Genuine Life Recovery with Jodie Stevens

Teens, Addiction and Substance Abuse-Part 2 (Episode 79)

In part 2 of Teens, Addiction and Substance Abuse with author and addiction counselor Richard Capriola we talk:

Social media and peer pressure

Warning signs your kids may be using drugs

The difference between substance abuse and a substance use disorder

Two things you can do to prevent your kids from using drugs

The number one reason teens don’t talk to parents, and how to change that

What steps parents can take if they suspect their child is using substances or having a psychiatric problem.

 

Teens, Addiction and Substance Abuse-Part 1 (Episode 78)

Teens, Addiction and Substance Abuse-Part 1 (Episode 78)

It may come as no surprise that we are living in the midst of a teenage mental health crisis. In this episode I'm joined by Richard Capriola who is a therapist, substance abuse counselor, and author of the book The Addicted Child: A Parent’s Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse. In this episode we talk about what often gets missed or overlooked in the assessment of teen addiction or substance abuse and how this can impact their recovery. You will also learn about what drugs teens are using today, what they have access, which substances have increased in use, and how substance abuse is correlated with the current teen mental health crisis. We also discuss the long-term impact of drugs on a teenager's brain and how adolescent substance abuse differs from adult substance abuse. You will also find out what to do if you suspect your teenager is abusing drugs or alcohol.  

How Drug and Alcohol Addiction Impact the Family System (Episode 77)

How Drug and Alcohol Addiction Impact the Family System (Episode 77) 

In this episode we discuss the importance of family in addiction treatment and ways family members can support or enable a member with and addiction. We talk about the power of homeostasis in families with addiction and what that means as well as different roles members take on to cope in the addicted family system. Family treatment offers better communications skills, healthy roles based on authenticity, and ways for members to support the individual in treatment.   

Adult Children of Alcoholics-Stories and Solutions (Episode 76 Part 2)

Adult Children of Alcoholics-Stories and Solutions (Episode 76 Part 2)

In this episode Connard talks about his experience growing up as a child of an alcoholic with a war traumatized alcoholic father. We discuss the generational trauma of war; how trauma impacts our relationships later in life; therapeutic tools available to treat trauma and addiction; and how we can make sense or find meaning in our trauma so we can move on. Connard Hogan is a therapist who worked in addiction counseling for many years. He is author of the book "Once Upon a Kentucky Farm: Hope and Healing from Family Abuse, Alcoholism and Dysfunction." Connard is a trauma survivor, Vietnam veteran, and adult child of an alcoholic (ACA). 

Adult Children of Alcoholics-Surviving Trauma (Episode 75 Part 1)

Adult Children of Alcoholics-Surviving Trauma (Episode 75 Part 1)

I’m joined by Connard Hogan, a therapist who worked in addiction counseling for many years. He is author of the book "Once Upon a Kentucky Farm: Hope and Healing from Family Abuse, Alcoholism and Dysfunction." Connard is a trauma survivor, Vietnam veteran, and adult child of an alcoholic (ACA). In this episode Connard explains what ACA/ACoA is: Adult Child of Alcoholics, and some of the issues and challenges faced by individuals who grew up in chaotic alcoholic homes. We talk about the various faces of trauma and how it can be emotional as well as physical; how trauma can break our ability to form healthy connections/relationships and lead to maladaptive choices; how self-esteem and trauma are related; learned helplessness that trauma can cause...and TONS more. 

How to Have Boundaries with People that Love to Crash Them!

In this video episode I will share some proven tips along with my own experience on how to have better boundaries with people that love to crash them!

How to Heal Ourselves with Helen Hicks (Episode 73)

How to Heal Ourselves with Helen Hicks (Episode 73)

In this episode I'm joined by therapist and author Helen Hicks. We will talk about how Covid impacted the mental health industry and the shortage of mental health professionals in our country. Learn how to find hope in these times; how to relieve anxiety through proven techniques; how our beliefs impact our mental health; proven ways to change dysfunctional beliefs and behavior patterns; and the importance of self compassion. Helen also shared what is was like growing up with a mother who was a paranoid schizophrenic and how it shaped her belief system and led her to becoming a therapist. She also shares ways to simplify the complexities of parenting to raise mentally healthy children.   

Mental Health Disorders that Co-occur with Addictions (Episode 72)

Mental Health Disorders that Co-occur with Addictions (Episode 72)

In this episode we are talking about the most common mental health challenges or disorders that commonly co-occur with addictions. Often people who struggle with addiction are tying to treat an underlying disorder like anxiety, depression, bi-polar, PTSD or things like that. I will share my own experience with this and what someone should do if they suspect this to be the case. I will also share what co-occurring means and the most common disorders that co-occur with addictions.