Collateral Damage: Addiction, recovery & all the shit in between

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Have you ever loved someone with substance use disorder and felt alone? Are you currently using or in recovery and feel like your family lacks understanding? Yea well welcome to my f$cking life! I’m Brandi Mac and my daughter battles addiction and her family? Well we are collateral damage and frankly it sucks. This podcast will cover all aspects of addiction with interviews of those in recovery, active use and family members. We will explore the good and bad of the treatment industry, harm reduction, medicated assisted treatment (MAT) and boundaries.

Brandi Mac


    • Mar 9, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 40m AVG DURATION
    • 13 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Collateral Damage: Addiction, recovery & all the shit in between podcast is an incredibly powerful and raw exploration of addiction and its impact on both individuals and their loved ones. Hosted by Brandi, a caretaker and mother of an addict, this podcast offers a vulnerable and honest look into her own personal experiences with addiction, as well as providing a sense of community for others going through similar struggles.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Brandi's willingness to be vulnerable and honest about her own experiences. She shares her story with raw emotion, allowing listeners to connect deeply with her journey. This level of openness not only creates a sense of empathy and understanding but also helps to break down the stigma surrounding addiction.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is the sense of community it provides. Brandi's relatable storytelling allows listeners to feel seen and heard in their own struggles with addiction or loving someone who suffers from addiction. The inclusion of listener feedback and stories further enhances this sense of community, reminding us that we are not alone in these battles.

    It is difficult to find any negative aspects of this podcast as it is truly authentic and impactful. However, it would be great to see more episodes focused on resources for both individuals struggling with addiction and their loved ones. While Brandi offers support through her storytelling, additional information on treatment options or support networks could further assist those listening.

    In conclusion, The Collateral Damage: Addiction, recovery & all the shit in between podcast is an incredibly powerful platform that addresses the harsh realities of addiction with rawness and vulnerability. Brandi's honesty creates an open space for healing and connection while shedding light on the often-overlooked experiences of caretakers and loved ones. This podcast serves as a reminder that no one has to face addiction alone.



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    Latest episodes from Collateral Damage: Addiction, recovery & all the shit in between

    Brooke and Brandi Interview: 15 months sober

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2025 56:52


    In this episode, Brandi Mac interviews her daughter Brooke, who is now 15 months sober.  They discuss Brooke's journey through addiction, the impact of drug use on  family relationships and the challenges of medicated assisted treatment. The conversation highlights the importance of appropriate dosing in recovery, the emotional turmoil of addiction, and the lessons learned in healing and rebuilding relationships.      00:00 Introduction and Background on Sobriety 03:00 The Journey of Addiction: Drugs of Choice 05:17 Understanding Fentanyl: The Hidden Dangers 08:04 Impact of Drug Use on Family Relationships 11:02 The Struggles of Recovery and Healing 1 3:47 Medicated Assisted Treatment: A New Perspective 1 9:57 The Importance of Proper Dosing in Treatment 34:22 Navigating Detox and Medication Management 37:01 Experiences in Treatment Facilities 40:55 Therapeutic Approaches and Their Impact 45:50 Finding Connection Amidst Isolation 49:07 Challenges of Reintegration After Treatment 49:15 Lessons Learned in Sobriety 55:52 Supporting Loved Ones Struggling with Addiction   To contact Brandi Mac you can email: brandimac.creator@gmail.com

    Harm Reduction: Healthcare Stigma and MAT discussion with Taylor Nichols, MD

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 75:40


    Summary Brandi Mac (Host) is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and mother of an adult child in recovery from substance use disorder.  Dr. Taylor Nichols, a certified addiction physician and ER doctor, discusses his journey from working in the emergency department to specializing in addiction medicine. He shares his experiences of seeing the broken healthcare system and the harm it causes to people who use drugs. Dr. Nichols emphasizes the importance of harm reduction and reducing stigma in healthcare. He also addresses misconceptions about medications like Suboxone and buprenorphine and provides insights into managing pain in patients with opioid use disorder. In this part of the conversation, Dr. Taylor Nichols discusses the process of tapering off opioids, specifically focusing on the use of buprenorphine and the medications Sublicade and Brixadi.  He explains how buprenorphine works to replace opioids in the brain and reduce withdrawal symptoms. Dr. Nichols also discusses the challenges of tapering off fentanyl and the importance of finding the right dose of buprenorphine to effectively manage withdrawal. She highlights the Bernese method as an alternative approach to tapering and explains the differences between Sublicade and Brixadi. Additionally, Dr. Nichols addresses the concerns of families and loved ones of individuals with substance use disorder, emphasizing the importance of supporting the individual's goals and providing them with evidence-based treatment options. Dr. Nichols TikTok: Click Here Dr. Nichols Website: Click Here Recovery Reform Podcast by Dr. Nichols and McCauley Sexton: Click Here Recovery Reform YouTube Channel: Click Here Article: Naloxone to Buprenorphine Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:46 Harm Reduction and Stigma 10:38 Respecting Autonomy and Challenging Stigma 14:46 Debunking Misconceptions about Naloxone and Buprenorphine 18:23 Physician Fear and the Opioid Crackdown 25:16 The Functionality of Naloxone in Suboxone 32:54 The Ceiling Effect of Buprenorphine 36:26 Managing Pain in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder 38:25 Understanding the Role of Buprenorphine 41:21 Managing Withdrawal Symptoms 44:04 Long-Acting Injectable Buprenorphine 50:43 Comparing Sublicade and Brixadi 55:27 Supporting Individuals and Families 01:02:16 Empowering Individuals to Make Decisions

    The impact of Sobriety On Family Dynamics

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2024 19:52


    Summary Brandi Mac discusses her journey as a mother of a child with substance use disorder and her own healing process. She talks about the challenges of navigating her daughter's recovery and the impact it has had on their relationship. Brandi also shares her experience with perimenopause and the importance of addressing hormonal imbalances. She emphasizes the need for families to take ownership of their role in addiction and the importance of therapy and self-care. Takeaways Loving someone with substance use disorder is incredibly challenging and requires ongoing support and understanding. Healing and rebuilding trust in the family after addiction takes time and effort from all members. Addressing hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during perimenopause, can have a significant impact on mental health and overall well-being. Families need to take ownership of their role in addiction and work on their own healing and growth. Therapy and self-care are essential for both individuals struggling with addiction and their loved ones.   Resources are available on my website : Resources Here TikTok: The_original_brandi_mac Email: Collateraldamagesucks@gmail.com

    Happy New Year! Meet Brooke Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2024 34:32


    Happy New Year everyone! Brooke and I figured we would start 2024 off with part 2 of her interview. This episode goes more into what happened in Maryland especially concerning her medicated assisted treatment and much more. All of the questions came from followers on social media. The next episode we will be discussing sex trafficking.  Email us @ collateraldamagesucks@gmail.com Resources and website https://www.brandimac.com/  

    Meet My Daughter Brooke...Interview Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2023 60:06


    This podcast is raw and real. My daughter came home one week ago to detox and together we made the decision to restart her medicated assisted treatment. This will likely be several parts and a great way to end 2023. Brooke and I want to wish each of you and your family's a very Happy Holiday.  Thank you for sticking around.    https://www.brandimac.com/      

    Meeting them Where They Are: Holidays, treatment and the future

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2023 14:54


    https://www.brandimac.com/ This episode I talk about what it was like having our daughter in active drug use home for Thanksgiving for the first time in 5 years. The day even included family pictures. Those who may be new here my daughter is 23 and struggles substance use disorder. She is an IV drug user and we have been raising our grandson since his first birthday. I also talk about the potential for opening a treatment facility.    Thank you for listening and please download and leave a review so we can get this episode out to more people.     

    Once upon a time there was an interventionist...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2023 28:43


    Many have seen the drama on social media when it comes to Sam and I. He not only made a 1 sided podcast but also went live last night sharing a 1 sided view. Hopefully this will answer some of the questions many of you have had.    If you want to learn more about the story there is a playlist called "Sam Davis and Marc" on my Tiktok profile when this all started.  Brandi Mac Tiktok TikTok Link  

    Another life gone to soon...RIP Angel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2023 12:19


    This week another mom who has shared her daughters struggles with addiction has experienced the call so many of us fear. Her 20 year old daughter lost her battle to addiction. Please pray for Melissa and the rest of her family grieving the loss of Angel.  Melissa's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.real.melissa Brandi Mac's TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@the_original_brandi_mac Go fund me Go fund me for funeral expenses

    Season1, Episode 5- Dr. Stacy murphy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2023 114:34


    This episode features an interview with Dr. Stacy Murphy who owns Navigating Addiction which provides family education for treatment centers. Stacy also know what its like love a child with substance use disorder. Her daughter has 11 years of sobriety and understands the struggles that many of us go through.  If you love the podcast please leave a review and follow! Dr. Stacy Murphy Navigating Addiction Dr. Stacy Murphy TikTok If you are in need of resources check out The Apathetic Journey Sign up for our newsletter and to receive notification every time a new episode drops! Newsletter Sign up   You can follow all of Brandi Mac's social media accounts at Brandi Mac's Website   Recovery and Awareness shirts Stop The Stigma Apparel

    Season 1, Episode 4- Body Brokering in Addiction Treatment

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2023 30:28


    This episode is going to discuss what a bodybroker is, kickbacks, how the affordable care act contributed to many rehab facilities becoming the new "pill mill" following the oxycontin epidemic.  I am sure there are some amazing rehabs but sadly it's impossible to determine which ones those are. If you have been impacted by the "Florida Shuffle" or had an experience with a "body broker" I would love to hear your story!!! Article: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/owner-sentenced-more-27-years-prison-multi-million-dollar-health-care-fraud-and-money PBS: https://www.pbs.org/video/sci-body-brokering-rampant-in-addiction-rehab-industry-1665520234/ Body Brokers Movie: Body Brokers Movie   Join my email list for our monthly newsletter and notifications on new podcast release dates!!!! Newsletter sign up As always I appreciate all of your reviews which will start being shared in the monthly newsletter. Brandi Mac TikTok: Brandi Mac TikTok Email the podcast @ collateraldamagesucks@gmail.com Sponsor: The Apathetic Journey- All Things Addiction for families    

    S1, Episode 3- How we got our grandson?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2023 32:35


    How we got our grandson   AA/NA online meetings: https://aa-intergroup.org/meetings/ Smart Recovery: https://meetings.smartrecovery.org/meetings/ Brandi Mac TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_original_brandi_mac   Interested in being on the podcast? Email us @ collateraldamagesucks@gmail.com Join email list to be notified when a new episode drops @https://collateral-damage-podcast-with-brandi-mac.ck.page/f6a9af5a50

    Season 1, episode 2- Rambling with Brandi Mac part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2023 28:18


    This is "Rambling with Brandi Mac." I am going to warn you now...there is background noise from the car, but my portable mic should arrive soon decreasing the background noise for future episodes.  This episode includes some bread crumbs on the TikTok creator being interviewed for our first interview series. I talk about being naive in the beginning of this journey #motherofanaddict, when some in the harm reduction tried to cancel me. Also end the show with some honest and truthful advice.  Thank you to each of you who have followed my podcast, we are in the top 100 on Apple for mental health in the US.    Alanon link: Al-anon meetings What I am currently reading :How to Change your mind by Michael Pollan TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_original_brandi_mac If you are interested in being on the show please email the show at: collateraldamagesucks@gmail.com I am looking for those in recovery, loved ones, those in active use, therapists, rehab owners and any other area that involves addiction and recovery. 

    Episode 1- Intro and Welcome

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2023 12:27


    Have you ever loved someone with substance use disorder and felt alone? Are you currently using or in recovery and feel like your family lacks understanding? Yea well welcome to my f$cking life! I'm Brandi Mac and my daughter battles addiction and her family? Well we are collateral damage and frankly it sucks. This podcast will cover all aspects of addiction with interviews of those in recovery, active use and family members. We will explore the good and bad of the treatment industry, harm reduction, medicated assisted treatment (MAT) and boundaries. Follow me on TikTok: Brandi Mac's TikTok Instagram: Brandi Mac's Instagram

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