These Statistics were take from the 2021 Census at https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2021-nsduh-annual-national-report Among the 40.7 million people aged 12 or older in 2021 with an illicit drug or alcohol use disorder in the past year who did not receive treatment at a specialty facility, 96.8 percent (or 39.5 million people) felt they…

Caroline Holke works with Type A, high performing women who drink more than they intend to sometimes. It wouldn't be classified as a drinking problem, but they have a problem with using it as a crutch and want to get their control back. They hire her to get rid of…

Chelsea is a Narcotics Unit Paralegal Specialist with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, and a member of Silent No More. Addiction has rattled just about every one of her family members, ultimately claiming the lives of her two oldest brothers Steven and Scott. Steven passed…

Michele has lived through absolute hell and can smile on the other side of the abyss. Her life's work is to facilitate healing and to guide people back to the knowingness of their own inner strength and to not just survive, but to live their lives fully. Outline: What does…

Know Hope North Carolina's mission is to remember those we have lost, support those in recovery and give hope to those still struggling. Create memorial banner and billboards with faces of those lost to addiction in NC. Refer clients to detox and treatment centers. Facilitate grief groups. Outline of Podcast…

In this episode, Tracy and I get into a great conversation about what do kids need and how that translates later in life. Safety, Security, and Love are three important things and in that, creating a safe place to be heard and how important connection is. Tracy Redfearn is a…

In this episode, Michele Rogers shares with us her journey of losing her son. This was a powerful conversation about what happens next as well as her experience. The biggest take away from this conversation is, this is not a parenting problem. Here is just a little of Michele's story…

My next episode includes a guest that made a new year's resolution to get sober and 4 years later, she is still sober. She talks with us about her journey into sobriety and how she did it. It wasn't the typical path, and it has shown to be successful for…

You hear it all the time with people who have loved ones with substance abuse issues. The "Letting go". But what does that really mean. Sometimes we have a misconception on what "Letting Go" really means.

In so many cases, we unintentionally ask things of others who can not give us what we need. and then we end up resentful, angry, and feeling a little defeated. It is important to pay close attention and gain clarity on making sure we are asking people the right people…

Lies is something you will encounter a bit if you have a loved one with substance abuse issues. One thing to remember, it's never personal. Also, we have to think and question, what exactly is their incentive to be honest.

This is a great guidance system for a large majority of my decision making when it comes to helping people or doing favors. I generally won't simply "give" anything away. I'm always happy to help if people are willing to help themselves.

In this video clip of my 50th podcast episode with Dr. Susan Birne-Stone, we discussed why it's not so simple to just simply put the drugs down and everything will be ok. Change is hard, doesn't mean we should do it. It's just about having compassion and understanding of the…

What is the #1 boundary for families set? That is a big question!! A question that can be distilled down to one thing...and you already know what it is. Listen to this clip in my last podcast episode. So much wisdom in this one answer!

Creating unbreakable boundaries is really about honoring yourself and others. In this episode, Dr. Susan and I get into some really great conversations about creating awareness around the question that Dr. Susan loves to ask, "Why does this make sense?" Having a loved one with substance abuse is complex, challenging,…

In this video, I go through some different things I look for when I sit down at a computer and look into a rehab. This is just to start narrowing down all the different options you have. *How long have they been open *How many people per room *Family Program…

Lying when you have a loved one in addiction is something you are probably all too familiar with, so what do you do about it? What can you do about it? To start with realize it's not personal. To maintain your sanity, figure out how to ground yourself and deal…

Boundaries do no equal conflict. A lot of times when I am working with family members, I will say generally, "Set your boundaries" they will push back and tell me they hate conflict. But boundaries isn't about creating conflict. It's about saying you love yourself and that you are going…

I met Allison as part of my Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown Book Club. Wholehearted living is so important for people who are dealing with loved ones in addiction. Through the situations we find ourselves in during this time period, it's important to connect with yourself and with others.…

Give yourself permission to be happy, to bring joy in your life, to do what YOU want to do. Sometimes, when we have loved ones with substance abuse issues, it's like our lives are not ours anymore. Give yourself permission to reclaim your life because as much as we want…

There are 3 main factors that go into someone's ability to manipulate us. 1. Fear 2. Obligation 3. Guilt Doing our own work prevents people from having the ability to get us easily with their manipulation. When you sense you are being manipulated, ask yourself What am I afraid of?…

Nick and Kaitlin have been through it all together. Meeting at 15 right when Nick's addictive drinking started, Kaitlin got to see the evolution of addiction, and somehow they have gotten to the otherside. Through many tumultuous periods of their relationship, they have managed to navigate through Nick discovering he…

Boundaries...whew...when I say boundaries, a lot of people perk up because we sometimes struggle in this arena. With our parents, coworkers, siblings, spouses, and so on. We have notions of what saying no will do, we fear abandonment, rejection, we fear that people will perceive us as angry people, and…

Brittany Brown answers the question: What can families do to support their loved ones with substance abuse?