Families Navigating Addiction & Recovery

“So much of what we do perpetuates problems, not by intent, but by a lack of understanding.” -Dr. Mike Barnes   The main focus of the recovery process is often given to the addict in the family and there’s nothing wrong with that. It is out of genuine love that they go to great lengths to make sure the needs of their loved one are well provided for. But for family recovery to be realized in its entirety, they must look into the often undermined effects of addiction: trauma. Family members don’t realize that they are traumatized until they start prioritizing their own needs. Hence today’s episode homes in on how to help family members realize that they are traumatized and help them recover from it. Our guest, Dr. Mike Barnes also talks about the biology of how we cope with problems and the epigenetics of addiction and trauma. This understanding will greatly help in the treatment and recovery process that families may choose along their journey. He also differentiates between problem and crisis and how our stories create an impact on the decisions we make. Dr. Barnes also gives some suggestions in making the paradigm shift in family recovery even more effective. It only takes one or two members to spark the change. The question now lies on who’s going to take that privilege. Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 03:47 Serving Families With Addiction  10:47 Living in Recovery Together 18:32 Coping Begins With Family Goals and Values 23:48 Helping Families To Understand That They Are Traumatized 31:53 The Epigenetics of Addiction and Trauma 38:13 Understanding The Biology of How We Cope To And Solve Problems 44:50 3 Rules of an Alcoholic Family And How to Challenge Them 54:55 A Shift In Recovery Processes Needed

“We need to communalize rather than individualize. And we need to normalize rather than pathologize.”  - Ed Tick   The society we’re living in today has forced veterans to carry the moral and social burdens of warfare alone. As a result, their unspoken pain and sorrows evolved into trauma and addiction problems which also affect the family unit that they belong to. From this, societal issues increase and communities sink into decay. To address this problem, Dr. Ed Tick and Denise Klein join the platform to share their wisdom. They impress on seeing beyond the surface recovery and diving deeper into the feelings associated with addiction rather than just the cessation of visible symptoms. They also expound on how to spark significant cultural changes as opposed to smaller individual changes and how to build communities through visualization, open communication, and creating opportunities. They also highlight the need to normalize rather than pathologize.  Individual empowerment is the key to strengthen the family and eventually the whole community. Tune in and join the healing movement! Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 04:00 Veteran Experience Help Heal Addiction 13:30 Symptoms That Causes Breakdown In Families 16:34 Trauma As Normative Part Of Experience 18:13 Educating People About Trauma 30:08  Everyone Gets Traumatized Everyday 35:45 Making Trauma More Visible 40:18  Move Into Normalization And Communalization 45:31 Warriors Return 48:07 Empowerment And Being Authentic

“The idea behind sex addiction is not to stop having sex entirely and remove sex from your life. The idea is to develop a healthy sexuality.” - Joshua Shea   The desire for love and pleasure is innate to all humans. However, as the world evolved, activities that were traditionally regarded as private and conservative are gradually becoming acceptable with the general public. Pornography is one of the industries that has dominated the web and access to it has become easier. As a result, even school-aged children are at risk of developing an addiction as their curiosity peeks and peer pressure pushes them deeper into the pleasure pool. Today, Joshua Shea, a former pornography addict, shares his battle with pornography. He lists the warnings signs of pornography addiction and differentiates the two types of pornography users. He also gives a comparison of different addictions and what makes them similar to each other. As we begin to understand pornography, the kind of intervention necessary becomes clearer and the motivation to stand against it becomes stronger.  Pornography may have the power to destroy morals and psychological balance. But nothing is stronger than a family working together to uphold their integrity. Tune in and learn how to develop a healthy sexuality.  Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 05:50 Internet Has Changed The Game 11:38 Warning Signs Of Pornography 20:00 Two Types Of Pornography Users 23:01 Two Things Partners Need To Do 28:11 Parallels Of All Addictions 30:40 Standpoints Of Family Members 37:33 Understanding Pornography 43:13 Addiction Is A Disease

“There's no ruler until that addict bottoms out and wakes up into their conscious self, their authentic self, and starts the path of recovery.”    Codependency is a confusing topic under addiction. Numerous ideas branch out that often lead to misunderstanding and eventually, increased harm. Today, Rene Eram joins the stage to enlighten some of the misinformation on codependency and expound on the subject from a different perspective. He explains the nature of roles played out in the drama and points out to these roles as both inherited where one comes out as dominant. These invisible patterns create an obsessive connection that often leads to betrayal, rejection, and abandonment. Rene also discusses the hang-over stage in this type of relationship and nurturing broken programming as a means of coping mechanisms. We all can be addicted to something but this conversation warns mainly on a much destructive form of addiction: progressive addiction.  The goal of recovery is to neutralize codependency and move to your authentic self. Don’t miss out on today’s episode.  Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/ Highlights: 02:50 Fascination With Invisible Patterns 04:07 Invisible Patterns 06:09 Two Roles: Controller And Dependent 11:16 Codependent Mapping 20:26 Hang-over Stage 24:32 Inherited Pattern Of Codependence  37:12 Being Their Authentic Self 43:49 Self Rescue Mission

 “The real key to success is what happens after they leave treatment.” -Stan McKnight    Technological advancement has really brought the world to a new era. Communication, education, travel and even relationships are not how they used to be decades ago. If you’re contemplating on finding an intervention that’s compatible with your situation and conditions, there are things that you must consider. Stan McKnight shares his expertise on navigating addiction and recovery. It’s rather imperative to know the do’s and don’ts before jumping in to a decision. The life of your loved one is at stake, hence, an uneducated or partially educated  judgment can be very detrimental. This conversation is full of wisdom that can help you and your family before, during and after treatment. Stan also shares a useful tool to aid in developing accountability and trust in the family nucleus. Today’s episode is for everyone who is determined to get to recovery and change their life forever.    Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 02:48 Getting a Vital Lesson From Interventions and Recovery 07:38 Addiction- 2000 and Beyond 09:07 What NOT To Do 16:03 How to Diagnose Denial    17:24 What To Do 21:59 The Accountability Tool 27:29 Send the Right Message 32:42 Try IAM!

“All you need to do is take action every day to support your body and your body is going to take care of you.” -Nancy Miggins    To take care of yourself is to take care of others. The last thing we want is to fall ill when everybody has already recovered. It’s something everyone must do and gain mastery over. When we are at the negative end of the continuum, we cannot function at an optimum level. Therefore, any decision made while in that state of stress can mean only trouble. Joining us in today’s episode is Dr. Nancy Miggins, a seasoned expert in health and wellness. She provides practical guidance on how to master self-care in 8 simple steps. She also lets us in on some fun facts about detoxification and weight loss. The human physiological makeup is designed to be able to heal itself. Therefore, as the owners of our personage, it is our sheer duty to support it.  Join in and “reclaim your power over health”!  Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 03:50 Reclaim Power Over Health Without Narcotics 08:13 How to Shift From Self-Destructive Patterns  17:49 Stress and Disease  21:06 Facilitated Pathway  24:39 How to Break Down Stress  29:37 How to Find Gratitude Amidst Crisis 40:30 Where Does Healing Really Happen?  46:52 8 Daily Practices to Master Health  

“The first step is really just seeing what the pieces are at play and accepting the pieces at play as they are.” -Vincent Peronne   Sometimes what makes our fight harder is not the fight itself, but the things that we can’t control. In that event, what are we to do? Vincent Peronne sheds light on this topic and expounds on the inside out of neurology. He also shares about the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), a type of sensory-intervention developed by Dr. Stephen Porges and how it can complement recovery. You can move through adversities and win your battle. This conversation will help you determine the best possible steps to help your loved one.  Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 03:33 Learning the Inside Out of Neurology 12:48 Strength of the Family vs Strength of Addiction  24:44 The Safe And Sound Protocol and Sensory Healing  33:17 What’s In and Out of Our Control 38:50 Effective Handling of What’s In and Out of Our Control 46:52 Groups and Nervous System Regulation 49:46 Increase Your Resiliency

“The gut is the gateway to health.” -Stephanie Small    Want an intervention that’s effective and natural? We often resort to medicines to get a dose of relief without really understanding what we are treating. Healing comes from addressing the root cause rather than just alleviating symptoms. Apparently, biochemistry plays a huge role in symptoms we mistake as psychological or emotional. Stephanie Small joins us in another life-altering conversation on mental health nutrition. She expounds on the influence of gut health to body homeostasis. Occurring imbalances can create somatic chaos that often lead to inflammation or even depression. But, there is something you can do. Tune in to today’s episode and learn the healthy and effective way to recovery.      Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 02:57 Doing What Social Workers Do and Beyond 06:58 Before You Pop A Pill   11:34 How to Detect Imbalances   17:43 It’s Not Just About Eating More Vegetables!  26:08 Gut and Inflammation  31:38 The Body Under Prolonged Stress 37:04 Accountability and Recovery  41:23 When to Eat Potato Chips

“Your kid’s addiction or your family members’ addiction is not your responsibility. How you react to it is your responsibility.” - Kevin Petersen   Addiction is a worldwide trend. It comes in many forms and in varying degrees. Thus, families need to be on guard at all times. However, it’s really hard to exercise withitness in the family. Sometimes, we are not even aware that our own children are addicted. Dr. Kevin Petersen shares some tools and knowledge to help families move away from addiction. The family unit is a cradle of love, support, wisdom and protection. It is where life’s joys and sorrows are shared. If the family is able to perform its function, then addiction has lost its place in the family circle. Nobody beats addiction alone. When families work together, there is guaranteed success.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 02:30 Taking the Natural Evolution in the Addiction and Recovery Path 09:48 Setting Up Boundaries 14:51 Family Support is Essential  23:25 Reach out Early 31:06 Resources and Guidance for Families 37:18 Ask for Help 42:02 The Sooner, The Better

 “There’s no such thing as drug treatment. What we really need is holistic counselling that incorporates work on the drug issue.”  - Robert Schwebel   As individuals begin to see that they have addiction issues, they begin to think about change. But to go from contemplating about it to actually taking action is no piece of cake. Dr. Robert Schwebel expands on why people use drugs and why they hesitate on taking that first step towards recovery. He also shares about his Seven Challenges Program,  which is used worldwide in motivating individuals to evaluate their lives, consider changes that they want to make, and take steps to implement those changes. But for transformation and recovery to really take place,  people need to believe that their life could be better and get in touch with what truly matters to them. Join in to today’s podcast and discover how you can grab hold of that change and make it into a reality.  Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 04:30 The Spark of Interest 11:16 Feeling Powerless 17:44 Being Honest to Ourselves 26:25 Looking at What You Like About Drugs 29:00 Think About the Harm 31:00 Stop the Shame and Blame 33:00 Looking to the Future 40:07 What Will You Do? 

“Be your own favorite patient... And whatever you're struggling with makes life really deep and brings you growth and wisdom. Don't turn away from it; embrace it as riches for you to mine, to gain love and wisdom for the rest of your life.” –Dr. Ed Tick   There’s a strong diversion in the healing spectrum called denial. Apparently, it is the nation’s leading disease as well. It’s hardly pounded within cultures, ancestral lines, communities and families and there’s no escaping its grip. Learn how to combat denial and transgenerational trauma as the American shadow gets exposed and a new perspective on addiction leads to a new identity. Move towards an addiction-free and happy family life with today’s episode. An enduring positive change is on the horizon. Your next move is a step nearer that bright tomorrow.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 03:53 Dr. Ed Tick on Addiction as a “Symptom” 15:42 How Families Can Help and Receive Help 24:16 We’re Well or Ill Together 31:50 Denial & Transgenerational Trauma 39:01 Assume Your Identity 44:54 Sending Out Your Recovery Message 49:13 Ancestral Healing 55:34 The American Shadow Exposed 58:01 Be Your Own Favorite Patient

“I really have a lot of faith in the power of family coming together.” –Jeff Jones   We’re in for another special treat! In this episode, Rex West interviews our very own, Jeff Jones. Jeff shares a bit of his background and how he became “the Jeff Jones” that we know today. His story pictures how families deal with their own crisis and the role each one takes on which can potentially create a larger dilemma for their family. Jeff’s experiences helped him see the patterns around addiction and how this creates a massive impact around the family’s well-being as a whole. As a therapist, Jeff sheds light on the subtle aspects of addiction and which type of intervention is best for a specific family situation.   Jeff believes in the power of families. Of course, family crisis is inevitable and it comes in many faces and intensity. But a family is specifically built so that no one will have to face these problems alone. As a coach, Jeff helps families see their situation in a new lens, one that magnifies hope and gives a clear picture of how resilient they can be.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 03:20 The Inside Story of Jeff Jones 13:32 Why Families Do Not Understand Their Own Story 21:37 How the Past Haunt the Present 28:16 A Solid Decision to Change and Help Make a Change 31:23 The Role of Roles 40:03 The Neuroscience of Addiction 43:52 What Type of Intervention is Best for Your Situation? 52:01 The Family’s Recovery Message 54:06 Unique Intervention with Jeff

“It's never too late. And it's never really hopeless, ever.” –Dr. Adi Jaffe Recovery is not a “fix” and neither is it measured by mere abstinence. The impression we get must go beyond what the eyes can see. To really work out the issue, a solid connection and understanding must be established. No one is better than the other. Some just had a better circumstance; thus, sympathy plays a major role in recovery. Discover the epigenetics of addiction and how shaming becomes a destroyer in a deeper sense. Travel through the untold stories behind why people become hesitant to undergo treatment and how to effectively address them. Today’s episode serves as a testimony that it’s never too late. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel and it gets brighter every step you take. So go on and don’t lose hope. Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at    http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 02:45 From Jailed to Hailed   10:25 5 Reasons Why People Shun Treatment and How To Address Them 16:40 Give Unconditional Help and Eliminate Shaming 21:16 Where the Problem is Lies 26:48 Epigenetics- When the Environment Controls Biology 31:26 The Inappropriate Way to Measure Recovery 39:09 Give Them A Break

“You don't have to be a coach, a professional coach, to cultivate some of the most important coaching skills.” –Barb McAllister   Perhaps, humans are endowed with that superhero attitude to go and rescue somebody. Sometimes, though, people tend to have a distorted view of a distress call. Not everybody needs to be rescued. Although the motive is right, the outcome may not be as beneficial for both the ‘rescuer’ and the person being ‘rescued'. This episode expounds on the drama triangle, particularly on the ‘rescuer’ role and the disadvantages of stepping into this role. Recovery is not far off from your reach. Sometimes, to help others, you might need to start with yourself. Listen in and see how the drama in your family can turn into happy ending story.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 01:30 Growing Up in a Family with a Lot of Drama 05:17 How to Relate to Yourself 15:14 The Drama Triangle 25:54 Maintaining a Healthy Boundary 30:29 The Door Out of the Rescuer Role 35:58 The Right Question Before Jumping In 40:49 Get Off the Roller Coaster 44:25 Be Aware of Your Own Triggers

“It's scary when your kids are going off the rails and you don't know what to do, and you're frustrated and feel kind of hopeless or helpless. That's when you need to take care of yourself so that the steps that you do take are informed by your best thinking. Take time… Find a way back to yourself so that you can bring your best self to this work.” –Brooks Witter   Raising an adolescent is indeed a really challenging role for parents. It’s when the kid is finally crossing the bridge between childhood and adulthood. Around this period, the family is turned upside down. As teenagers witness and experience the sufferings in this world, they become more and more confused. Others act out while others withdraw and in time it becomes a head-on family struggle. Today’s episode is packed with guidelines and wisdom to help you towards your goal to get them through this troubled years and launch them as happy, responsible adults. Take care of both your teens and yourselves. Don’t get your hopes up. You can be successful and fulfilled parents.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 02:21 Brook Receives His Call of Service 06:33 Being a Parent of a Child Who’s Acting Out   18:00 Being A Parent of a Withdrawn Child 22:38 How Parents Can Talk to Your Child 29:25 The Larger Picture of Human Suffering 36:15 Effective Family Time 39:48 A Resource for Parents 46:36 Take Care of Yourself

“The kid is not the problem… It's the whole system.” –Rex West   When kids demonstrate the problem in the family, they get criticized. There is an unheard message beyond the family culture. Today’s podcast navigates the larger context around these family issues. How families support individuation and deal with their sufferings can create change in their system. Learn the 3 simple rules that every family needs to start implementing now. Stabilize your family, for it is the foundation on which every member, present and future, will be holding on to.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 03:27 Growing Up in Colorado 14:09 From Teaching to Psychotherapy 21:29 Supporting Individualization 27:16 Brain Development & the Male-Female Biological Make-up 34:50 3 Rules for Families 41:11 The Impact of Family Culture in Various Forms of Subtle Addictions 49:09 The Truth-Teller 51:15 Change the System

“If we face it like we want to make this better for everyone, then that's when we come to the solutions that are going to… focus on the big picture, which is saving people's lives.” –Dr. Joshua Gowin                                                   Nobody wants to fall prey into addiction. However, certain factors can increase a person’s susceptibility to addictive substances. Today’s podcast sheds light on these aspects that are sometimes not emphasized. Dr. Joshua Golwin also shares his research on the brain’s physiology and how this relates to possibility of relapse. This episode also teaches us an important lesson: Don’t let stigma and general opinion stop you from finding solutions. Focus on the big picture.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 02:31 Looking into the Human Brain 06:38 Addiction as a Brain-Based Disease 17:50 How Much of Biological and Environmental Factors Contribute to Addiction? 22:38 The Role of Stress and Family Patterns 29:59 A Look at Brain Regions as a Determinant for Relapse 36:51 A Message of Compassion 39:50 How Recognition Can Help 42:05 How to Deal with Addiction

“I was in more control of my world… It wasn't me trying to control my world out of fear; it was me controlling my world because it felt good.” –Josh Ritcher   If you’re struggling to start that transformation in your life, you must be misinformed about something: Change is NOT a big AHA! Learn how to control your mind, control yourself, and eventually, control your world. Today’s podcast will teach you how to empower your brain in the most satisfying yet simple ways that you can do right at this very second. It’s the little things that count.                                     Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 03:12 When Much was Too Much 08:02 “I Love Myself” Experiment  16:49 Shoulds to Coulds and The Need to Feel Valuable 22:22 The Best Mental Intervention and Body Fuel 29:34 Change is NOT a Big AHA! 36:09 Neurons That Fire Together, Wire Together 43:11 The “H” Word 53:49 Out of the Red Zone

“See it sooner so you can choose more powerfully faster.” –Donna Zajonc   The Drama Triangle has long been part of human story. But it is no ordinary drama like the ones we see on TV or movies. It’s a scenario where all participants can have a rotational switch of roles. It gets chaotic as the story progresses rather than being solved. The downside is, the drama never gets resolved and the story never ends. Today’s episode will help families get out of this zone and reach their own happy ending.                                     Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 04:07 Making Ideas Come to Life with David and Donna 05:58 The Drama Triangle 15:20 Flight, Fight, Freeze and Appease 24:03 Mindfulness Over Role Switching 29:36 Self-care 33:21 The Antidote for the Drama 40:00 Pseudo Relationships 46: 48 Do things Together

“When we change our pattern, often that entire family starts shifting without even realizing that they're doing it.” –Dr. Seth Kadish   Patterns- something that all people possess that they don’t even recognize. This conversation will shed light on how patterns naturally happen through the course of life. Though they move us in routine, patterns help us cope and defend ourselves. However, some of them are not beneficial to us or our family in any way and needs to be tweaked. Here’s a list of the top 3 common patterns in families with addiction from Dr. Seth Kadish. Rewrite your life with a new set of pattern that truly makes you feel safe and secure.                                       Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights:  01:01 Working with Varied Systems 03:12 Searching for System Patterns 06:43 The Negative Pattern of Thought-Emotion-Behavior 17:24 Addressing Addiction Patterns – Go Below 21:36 Caught in the Pattern 28:54 ‘The Positives and Negatives of You’ Exercise 32:55 The Top 3 Addiction Patterns 40:30 Intervention: Breaking the Patterns

“Take a look at and own the resiliency that you already have within you as a family member… whatever that strength is, that you honor that.” ­–Mary Gordon   Therapy sessions and medications help at a certain degree along the recovery process. But, more than that is needed. At a time when the family seems to be in the shipwreck of addiction, their strength and resiliency becomes their lifeboat. Today’s podcast centers on finding the soul of recovery by tapping into these assets and incorporating it into an artistic and holistic healing.                                                         Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 02:52 Finding Light in Recovery 08:55 The Dance Movement Therapy 15:09 The Families’ Intrinsic Strength 21:24 A Lesson on Resiliency 29:14 Freedom From Relapse 33:28 The Power of the Group Energy

“One of the best aspects of healthy masculine energy is you do what needs to be done.”- Geoff Laughton   If you feel like your life is in a rut, don’t despair. It’s a good sign that you’re awareness and longing to connect is at work. Today’s episode is especially for those who desire to address the underlying issues within themselves, with their partner and with their family. Healing does not materialize in the form of temporary sobriety, rather in the context of continuous effort to grow. To do that, here are a handful of tips and a couple of helpful tools and opportunities that can help. Today’s episode does not only center on couples and families but to all the men out there who deal with the terror and embarrassment of getting help. It’s time to find your best man!   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 03:35 Helping Men Evolve 09:35 The Frontend With Men 12:31 Addressing Denials 20:39 Kids Can Tell 25:35 The Perfect Set Up for Codependency 31:54 The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Tree 36:20 The Thrill With Men’s Groups 43:10 Healing the Inner Child

“Well, one of the things is recognizing that rehab isn't for everybody... Not everybody with an addiction belongs in rehab.” –Anne Fletcher   On what basis is there for such a claim? Anne Fletcher, an award-winning health and medical writer and author of best-selling books on weight loss and sobriety, spends years of research, visiting programs, interviewing professionals and hundreds of people and families for an incredible, detailed exposé of what’s really in rehab. Her book has received starred reviews and she is ready to share the secrets lurking behind Rehabs. As you contemplate and decide which treatment center to go to, listen in as Anne opens the chapters of what you need to know.   There are hundreds, probably thousands of treatment centers around you. Have you ever wondered what’s in there? Here are some of the unspoken truths about Rehabs and primary care counsellors that you should get acquainted with. Get to know who to trust and who offers the care that will be effective for you and your family. This is not just about change, but how to maintain that change.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 02:29 Writing How People Maintains Change 15:47 What Do We Know is Effective for People with Addiction 20:55 The “One Size Fits All” Thinking 27:58 What You Should Know About Sponsors 34:08 Does Your Primary Care Counsellor Have Enough Credentials? 39:07 Ask the Questions 42:09 Family Involvement 49:24 The Gap Between Science and Practice

“You have to really look within to make sure that a family has what they need to be able to address the crisis.” ­–Lee Daly   Take that from a passionate family advocate who has a lifetime of wisdom to share for families struggling with addiction. Lee Daly was the daughter of an alcoholic. Meaning to find a solution, she drove to a recovery program only to her disappointment. She went through deep research and begged for help but was rejected by people she trusted due to fear and embarrassment. Although she lost her mom in this tragic story, she managed to turn her story to a better route. As a mom, she is determined not to lose her kids to addiction. Learn how she successfully helped her children and how she can help you too!   Have you ever doubted your gut feeling? Listen in as our guest explains why you should never question your judgment as a parent or a family member. “Crisis is a crisis.”  See what outliers can help you address the crisis your family is into. Situations vary from one family to another so here are some tips in handling hard choices and dealing with your family member with addiction. Get ready for a big catch as a lifetime of wisdom is poured out in today’s podcast!                           Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 04:03  50 Years with Substance Abusers 13:29 The Crisis and the Outliers 21:06 Handling the Hard Choices 26:14 Be Aware of Your Gut Feelings 29:55 Helicopter Parents 31:29 Enabling vs Your Gut Feel 40:04 Teach Me! 45:51 Be Transparent 51:10 Call This Mom

“You don't think your way out of stress; you feel your way out of it.” –Mary Bowles   Sometimes, there are things that we’ve been doing off beam yet we’re never aware until our understanding of things get flipped to the reality of matters. Therefore, it’s good to know how things really work lest we end up hurting ourselves and others. Listen in as our guest, Mary Bowles, gives us an enlightening elucidation on how our neural framework really operates.   Mary Bowles developed her fascination in the medical field at an early age. She grew up acquainted with her mom’s nursing manuals and decided this is where she wants to be. At that, she pursued her passion in Applied Neuroscience. She has undergone numerous trainings from renowned experts. At present, she helps her clients as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and founder of the MindWise Institute.   Everybody wants genuine recovery rather than just an ephemeral relief. To accomplish that, we must not depend on perfunctory procedures. Rather, we must ascertain what’s really effective and applicable. Join in to today’s podcast and deepen your understanding about neuroscience and memory reconsolidation as a way of effective recovery strategy. As said, recuperation occurs not by thinking, rather by feeling your way out of stress. Let your brain do the work!                        Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 03:06 The Road to Neuropsychotherapy 07:07 How Neuroscience Helps Families Recover 11:54 Dopamine & The HPA Axis of Human Predictions 19:44 Letting the Brain Do the Work 26:25 Natural but Not Effective 31:56 What is Memory Reconsolidation? 42:44 Self-Treatment or Therapist? 47:54 Cutting-off Patterns

“The answer for all of our problems are in the same place as where the problem originates.” –Deborah Sandella   Humans are great at hiding what they really feel. Unknowingly, by restricting their emotions, they’re actually building a painful future. If you’re already in it, Dr. Deborah Sandella knows a way out. Dr. Sandella has received outstanding awards and has appeared on numerous shows for her works as a Psychotherapist, Professor and Author. Currently, she is on a mission to transform how we see emotions as the founder of RIM Institute.   Apparently, as the words above imply, all shudder-inducing experiences that everyone’s been running from holds the key to genuine healing. So if you’re already wondering what this RIM technique is all about, hit the play button and join in this information loaded conversation between our host, Jeff Jones and today’s guest, Dr. Deborah Sandella.     Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at    http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 05:30 From Spontaneous Healing to Intentional Healing 11:35 The RIM Technique 20:44 The Actuary and the Visionary 25:56 Unblock an Emotional Memory 31:54 Reconnecting and Regenerate 38:44 Trust Again… Feel the Feelings 42:00 Before You Jump In to Conclusions 46:48 Unlocking Your Emotions

“It’s all about taking action.”-Darlene Lancer   Just as how a plant withers or thrives by its roots, addiction can blossom or die by its core. However, you could do something about it. A lawyer turned Marriage and Family Therapist shares her experiences and expertise about co-dependency and labelling. Darlene Lancer, digs to the root of two of the ramifications of addiction to help families and individuals attain healing.   Conversely though, when things get messed up, it’s often hard to let go especially if emotions pull you like magnet. Nevertheless, for you and your family to thrive, there is something you must uproot. Join in to their conversation as Jeff and Darlene uncover the mysteries and false facts that surrounds co-dependency and labelling. As the words quoted above suggest, your happiness is yours, but, “it's all about taking action.”   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at    http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 02:50 Changing Careers 03:56 The Less Talked Terms 05:00 Dreams Awaken 07:13 The Evolution of Codependency 12:00 A Different Approach to Healing 15:19 The Labelling Stigma 20:00 Where To Focus 25:21 Let Go of Codependency-Reconnect to Your Innate Self

“Keep loving your kids; love yourself. It's not easy, but don't think you're failing if you can't have a moment in a room with your son.” –Barbara Straus Lodge   They say a mother’s love is the purest love on earth. But, can that love prevail when addiction creates a barrier between a mother and her child? Listen to the story of Barbara Straus Lodge.   Barbara is a writer and an activist and her works revolve around addiction and recovery. She is also the Vice President of Above the Noise Foundation, a foundation that funds addiction-stricken communities by hosting music festivals. She also founded TruthTalks™, a workshop that helps families understand what’s going on in the mind and heart of their loved one who has a substance-use disorder. Currently, she is working to pass a bill on selling Nitrous Oxide, a gas that has been used as a recreational drug since the 1700s. Learn why she is so determined to win this fight.   Today’s episode is more than just a heart-warming story of a mother’s love. Behind all the emotions are a real reason for parents to be cautious. If you have seen canisters in your kid’s trash, be alarmed. Know what they are and how they can affect your child. But, what if your child has already been pulled deep into the abyss of addiction? Learn how love and understanding play a major part in rebuilding the trust and ties that has been broken by the addiction barrier. As the words above suggest, parents fail if they stopped trying to reach out to their child. Communication is essential, but in a stress-filled home, it might seem impossible. So here are some tips on how to improve your communication and start reconnecting with each other. As our guest said, ‘It’s all about your kid.’ Save them while you still can.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 03:22 Barbara Five Years Ago 06:46 Ask and Listen 10:00 The Writer Within 11:58 An Under the Radar Drug 17:16 Warning Signs! 22:47 Truth Talks 38:38 Breaking the Addiction Barrier 41:26 It’s All About Your Kid

“But I would say a lot of intuitive knowing; a lot of deep knowing has sort of been lost. And so it's helpful to remember and to plug back into how we came into being and what is really embedded in our sequence. Because from there are the tools for healing.”     Karen Strange is a Certified Professional Midwife and an instructor at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Basically, her job is to educate midwifes about the latest techniques in birthing children. She also founded a workshop on neonatal resuscitation. But, why would there be an instructor for neonatal resuscitation in a podcast for families with addiction? Well, let our guest tell you the secret around your birth.   To know how to proceed, one must know where he came from. Karen’s words above give a glimpse of why this topic is essential. An individual’s personality is shaped as soon as we breathe life. Learn how one’s conception and birth has a bearing on one’s predisposition to addiction. And even if many unplanned events happened around this time where we didn’t have control, find out how ‘repair’ can still be done in order to attain this elusive healing. Today’s episode will bring you back to your memory that only your infant self can remember.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at    http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 04:59 An instructor for Neonatal Resuscitation in a Family with Addiction Podcast 10:53 How the Mother’s Emotional World Shapes Personality 17:33 Two Layers of Support- Essential for Healthy Neonatal Development 22:59 Our Implicit Memory 27:30 Repair of the Unplannned 30:33 The Birth Sequence 37:29 The Pacing Where Healing Occurs 46:20 Aware of How We Are In the Inside

“You deserve results…It's not your fault if you're not getting better. There's a hope for you. Keep searching, keep looking, never give up the answers… We are all working on this for you. And we will deliver answer soon.” -Dr. Meredith Sagan   An alarming issue has emerged in 2019! Dr. Meredith Sagan, the Founder of MindAlign Institute, has come across this human problem in her 20 years of research on human intelligence. And the rate to where we’re going in this artificial world is rapidly ravaging us since 2018.   A medical doctor and a holistic psychiatrist by profession, Dr. Meredith Sagan is a woman of varied career. She went in a child fellowship to residential treatment, behavioral health and a private practice. She has travelled around the world for many years to learn about human intelligence and the root causes of human problems. Join her in her quest as she shares with you her research and how her MindAlign method can help you with the struggles you are battling with right now.   Nobody knows how fast our world would change and what changes to expect. However, we know that our story us humans is colored with both brightness and darkness. Facing the dark side alone guarantees defeat. But Dr. Sagan’s words above echo a hope for many. So today’s episode especially highlights the trend that our world is in right now, especially at the start of 2018. Learn what causes the disorientation we experience, the many consequences that comes along with it and how this can be reversed. Also, find out how the MindAlign Method works and how to stay empowered when all your resources get exhausted. Take part in this enlightening conversation and pick rare insights along the way.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at    http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 03:29 A Woman of Varied Careers 06:12 Living in an Artificial World- The 2018 Massive Role Reversal 11:31 Social Media and Disorientation 19:20 The Family Structure in a ‘No Rules’  Era 24:31 Healing by Letting the Stigma Go   30:29 20 Years of Study on Mindfulness 34:42 The MindAlign Method 37:05 How to Stay Empowered When Resources Get Exhausted

“I think it's important that teens have some kind of role model… somebody in their life that believes in them.”-Kim Thompson   Sometimes, the harder we hide something, the more painful it becomes- both to the person hiding it and to the ones it was hidden from. This is what happened to our guest, Kim Thomson. Her teenage years was marked with unaddressed questions and emotions that became an empty space, which she constantly tried to fill in. But the path she walked expanded that empty space instead. Now an adult, she came to realize the words above, moving her to make it her mission to help teens of families with addiction. She is the owner of the Colorado Teen and Family Center and she also serves as a Family Program Educator at CeDAR UCHealth. As her story unfolds, discover what lies behind every secret and why changing this culture can help save both your teens and your family.   We know that communication in the family is an essential ingredient in maintaining harmonious and happy relationships. Sometimes, however, older members choose to keep their mouth shut on certain things, assuming that the younger members don’t have to know about it. It maybe for protecting the kids from pain or protecting themselves from the pain of having to face the truth. But in reality, nobody’s protecting anybody. Teens can sense if there’s something going on. Keeping secrets from them is teaching them to keep secrets from you. So for today’s episode, learn how secrets in the family, especially the ‘addiction secret’, can cause enduring suffering to your teens. See how you can shield them from the adverse consequences that their suffering can lead them to. Taste the joy of helping your teens find their own role and place in the family. Build bridges and create the right meaning together before you get caught in the cycle of belief system. Feel your emotions as a family. Meanwhile, our guest will also introduce a program that can help teenagers deal with their thoughts and emotions. Hear more of these topics from today’s podcast.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at    http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 04:01 Igniting the Passion 09:28 The Belief System Cycle 12:49 Falling to Adverse Defensive Coping Mechanisms 15:22 Letting Out the ‘Secrets’ Sparks Healing 24:11 Building Bridges 29:06 The Trickledown of Addiction 31:25 Program for Teens of Families with Addiction-What’s in it? 39:24 Creating a Level of Safety

“How did I do it? Well, I just kept learning and paying attention to my inner emotions … It takes practice.” –Dr. Cheryl Scheurer   We all put a fight to live, but not everybody wins. From the moment we start breathing, obstacles, one after another, will tell us to stop. But, as for our guest, she survives the battle with the words quoted above. Be introduced to Dr. Cheryl Scheurer, an accomplished woman of many gifts. She is a doctor in Financial Management, a book author and editor, a minister, a producer and a host. But behind all these successes is a painful past. Addiction and abuse was like a shadow she couldn’t run away from. It was there with her family, then with her husband, then with her own daughter. Her story tells the story of many out there who are groaning in pain from the hands of addiction. Allow her to share her story of how she helped herself and how she helps others.   Addiction thrives in troubled conditions and that’s exactly where we are. It’s terrifying to even think about how many individuals are falling victim to addiction, pulling families further apart. Learn how to gather courage and break the cycle of unhealthy codependency. This way, you may save both yourself and your family. Even if you are alone in your fight, you can get through it by knowing how to manage stress and where to find your threshold of change. Also, turn unconsciousness to consciousness and get past the fear around money. All these and more from today’s episode!   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at    http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 03:28 Cheryl’s Fight to Live 09:35 Gathering Up Courage 12:23 Breaking the Cycle of Codependency 19:37 Being a Mom to a Child with Addiction 26:24 Managing Stress 29:37 Helping People Get to Awareness 34:21 Threshold of Change 36:49 Helping People Get Past the Fear Around Money

“Community heals addiction… addiction hates community.” -Michele Ryan   The pain when you see your loved ones suffer from addiction is indescribable. The pain when you can’t help them because you are going through it yourself is even worse. While you have exhausted all your means and energy to get rid of your situation, you seem to be digging deeper down that abyss. The problem? You were fighting the battle alone. But you don’t have to. Michele Ryan, the Program Director at Behavioral Health Group in Longmont, learned that from experience. Tied up in the chains of addiction for many years and eventually watching her son fall into the same trap, made her feel like she was in a dense, dark forest with no way out. Allow her to share her own recovery journey and how the community has helped her along the way.   “Addiction is not a moral failing… it's a brain disease.” (Jeff Jones) The problem sometimes, is when people think that it isn’t. Then, medication is left out of the picture. This becomes problematic soon when overconfidence takes over, leading the person to believe the greatest lie: One won’t hurt- one drink, one pill. And then eventually, you’re caught in the same trap again. But, all of these can be avoided with the right perspective and a healthy dose of medication. Learn more about Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) and its benefits as opposed to Abstinence-based Approach. Many are skeptical about this but it’s also good to know the common misconceptions on MAT before disregarding it entirely. Also, consider the factors that contribute to its effectiveness. There is however, one area which MAT cannot reach yet: the Meth epidemic. Known by many names, Meth is spreading like a wildfire and is affecting many people at any age, anywhere around the globe. Get a hint on this deathly plague from today’s podcast. The truth however is, it’s not only Meth or any other drugs or alcohol. There are a lot, in fact, anything can be addictive to a person overwhelmed with pain and sorrows. You were alone when your problems drowned you down. But this time, it’s up to you to reach your hand out. This episode can be your guide on how to do that. Surely a good pair of sympathetic ears and a warm pair of hands can lift you up.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 02:38 Medicating Addiction 04:23 Michele: 20 Years in Recovery 06:29 Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) 09:21 Misconceptions on MAT 13:01 Factors for Efficacy of MAT 16:26 Finding Help 20:04 The Biggest Lie: One Won’t Hurt 22:44 The Meth Epidemic

“Recovery is a way of life.” –Marie Krebs   Are you looking for an intervention you can trust? Well, you just reached the right corner. No intervention works the same way for everyone and so assessment plays a crucial role. If the intervention seems to intervene blindly to your specific needs, then it probably is no intervention for you. To this end, asking the right question on the onset of mediation is imperative to getting the appropriate type of intervention. So today, let us get a hang on assessment in intervention with our guest, Marie Krebs- the Founder and Principal at Marie Krebs Consulting. As a professional in the addiction field for over a decade, she has already earned numerous trainings and certifications to work with people suffering from addiction and trauma. She is also a licensed professional counsellor and chemical dependency counsellor. Find out what she has to say on how a family can show that they are in solidarity with their loved one.   “Why?”- the hardest of questions yet the key to understanding the deepest of secrets. To be able to draw out water from a deep well, our string must be able to reach the bottom.If the goal of the intervention is just to make the substance or behaviour go away, it is not intervention at all. Therefore, interventionists must know from the standpoint of assessment for it to be truly successful in the long run. We do not want our loved one to revert or switch to a new form of addictive behavior. This podcast is packed with wisdom on that. And while there are hundreds of interventionists out there, caution is strongly recommended. Learn how to spot unscrupulous interventionists and the danger that comes with them. Never underestimate the power of your choice.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 03:51 The Assessment Process 18:33 Within Family Circle 27:22 When Does Recovery Really Begin? 31:54 Experiences: Stepping to Their Own Change Process 43:52 Watch Out for Unscrupulous Interventionists!

“Recovery is a practice of love.” -Dr. Michael McGee   Indeed! The one thing that love can change is everything. That is true as well in recovery.  Without it, the only change that can happen is from bad to worse. In your journey, have you ever felt that things aren’t working out? Maybe our guest, Dr. Michael McGee can help. Growing up in a wounded family with an alcoholic father, an addicted brother and an abusive mother, Dr. Michael McGee felt broken and unloved. To get the love he earnestly desired, he became addicted to achievements, only to find that renouncing his ability to love under this pretence is a dark bottomless pit. His road to recovery brought him to where he is now- the Chief Medical Officer of The Haven, an addictions treatment facility based in California. With over 30 years of serving in the addiction field, he has already done researches that can help in spirituality and recovery. He is also an author and a geriatric, medical and general adult psychiatrist. And today, he’s going expand the definition of addiction and recovery in terms of integrating spirituality into modern medical treatment.   Addiction is a disease of habit, gratification and relief- the opposite of love. So in order to maintain our capacity to love and show unconditional kindness we must understand that being behind the eight ball doesn’t give us a pass to treat recovery as a hopeless endeavour. This is why, Dr McGee’s core principles for family members with a loved one at any stage of addiction or recovery can be a turnaround. Learn more about his six core principles to help get your loved ones sober. As he spills the beans of recovery, do not be surprised by how simple things like keeping yourself safe and maintaining vitality can affect your loved ones. On top of that, know how to properly reinforce a desired behaviour by knowing when to give rewards and when to take them away. Surely, you don’t want to shield your loved one from the consequences of their actions as that can thwart any progress you have made. So remember that whatever you do, a combination of hope and a therapeutic dose of pain is a transformative force for healing. Discover why holding them accountable can help them to behave at a level of functioning which they are capable. But of course, when our loved one does not respond favourably to our efforts, it can be a total bummer. Dr. McGee can give us advice in that area too. Also included in our table today: how healers can heal themselves. Don’t miss these and other valuable gems inside today’s episode.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 04:12 50 Cents 09:50 Addiction and How It Consumes the Capacity to Love 19:40 An Advice for Healers 20:59 Six Core Principles to Help Loved Ones Get Sober 31:00 Destigmatizing the Neutral Language of Codependency

“We need to have a space for families to go where they can connect because … the disease lives where there's disconnection.” –Denise Klein   There’s a great book coming to town! It’s called, The Truth About Rehab by Denise Klein, the Co-Owner and CEO of Milestones Ranch Malibu. Denise has been a social worker for nearly 30 years. And what can she say: ““I love what I do.”  Allow her to tell you more about her book and how it can help everyone, family members and professionals alike. The truth is, a rehab should be more than just a ‘rehab’. As quoted above, it is “a space for families to go where they can connect.” This new book, written in collaboration with a couple of professionals, features important aspects in rehab; some of which are discussed in this episode.   Countless advertisements entice people with promising guarantees. Doctors, although being in the same field, have differing opinions and interpretations. That’s why families get confused in terms of choosing the right interventionist and the proper intervention for their loved one. And once they choose one, each member has to know what really is the family’s role  in the family transformation. Are they observers? supporters? or are they much more than that? The thing is, healing takes on as a family and not individually. We don’t just leave our family members at the treatment center’s door, come back in a couple of months and become normal again. So how do we harness the family’s strength and resiliency and create this “space” for connections and genuine healing? Finally, we know that after the treatment process, stressors and the possibility of relapse will surround families every second of everyday. So how do we help ourselves and our family member look at personal boundaries and deal with grey areas? Well, we surely do not want to go down a rabbit hole on this one so listen in as we delve harder into these topics. The treatment may have ended but the healing continues. It’s a way of life at least from this point on.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 03:47 Thirty years and Still In Love 07:00 The Truth About Rehab 11:08 The Family in Transformation 20:57 Laughing Again 26:52 Dealing with Gray Areas

“And what they really need is a lot of hand holding and a lot of encouragement to say: ‘Well, let's start out!’ ” –Debbie Briem   So you got your loved one to treatment and it was successful. What now? Our guest, Debbie Briem will walk you through the halls of post discharge and help you to get pass through your dilemmas. Debbie is a licensed Marriage and Family therapist and is currently with Milestones Ranch Malibu as a Clinical Director. Her 20 years of experience says a lot about how she can help families explore out some of the precursors before treatment.   After the discharge, the family is pushed to a tight corner and they go into a cycle of worrying. They become too conscious of their actions to avoid disrupting the new pattern of recovery, which in turn, makes the patient uneasy and hurt. This causes an awkward atmosphere within the family circle which is definitely not healthy for everybody.  So for starters, find out what miracle question can you ask to change the way you do things. Also, make a list of the do’s and don’ts  of post discharge and learn how families can write their own discharge plan. It is good to note that a planned action is better than an unplanned regression.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 02:38 Lovin’ the California Sun 06:25 The Miracle Question 08:46 The Precursors of Treatment 17:16 Integrating The Do’s and Don’ts in the Process 20:58 The Cycle of Worrying

“I’m not broken. I’m okay as I am.” –Jo Huey   Everyone refers to their environment before doing anything because, aware or not, we always seek the approval of others. We are all born with the need and want of belongingness. But if we constantly receive this false message, we forget who we are along the way by trying to be someone acceptable to anybody else but ourselves. Our guest, Joanne Huey has a story to tell that will change your outlook and create a different impression of self-worth. She experienced addiction in her own family which molded her opinion for many years. But after this amazing realization, she finally met with her true self, never to let go again. This transformation led her to be a Personal Change Expert, Neuro-linguistic Programming Practitioner and Inspirational Speaker.   The change in the family is often attributed to the addicted member who successfully walked the path to sobriety. But today’s story is about a daughter, a sister, a partner who was adversely affected not only by the addicted member but also the sober parent but was able to create that change in the family everyone is dreaming about. Join in her journey as she travels back to the past and share what false message about her was constantly sent by her alcoholic father, how this message was reinforced by the sober parent, how this message shaped her as she entered adulthood, and how this message was proven false to its power. Also, discover what the Drama Triangle is about and how to reopen the family’s connectivity. As much as we want to be somebody else to be accepted in the society that we live in, we must never forget that we are valuable and lovable in our own way. We can never be somebody else but we can be a better version of ourselves.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 03:44 Jo’s Story 16:28 How the Sober Parent Reinforces False Message 22:21 The Drama Triangle 29:04 Coping with Feelings of Insufficiency the Wrong Way 34:36 Shifting the Dynamic Through the Inner Voice

“Nobody comes to trauma, but through trauma.” – Karin Dremel   The true nature of addiction comes not from what we see at present but what we did not see in the past. And this is Science in what we call trauma. Our guest, Karin Dremel will expound the subject and enlighten us on the things we might not be aware of that has a direct bearing on family issues and addiction. She is a German psychotherapist, Naturopath and a Humanist Chaplain. Currently, her practice is situated in Boulder, Colorado where she helps individuals and couples through systems constellation groups.   Often, we see addiction through a limited perspective such that a present problem has something to do with how an individual copes that may potentially lead to addiction. But seldom do we consider what family origin has to do with how that individual arrived at choosing that particular type a coping mechanism. Join in today’s episode as our guest talks about the effects of generational trauma and silence, constellation healing, life-giving and life-limiting factors, belongingness and systemic trauma technology.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 03:30 Karin’s Family Origin 08:11 The Silence 20:05 What Is Constellation 36:24 The Essence of Family Constellation: Belongingness 44:13 The Systematic Trauma Technology

“Don't worry about trying to get the whole family to do it. You just start.”  -JW. Wilson   Living in an ever-so-busy world keeps our toes tied up in our mundane activities. So getting the whole family to support the healing process can be a little bit short of impossible. But we can learn something different from our guest, JW Wilson. As his words above explains, initiative itself is the key. Does he have the claim for this? Absolutely. JW grew up in a family where most of those he eats with at the table are addicted to one thing or another. And the most painful part is when addiction finally claimed their life. So now, he dedicated his life helping others to understand the neurobiology of addiction. Currently, he serves as the Executive director of Advanced Learning Institute in Boulder, Colorado. The most significant attribute of this institute is their research on genes and gene expression that has a direct effect on human behaviour and predisposition to addiction.   Consequently, before we can get to healing, we must first consider what to heal. This subject may sound complex but we need not be apprehensive because our speaker has made it easy for us to understand. Listen in as he explains the connection of the brain and physiological processes, the biological and environmental causes of addiction, the  shifting of our meaningful learning to less meaningful obligatory learning leading to addiction, the network of parasympathetic responses and the value of human connections. Most importantly, learn how JW Wilson can help in your journey to recovery.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 04:04 The Executive 12:06 Transforming Your Being 24:06 The Moon Network 30:00 The Flip Flop of Your Own Meaning 37:12 The Root of Addiction

“CRAFT”  is “…evidence based practice.” –Jessica Triplett   The path to recovery can be appalling if the path you chose ended up in dismay. No path is perfect. Therefore, it is necessary that families choose a path that keeps the harm to a minimum. Our guest will introduce a model that accomplishes just that. Meet Jessica Triplett, a trainer for the CRAFT model. She’s been in the addiction field for a decade, starting her career in Nebraska then to Colorado. She worked with child welfare, substance abuse case and family addiction case. But these experiences were more than just a job. They became her own path to turning this interest into an avenue for hopeful families.   “Addiction rules the roost” as Jeff says and it can push the whole family even further down. But this CRAFT model, developed by Dr. Robert J. Meyer can be a turn around where the whole family can rule over addiction. Just what CRAFT stands for, what goals it has that make it effective, what strategies can each family member use to defuse potential outbursts, how CRAFT works to get the addicted member into treatment, encourage him to stay and finish the treatment and how the remaining members can prime for the return of their loved one are discussed in today’s episode. Join the discussion and learn how to avoid “falling into pattern interns that… are hard to get out of.”                       Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 03:31 Jessica:  ‘There’s So Much We Can Do’ 10:38 CRAFT and its Goals 20:01 Wiring Connection Strategies 24:05 How CRAFT works 38:15 In Probation

“So attachment based intervention is about bringing people together.” - Jim Thomas   In a world where no one seems to care, we often choose to be in isolation- away from people and things and situations that hurt. But in reality, nobody wants to be isolated. And that idea of ‘bringing people together’ is stressed by our today’s guest, Jim Thomas. Raised in a broken household, Jim himself struggled with adverse childhood experiences and went through his own recovery journey. Wanting to be a part of solutions, he pursued this course with a burning passion and is now a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, EFT Therapist and director of the Colorado Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy. Well, what can we say? Jim just love his job.   Years can go by but severed family ties never gets healed with time and that is, if the heart of the problem never gets fixed. Healing from the heart is a research-based approach that helps create meaningful experiences for everyone involved. It allows for varied and personalized avenues for the members to draw out their deepest emotions. Learn more about this type of intervention, how to get the family members out of the ‘bystanders’ lane, the role of emotion in relationships, how to foster these vulnerabilities to create an opportunity for family recovery and how to create a secure emotional family environment. Don’t miss all these intriguing topic from today’s podcast!   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 02:48 The Happy Therapist and Joyful Trainer 09:15 Attachment Infused Intervention 19:33 Healing From Attachment Standpoint 33:14 Fostering Vulnerability 40:02 The Secure Emotional Bond

“It's very important that you start today to build an inner nurturing voice… because you're going to need that voice, even when you take your last breath.” -Julie Simon   Food! Food! Food! Who does not love food! Food is comfort. Food is life. Food is everything good in the world. We can say a lot about food but food can also say a lot about us. Today’s episode will give voice to that with our guest, Julie Simon. Julie is a licensed Psychotherapist and Life Coach and is specializing in emotional eating and food addiction. She has a private practice and is designing various programs for over 29 years now. Having experienced the struggle with overeating herself, she decided to listen to the voice that helped her reframe her life.   Often, we fail to see beyond what our eyes can see. And that’s not very helpful at all. Some people eat way too much and we say they lack self-control but the real reason beyond their overeating is unknown to us. Get the hang of the connection between early development and food, the role of your hormones in food addiction, the signs of an emotional eater, the skills needed to fight addiction and the right attitude towards those skills. Food need not be a problem anymore if you solve the problem behind food addiction. Engage in this yummy discussion that will arouse your appetite for recovery.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 02:54 Julie and the Surrounding Culture of Overeating 06:31 The Science of Overeating 16:07 Are You An Emotional Eater? 32:20 Learn The Skills 39:41 Practice! Practice! Practice!

“Everybody in the family has to make changes, and this is how we help parents make those changes.” –Aaron Huey   Whoever said that they sacrificed this and that because they didn’t have a choice is seriously disturbed. They often forget one thing and that will be reminded by our guest, Aaron Huey, the owner of Fire Mountain Residential Program for Young Adults. Working with kids and kids camps lead to this interesting story of Fire Mountain. The unique idea here is a dual diagnosis facility residential treatment for teens not just to get them out of crisis but also to build their confidence and become their best self. As a troubled teenager, Aaron have experimented on various forms of addiction but was able to get through with a lot of self-reflection and guess what! He is turning 22 years now in recovery. Let him share with you some of those reflections.   Nothing is impossible; nothing is hopeless until we start believing it to be. So, here is another recovery solution that you might be interested in. But there’s much more to it. There are a lot going on within a teenagers’ mind that we don’t know about which needs to be addressed, and immediately at that. Just how we know if the kid is in crisis and how parents should deal with it to avoid unnecessary sacrifices and recover from this draining situation while helping their child to heal is all in today’s menu. So, stay tuned in as Aaron Huey walks you through the often overlooked part of recovery: You!   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights:   02:36 Aaron in the Ups and Downs 10:15 Warning Signs! 19:51 How to Reroute the Reaction-to-Response System 30:06 Say the Magic Word: Sorry 40:15 Unnecessary Sacrifices

“There's hope. There's hope. There's hope. It's not your fault and there's something you can do about it.” –Christina Vaselak A casual conversation with an old acquaintance turns into a very enlightening discussion! Well, we’re still in the Winter Symposium with Jeff and he just had a great breakfast with Christina Vaselak, owner of Garden Gate Counselling and The Academy for Addiction and Mental Health Nutrition. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a certified nutritionist. She’s currently writing a book and today we are privileged to get a prevue of it.  So, our lesson for today is Biology 101. Science may not be your favorite subject when you were at school because of so many alien concepts and terms. But today you’re going to love it as it goes down to a personal level. What we’re made of- our genes and other biochemical molecules- basically constitute who we are and what we become. Aside from our physical appearance, our emotions and predispositions can be tracked down to a molecular level- even the generational pattern of addiction. Just how? Listen in as Jeff and Christina discusses the biochemistry of addiction, how nutrition can affect, why genes need to be considered by substance users and non-users alike, and what test can give you the answers that you need.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 01:34 About Christina 04:15 The Biochemistry of Active Addiction 28:17 Genetics 101 36:36 The Test 42:17 The 20-Minute Miracle

“And who holds our emotional heartstrings more than our children or our grandchildren.”- Jerry Moe Welcome to the 45th Annual Winter Symposium! We know traditional conferences as a gathering packed with professionals and their talks but this one where we find our host is surely remarkable as it is designed to be educational in a fun and exciting way! Jeff surely is ecstatic about this conference and meeting field experts that can help us too to be conversant about new and multi-faceted ways of recovery. Now, for the highlights of today’s episode: a very heart-touching interview with one of the featured faculty of this highly esteemed four-day annual addiction conference, Jerry Moe. We surely look forward to additional learnings from our guest who is a seasoned trainer, lecturer, author, Advisory Board Member of the National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA), and National Director of the Betty Ford Children’s Program. When we talk about addiction, we customarily think of adults struggling to be sober and their adult family members supporting them along the way. Seldom though, do we recognize that this premise is lacking in many ways. On the other hand, the counterpart of this scenario is one that must be considered with all seriousness-the children of addiction and their role in the recovery of the whole family. Learn more about this intriguing topic as Jeff interviews Jerry about why it is important to give attention to children, how profoundly they are affected, in what ways they express their anxieties, how they can put a stop to the generational pattern of addiction and how their little voices can have the greatest impact in the family endeavor. Of course, knowing about all these is not enough without the life-changing topic: what adults can do.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 01:52 Children Centers: Walking Like You Own It O8:08 Expressing Addiction Anxiety 21:09 A Child-Centered Family Program 28:29 The Invisible Story 33:22 The Power of a Group

“What Ibogaine does is it gives people the insight that they have to…have the courage to do something that they must do.” –Richie Ogulnick Who would dare be a major proponent of an unfamiliar heroine detox with just a flickering assurance of success? Not even this man- Richie Ogulnick, a simple Jewish jeweler from the Bronx who has not even the slightest experience with addiction. But with just one phone call, he was off to Africa to embark on this very challenging adventure to become one of the pioneer enthusiasist of this method. Dreaded about addiction are the agonizing effects that comes with withdrawal. It’s even worse than addiction itself that some have hesitated to walk the path of sobriety. As Jeff was one advocate of multiple avenues on healing addiction, he sits with Richie Ogulnick to talk about what this out of the box heroine detox is about and how one can be eligible to undergo the process. Contrary to conventional treatment methods, Ibogaine treatment promises a quick somatic reset without the anguish brought by withdrawal symptoms. Just how this happens and what true healing entails is discussed in today’s podcast. Listen in as Jeff and Richie revisit the story of this auspicious encounter with Iboga, the roots of addiction and what every family considering addiction treatment has to know.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 02:55 1989-An Intriguing Encounter 11:55 Off to Africa 19:05 Watch Out for Red Flags! 29:02 What Constitutes Healing? 46:09 What's There Yet to Dream

“My goal is to lift them up with the strength of their actions even if their actions haven’t always been productive.”-Dr. Robert Weiss   We do anything and everything for the people that we love. Sometimes we fall into crisis dealing with our own relationship problems but we fall even deeper into that crisis by people who ridicule the things we do for love. Dr. Robert Weiss became open in such a field by overcoming the troubled seasons of his life. At present, his expertise is spread as a psychotherapist, sexologist and international educator. As the CEO of Seeking Integrity LLC, he is also reaching out virtually to create communities for many troubled people whose voices are covered by fear mongering.   This interview does not only shift our view from what’s wrong in our society but also what’s wrong with the way we deal with our own remorse. A lot of concepts are contrasted which gave rise to a new model that will lead us away from the path of trauma to the path of love. Learn more about how this model is built and why it is necessary in this digital age.   Change is good! Want to know what’s new in Family Recovery and Solutions? Listen to today’s podcast and learn what our host has to say.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 01:42 The Problem Leading to Problem 14:42 The 1980’s 26:56 Creating the Right Stage: Protective not Inhospitable 37:06 Fear Mongering Social Media 49:58 Becoming More Invitational and Less Blaming

“A lot of what I’d like to do is to try to help people, if they are in a dead end, to get out and decide for themselves how it is to be human” Started out in Engineering and found a drive to go to Med school, Dr. Michael Levin discovered his passion in Addiction psychiatry. He is now an accomplished psychiatrist for 20 years in Denver, Colorado. During this episode, Dr. Michael Levin talks about how addiction has followed him throughout his career as a physician, from his first patient who was an alcoholic to the AIDS patients who were mostly heroin addicts. He also talks about profound topics like how it is to be human, the connection of addiction to love, Helen Fisher and her research, and how to understand an addict brain.   Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 01:07  The General idea about Dr. Michael Levin 04:14  What is an Addiction Psychiatry? 09:24  Love is complicated 21:21  Breaking down love and addiction 29:44  That addict brain- what you have to understand

“The healing process is ...educating yourself on your own emotion.” Meet the woman behind two best-selling books: “Running On Empty- Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect” and “Running on Empty No More-Transform Your Relationship With Your Partner, Your Parents and Your Children.” Dr. Jonice Webb. She is an expert in Psychiatry and is now dedicated to helping people recover from Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN). Perplexed by the seemingly identical symptoms among her patients, Dr. Jonice Webb has named this subtle and serious enemy that many people suffer from. We know, but little do we understand how childhood experiences determine our adult life. Learn from this podcast how CEN is developed from something that a child did not experience and how this haunting condition can be reversed. Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/2019/01/09/jonice-webb/ Highlights: 02:10 Discovering the Clues with Dr. Jonice Webb 05:39 The Leading Question 13:25 Linking CEN and Addiction 33:14 Feeling the Feelings 43:03 Timing the Initiation

“The family is core for everything.”-Pam Feinberg-Rivkin Being a nurse by profession and having to serve in many areas of the medical field such as dialysis, homecare and case management, Pam Feinberg is an eyewitness of how addiction is gradually injected from vials of trauma and drug prescriptions to people of varying age and backgrounds. Her own experience with a family member who battled with addiction fuelled up her desire to help others through an approach that is deviant from the common rehabilitation method. In this episode, we also learn that true healing comes from a much broader and deeper sense. Here, Pam talks about factors leading to drug abuse and alcohol addiction as well as the significant role that each family member has on the period of and surrounding period of the recovery. This is not just a common story of journey to sobriety but also a reality of how “addiction in the family can be turned into an opportunity for the whole family to change.” Get the show notes, transcription and resources mentioned at http://thefamilyrecoverysolution.com/   Highlights: 01:58 Getting a Glimpse of the CEO 08:57 The Generational Pattern of Drug and Alcohol Addiction 17:01 Help for Opposing Family Origins 26:12 Getting the Right Attitude 33:01 Outside Individualized Plans-The Holistic Approach