiction Study Group, so be sure to sign up for that ASAP, as it starts November 7! In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why Dina chose to push through her crippling fear of rock climbingHow she invested in the relationship with her son even when he wasn’t ready to be in contactWhat anticipatory grief is and how it showed up in Dina’s lifeWhat helped Dina realize she was just as sick as Parker but without the influence of substancesWhy she won’t stop sharing her story with anyone who will listenThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: It is an incredibly exciting week as we get to announce the opening of The Woods, our men’s community for those who identify as dads parenting teens who are struggling with substance misuse. I am honored to introduce you to Bill Guy, who is leading this new tribe of courageous men. He’s been in your shoes, and he tragically lost a son to an overdose. Bill discovered resources like CRAFT through the book Beyond Addiction and was blown away by the way it changed his relationship with his son, even in his last days.  While Bill continues to grieve the loss of his son, he has found an incredible sense of purpose empowering other parents to connect with their kids and help motivate them toward healthy change. Join us to hear his story which includes both heartbreak and healing and why he’s thrilled to host and support this private community for dads. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why motivation trumps manipulation when parents are trying to get their kids to accept help for substance misuseHow Bill describes the confusion and disappointment he felt watching his son struggleThe physical and emotional signs that inspired Bill to take his own health seriouslyHow Bill was able to stop blaming and controlling his son and have a relationship with him regardless of his drug useWhy men need other men in a safe community like The WoodsEPISODE RESOURCES: The Woods Community Founding MembershipsThe Partnership To End Addiction Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor FranklThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Bribing. Shaming. Forcing. Manipulating. Yelling. These are just some of the approaches I tried while parenting my son who was struggling with a high-risk lifestyle and substance use. You likely have too. It took me a long time to accept that none of that was working.  But through the book Beyond Addiction, the CRAFT approach, and specifically The Invitation to Change, I discovered our kids’ behaviors make sense and substances work really well - until they don’t. This understanding shifted everything and I haven’t stopped talking about it since. I had one of the Beyond Addiction authors, Carrie Wilkens, Ph.D. on early in the podcast and I’ve invited her back to catch up post-pandemic and learn about a new companion workbook that’s just come out for parents.  Join us for this inspiring conversation as we unpack common stigmas around addiction, understand why using CRAFT and The Invitation To Change approach is not condoning substance use, and why staying curious and building connection is the key to motivating your child to make positive changes. I had a few lightbulb moments myself talking with Carrie and hearing her compassionate and practical approach to helping people change. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why compassion is crucial for navigating a post-pandemic worldHow to respond when your child is ambivalent about substance useWhy self-awareness and self-compassion work comes first for parentsHow to get a hesitant spouse, partner, or co-parent on board with CRAFTThat fear will be a consistent companion on this journey, but it doesn’t have to own youEPISODE RESOURCES: Beyond Addiction BookBeyond Addiction Workbook for Families and FriendsThe Center for Motivation and Change (CMC:FFC)CMC Treatment ProgramThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: On this road, we never can quite predict if or when our kids will decide to choose recovery for themselves. So if that moment feels miles away, or you’re just desperate to get a window into your child’s mindset, this story of recovery is absolutely for you. In this episode, I’ve invited Jo Colette, a mother, wife, and brilliant tattoo artist to share her journey from addiction (including IV heroin) homelessness and violence to sobriety, and then active recovery.  You'll hear Jo describe the confusion of growing up in an emotionally unsafe home and her desperate struggle to find a place to belong. Her insights reinforce why drugs and alcohol are often a very practical solution for struggling teens without a lot of tools in their tool belt. She also shares the nightmare of her rock bottom, an insane hitch-hiking detox story, and how she began the real work of finding recovery. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why even experimenting with drugs can shine a light on suppressed painAbout Jo’s difficult transition moving from homeschool to a public high schoolHow easily she began to normalize a high-risk lifestyleHow Jo would describe the moment she was ready make a changeAn important insight about the myth that people must go to formalized treatment to get sober and find recoveryWhat she’s savoring most in this season of her new lifeEPISODE RESOURCES: Authentic Adversity (husband Chris Howe’s) YouTubeConnect with Authentic Adversity on Instagram @authenticadversityWe Are Those People Instagram @wearethosepplCheck out Jo’s WebsiteThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: One of the hardest things to surrender in parenting is our own dreams for our kids and accepting what they’re choosing for their lives as they gain independence. In this very relatable coaching episode, Karolina shares how a combination of complex learning difficulties, feeling socially isolated, and the pandemic all created a perfect storm for her son to have escalating behavioral and substance use issues. While Karolina’s son was able to attend wilderness therapy and residential treatment, you’ll hear how challenging it was to watch him choose to live on his own after receiving so much support from his family. Through our conversation, Karolina recognizes just how resourceful and determined her son is, and how her nagging tendency may be pushing him away rather than motivating him. I offer her a challenge to detach in a healthy way, avoid jumping to worst-case scenarios, and still leave the door open for her son to accept support on his terms. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Some early educational and social challenges that make children vulnerable to misusing drugs and alcoholHow Karolina and her husband had to make difficult concessions to stay in relationship with their sonWhy we have to commit to recognizing and celebrating our kids’ strengthsHow to tap into your child’s interests to foster deeper connectionWhy we have to stay present and resist the need to “play out the movie” of our kids’ livesThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: In this special episode, I’ve invited Jeremy Melloul, owner of MOLT Clothing company back on the show. Jeremy joined me on episode 90 to share his story of early exposure and addiction that very nearly took his life a few times and what intercepted that risky path for his life.   We covered so much ground in that episode that I thought it would be great to check-in with Jeremy and see how things are going. We talk about what recovery looks like on a daily basis, how he has to fight to overcome his desire to isolate, and the wisdom he’s gained along the road.   Additionally, we explore the impact of social media on the recovery journey and why choosing the slower fix is a process that requires a lot of self-compassion. Don’t forget to go check out wearmolt.com where you can buy the favorite guy in your life an incredible t-shirt or hoodie. The bonus? You can feel good knowing some of your money will go to support other individuals in their journey towards sobriety. In this episode, you'll learn: How recovery is an active life-long journeyWhy Jeremy is doing the work of discovering his passions outside of businessWhat it takes to start choosing the “slower fix”Why self-care means steering clear of social media for JeremyHow MOLT Clothing is giving back to a sober-living scholarship with every purchaseEPISODE RESOURCES: Episode 90: from heroin needle to sewing needle, giving back through recovery with Jeremy MelloulCheck out the Store: www.wearmolt.comConnect on Instagram: @wearmolt_____________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: In a follow-up to episode 131 where I had a conversation with Dr. Gabor Maté about his new book, The Myth of Normal, I'm diving into four key insights I gleaned from the book and from our time together. While there are many more, these four elements of Gabor's overall message in the book and his work as a whole stood out, and I felt it was important to share them with you.  These insights are ones that parents with kids struggling with substance use will find especially relevant as they navigate the wild ride. I share my thoughts on these key concepts from the book: self-awareness and self-compassionthe link between stress and illnessauthenticity, andangerIf you haven't already, take a listen to episode 131, then this will be a perfect follow-up. Or, start here and get curious about the more profound conversation with Dr. Gabor Maté and queue up 131 next. This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Are you ready for a deeply personal and thought-provoking hour? Dr. Gabor Maté is well known for his unflinching look at childhood trauma and how it manifests in our lives, and he does not disappoint in this raw, honest, and candid conversation. I'm even the recipient of an impromptu therapy session looking at my parenting and childhood patterns, an essential piece of work to do when our kids and underlying family dynamics struggle. Dr. Maté's newest book, The Myth of Normal, explores themes around our unmet needs, their relationship to pain, and how we adapt to that pain to survive. As parents, it can be uncomfortable looking at ourselves as we work to heal our families and understand our kids' pain and suffering. He also shares the proven connection between repressed emotions and chronic illnesses  - and ways we can begin to heal - ourselves and our families.  We cover critical topics like;  caregiver stress, the sensitive child, parental guilt,a new view of ADD, ADHD and ODD diagnosis.generational trauma (which you might not even recognize as trauma), women's role in society as "shock absorbers."the incongruity of the  "tough love" concept,the need for a return to the communal approach to parenting,and two vitally interconnected needs our kids have - attachment and authenticityplus so much moreIt’s a do-not-miss episode that may shed new light on some dark areas you’ve been pondering about yourself and your child who’s struggling. EPISODE RESOURCES: The Myth of Normal & all of Dr. Maté’s books Book: It Didn’t Start With You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the CycleBook: The Orchid and the Dandelion: Why Some Children Struggle and How All Can Thrive Hello Again Project with Daniel and Gabor MatéThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: There are some thoughts, questions, and situations we face as parents of kids who are misusing substances that make us question our parenting, our sanity and even our humanity. Because these tricky topics don't often make it into the conversation, we're tackling them today as a way to air issues you may be wrestling with - but doing it in a safe, private place. Cathy Cioth, my business partner and host of The Stream Community joins me as we talk about 9 complex topics including: Should I be drinking or using any kind of substance myself when my child is struggling or in treatment?Why do I not feel intimate or attractive, and am I supposed to be right now?What does self-care actually look like because I can't imagine doing itAm I a horrible person for thinking life might be better if my child wasn't around anymore?I'm pretty sure my son or daughter will never speak to me, and we won't have a relationship if I impose treatmentShould I be getting a therapist too, or is it just my child who needs help?What happens if I say, "I'm done. I can't do this anymore?"It sucks to see my friends and family member's kids doing so well - I resent my child for what I'm going through and what I'm missing out onAm I supposed to mortgage my house and empty my 401K to pay for treatment, and if I don't, am I a terrible parent?Join us as we dive into the things we rarely talk about and gain some ideas and insights you can consider for your family's situation. EPISODE RESOURCES: Beyond Addiction, How Science and Kindness Help People Change (book)Tonia Ahern episode #127This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: One of the biggest challenges young people who are misusing drugs and alcohol face is identifying the plan for transitioning back to the “real world” post-treatment. Young people can become vulnerable because they feel they don’t belong anywhere as they start to rebuild a new and different life that doesn’t involve substances.  If they aren’t ready to hold down a job or enroll in college, where do they go? How do they spend their time without getting into trouble?  In this episode, I’m joined by Amanda Fialk, the Chief Clinical Officer of The Dorm, a safe place for young adults to find community and gain skills and tools to become independent as they seek to find their place in the world after treatment for substance use and mental health challenges. Amanda has worked hard to build in aspects of outpatient treatment that she saw were missing from her own experience. The difference young people find at The Dorm is the holistic approach to support services and an urban, “real world” environment that still offers guidance and nurturing. Young adults receive access to long-term support as it relates to their clinical, academic, health and nutritional needs, just to name a few.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  How a simple request from a staff member in her own treatment program changed the course of Amanda’s careerWhat prompted Amanda to leave law school and instead pursue advanced degrees in social work and mental healthWhat she believes makes traditional outpatient therapy programs ineffective for young adultsWhy every family needs to agree on a discharge plan before a student leaves a program Why it’s beneficial to not dive straight back into school, work, and other demands, and how parents can play a role in this important transition periodThe difference between your child talking and the substances talkingEPISODE RESOURCES: Check out The Dorm WebsiteThe Dorm on LinkedInThe Dorm on InstagramThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Have you ever followed someone and their work so closely that you feel like you’re friends, but you’ve actually never met? That would be the case with today’s guest. I’m finally sitting down with Mark LaPalme, founder of Isaiah House, who celebrates 23 years of sobriety and has been instrumental in helping thousands of people find recovery.  In addition to all the incredible recovery programs offered at Isaiah House, it is also host to an FDA trial for the NET device. If you’ve listened to any other episodes about this treatment option you’re going to share my excitement. The NET device has the potential to not only save many more lives, but if approved, will transform the entire world of drug rehab with its ability to reduce the detox process both in duration and side effects.  Listen to discover what pain led Mark to begin self-medicating at age 11, what kept him deeply addicted to both substances and the lifestyle that goes with it, and what support he found to leave that life behind. You’ll be blown away to hear about the comprehensive approach Isaiah House is using to empower people with tools they need to discover their purpose and transform their lives in recovery.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  The seemingly harmless actions of Mark’s father that created deep emotional trauma How key relationships enabled Mark’s drug use About the mindset of a functioning userWhy the team at Isaiah House is committed to extended support for 11 monthsWhat you can do when you feel powerless as a parentHow the NET device is changing everything we know about detox and recoveryEPISODE RESOURCES: Isaiah HouseLearn more about the NET Device and how to become part of the FDA trial. Episode 83  with documentary director Norman StoneEpisode 86 with NET Recovery Corp’s Owen FieldingEpisode 113 - Clinging to Hope; An Epic Saga Of Addiction, Medical Innovation, Loss, Recovery, Hope, and Unconditional LoveWayne State University article on NET trialNET trial eligibility criteriaThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Have you ever felt overwhelmed when you realize just how many layers there are to the addiction that is derailing your son or daughter? When we get curious and focus on asking questions, it’s incredible what we can learn about our kids. For so many, an unrecognized mental health diagnosis is at the root of their pain and substance use.  My guest today is Tonia Ahern. She’s a mom who lost her son, Rory, to opioid addiction and now fights to change legislation to support prevention, evidence-based treatment practices, recovery support programs, and family support. Tonia is also a certified recovery and parent coach who emphasizes the CRAFT method in every aspect of her practice. Not only is she a knowledgeable resource, she’s also a mom who knows exactly what you’re likely walking through.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why Tonia would not encourage you to mortgage your house to pay for treatment as a first stepHow to spot the signs of an underlying mental health struggleHow Tonia was able to connect deeply with her son in the midst of his addictionHow to find and  navigate your state-sponsored treatment optionsPractical ways you can help make resources for recovery available for the most vulnerableEPISODE RESOURCES: Partnership To End Addiction (website)  SAMHSA (website) This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: If there is one thing you can count on when your child is misusing substances or struggling with addiction and the mental health issues that come with it - it's change. Change is a constant, and you can either have your world capsized by it, or you can be intentional about planning for it to lessen its impact on you and your family. Based on lessons learned from my own experience and that of the hundreds of families I work with, this episode will help you prepare emotionally and practically when things go right and when things go wrong. You'll gain valuable ways to team up with your co-parent, spouse or partner to shore up your relationship and also hear ten incredibly practical things you can do that will allow you to focus on your child and next steps when change happens rather than scouring for information, finding logins and chasing down people to help.  You'll also have a chance to spend one quiet minute gathering yourself and quieting your mind, an important part of approaching this challenging time in a more healthy way. This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: I joke that this club of mine (The Stream Community) is the club you never want to find yourself needing an invite to. But here we are, doing this messy, exhausting, and entirely meaningful work together. I am so grateful yet another one of these moms is sharing her story with you.  In this coaching episode, I am joined by Jamie, a long-time member of The Stream. She shares the impact of pre-term birth and how other learning and health challenges have complicated her son’s academic success, social life, and drug use. We discuss how her ex-husband’s own addiction has impacted her son and his attempts at sobriety. Additionally, she thoughtfully unpacks the difficulty (and gift) that being an empath can be for our kids. If you’re struggling to find ways to support your child because of their extreme displays of disrespect, you’ll want to listen to take a lesson from Jamie’s book. She’s doing so many things well, and yet she’s aware of the boundaries she has to protect to save their relationship.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why kids who are empaths are vulnerable to addictionStrategic ways to stay regulated when your son or daughter isn’t able toWhy being your child’s ‘safe person is a double-edged swordWhat incredible wins Jamie has been witnessing in her sonWhy “projecting positive” impacts everyone in the pictureEPISODE RESOURCES: Outward Bound Intercept (website) Have You Filled a Bucket Today? (book)This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Mamas are so fierce. They are incredible protectors- and not just of their own children, but of the whole village. My guest today is Janet Janes, is a warrior mama and founder of MAPDA (Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse). She is bravely telling the story of the loss of her son to one methadone pill in hopes of saving others from this unimaginable loss.  Every five minutes, someone dies of a drug overdose. What’s worse is that this tragedy is entirely preventable. But as a society, we’re so unaware of how powerful these drugs are. While she is proud to advocate for this cause, Janet shares how intentional she has to be about self-care to prevent burnout as she tells her story again and again.  We also talk about how grief can absolutely undo us and make us strangers to ourselves. This episode is a reminder that when we have the courage to deal with the shame of finding ourselves here, there is help and hope waiting for us- and our children. Be sure to share this episode and what you learn with someone you love. In this episode, you’ll learn:  How Janet was able to turn her pain into actionWhy we’re going numb to the rampant use of prescription drug abuseSome of the bright spots of the work Janet is doingWhy we don’t have time to worry about having uncomfortable conversations with our kidsWhat Janet is learning about herself in this stage of her healingEPISODE RESOURCES: MAPDA: Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse (Website) This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Research has shown that a positive, non-confrontational approach to helping our kids make positive changes in their lives is the most effective when they’re misusing substances. In this episode, I share three keys to shifting your words, actions, and mindset in a more positive direction using courage, confidence, and compassion.  After listening to this episode you'll walk away with: an understanding of what motivates a young person to change their substance use and what doesn'twhy courage is an inside job and how to boost yourshow we can increase our confidence even when we're living in a foreign world filled with stigmawhy parenting from a place of compassion is important if we want our kids to make healthier decisionsa solution for the times when you bomb your parenting attempt that models good behavior to your childa positive-parenting tip you can use today with your son or daughter who's misusing drugs or alcohol, no practice required.This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: There are many stages of recovery, but one of the hardest to prepare for is when your child transitions home after treatment. Then factor in your semi-recovering child becoming a legal adult (but still needs support,) COVID, bullying, an eating disorder, and insincere friends and you’ve got a perfect storm of challenges. This is exactly the season Lynn, a member of the Stream Community, shares in this coaching episode. You’ll be blown away by how intentional and involved Lynn has been at every turn of this confusing journey. But as you’ll hear from our conversation, the decision to heal is still ultimately up to our kids, especially as they become young adults.  Listen as we explore several options for Lynn to offer her son as they establish new rhythms in their family post-residential treatment and high-school graduation. We also take some time to get specific about what self-care looks like for Lynn.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why there are often so many layers to the pain our kids faceAbout the moment Lynn realized that her parenting toolbox was emptyHow COVID created a huge gap in therapeutic supportWhy prioritizing fun is important when establishing new family expectationsHow Lynn identifies what self-care looks like for her in this transitionEPISODE RESOURCES: Failure to Launch: Why Your Twentysomething Hasn't Grown Up... and What to Do About It by Mark McConville, Ph.D.Episode 51: Getting Kids Unstuck From Failure to Launch ModeARFID eating disorderHow to find a therapeutic educational consultantThe Parallel Process bookJourney of The Heroic Parent bookThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: No matter where you are on the journey with a child misusing substances, chances are you've faced two very dangerous lies:  1. that you've failed as a parent, and/or 2. that you're alone in the fight for your child In this week's Hopestream episode, I have the honor of introducing you to five incredible women who, together in The Stream Community, have faced these lies and additional terrifying moments in parenting.  They were generous enough to tell their stories which are all individually unique, and yet they're all known and understood by one another. These moms also share their biggest ah-ha moments with you, which you won't want to miss. The Stream is a private online community I created where we help moms connect with each other. We help you gain knowledge about how to have better communication and relationships with your kids and help you get as healthy as possible. It’s specifically for moms of kids who are misusing substances, in treatment, or working toward recovery. If you are encouraged by these brave women and their honesty, I invite you to join us. The first two weeks are always free. We’re saving a spot for you.  In this episode, you’ll learn: Why it’s critical to stay present in your journey-even taking it hour by hourHow these women are discovering how to become experts in self-compassionWhat is in your control vs. what is not in this battleWhy The Stream Community has helped these moms find the balance between denial and too much positivityWhat an impact approaching their kids with empathy and understanding has had on their relationshipsEPISODE RESOURCES: Coaching Episode with Cheryl Episode #92: Fentanyl Awareness Episode in Honor of Graham Beyond Addiction (Book) Introduction to the Parent's Guide - The 20-Minute GuidePartnership to End Addiction (free parent coaching, helpline, support groups and content for parents)This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram here Watch the podcast on YouTube here Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.