Genuine Life with Jodie Stevens

Why Relapse is a Normal Part of Recovery (Episode 47)

Why Relapse is a Normal Part of Recovery (Episode 47) 

While relapse is certainly not encouraged, it is usually a normal part of the addiction recovery process. Negative emotions are one of the main causes of relapse. Many people who struggle with addictions experience emotional, physical and environmental triggers they may not be aware of because they are disconnected from themselves emotionally. In addition, we may not have the best coping skills since we have used our addiction to cope with challenges and sooth our pain. In this episode we explore what lapse and relapse is, how it happens, why it is normal, and some relapse prevention strategies. Please share this podcast with anyone you know who needs help. 

Does an Addict Need Recovery Meetings to Stay Sober? (AA or NA) Episode 46

Does an Addict Need Recovery Meetings to Stay Sober? (AA or NA) Episode 46 

In this episode we answer the question. Do I need to go to recovery meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous to get and stay sober. I will share my own experience getting sober; and you will learn the pro's, cons, and everything in between when it comes to recovery meetings. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction make sure and watch! 

 

Substance Addictions vs Process or Behavioral Addictions (Episode 45)

Substance Addictions vs Process or Behavioral Addictions (Episode 45)

Learn the differences and similarities between substance addictions vs behavioral or process addictions. I will explain substance addictions like alcohol addiction, cocaine addiction, and heroin addiction. Learn how they impact the body and brain; and artificially stimulate the brains reward pathways which can cause dangerous withdrawal and ultimately death from heart, liver, or kidney failure. Find out about process or behavioral addictions and how they can also stimulate the body and brain. We will also talk about the similarities of each and how both types of addictions are usually accompanied by co-occurring mental disorders like anxiety and depression. Also, learn how Satan attempts to mimic these God given reward pathways in our brains (meant for survival) hoping to destroy us.

6 Causes of Addiction and How they all Work Together (Episode 44)

6 Causes of Addiction and How they all Work Together (Episode 44)

Ever wondered what causes addiction? In this show we will explore 6 causes: 1) Psychological Model 2) Family Model 3) Disease Model 4) Cultural Model 5) Spiritual Model 6) Multi-Causal Model. I will explain these models, what they mean, how they can cause addiction; and share personal examples from my own life as to how these 6 causes manifested. And how they led to not only my addiction, but addiction in my family as well. Learn how all 6 of these can work together (or individually) to causes addictions and other challenges. 

Alcohol Does Not Discriminate-Henry Ruggs (Episode 43)

Alcohol Does Not Discriminate-Henry Ruggs (Episode 43)

It does not matter how great life is, or how famous you are as we see in the case of the Henry Rugg’s (Raiders) DUI arrest. In a moment his life changed forever…and a life was taken. My husband and I will share our experience, strength, and hope after 35 years of sobriety between the two of us. As we see from this horrific tragedy, alcohol and drugs changes your brain chemistry making you think you are invincible. Not only that but addiction is a progressive disease that causes brain damage and slowly destroys your organs. But, there is hope. It is reversible and with help you can stay sober form drugs and alcohol. Many people struggle with addiction and there is help available for you or your loves ones to find freedom from addiction.

 

How Does Childhood Trauma Cause Addiction? (Episode 42)

How Does Childhood Trauma Cause Addiction? (Episode 42)

Learn how childhood trauma can cause addiction or addictive behavior patterns later in life. We will discuss attachment/bonding and authenticity-the two important things needed in childhood to create security. Without these two things we can experience fear, anxiety, depression, loneliness and a myriad of other things that can lead to the addictions later in life. Substance abuse and process addictions release chemicals in our brains that can mirror attachment and connection. Thus we find that addiction is a replacement for what we need. Unfortunately, addiction is an evil mimicry for God created bonding and it can backfire and cause all kinds of problems in our lives - even death. 

Can I be an Alcoholic AND Codependent? (Episode 41)

Can I be an Alcoholic AND Codependent? (Episode 41).

There is a saying: “If you take the booze away from an alcoholic you get a co-dependent.” Is this true? Tune in and I will answer this question and explain what codependency actually is. 

What is the False Self and why do we Create One?

Learn about the 'false-self' and why most of us create one? Find out how this defense mechanism can serve as a protection in our family of origin and how later in life it can become a liability in our emotional development. Shame is one of the underlying symptoms of the 'false self.' When we do not learn to live from our authentic God-Given self we can fall into addictions and other life altering challenges. When sin entered the world that is when shame, abuse, neglect, hiding and everything bad entered into the picture. The good news is that God created you unique and longs to restore you and me back to who He created us to be.