Coming Up For Air - Families Speak To Families About Addiction

Not only will you learn what Laurie hankers for that is both sweet and salty, or why other drivers are likely to honk at Annie in her car, but in this new podcast episode, you will hear your Coming Up for Air hosts as never before. You will learn more about their motivations for why they do the work they do, hear what they envisioned for their lives (or didn't) as children, and learn about their visions for a society that does a better job addressing the issues of addiction. You'll also hear an interesting exploration of self-care — why is there so much resistance across the board? Allies in Recovery's Content Editor, Isabel Cooney, invites Laurie MacDougall and Annie Highwater to spend half an hour in the guest seats! Join our Member Site today to take full advantage of Allies in Recovery’s program, including 8 video learning modules, three blogs, and dialogue with experts in the field of treatment and recovery. Learn more here. http://alliesinrecovery.net/#benefits

"I'm a college-educated white male. I'm the face of addiction!" declares Michael King. Addressing the way we speak about addiction, he explains "If we end the stories that we tell by just talking about the mess that addiction creates, we're doing a disservice to everybody out there who is looking for help.....I wanna shout from the rooftops that Guess What! We create mountains of mess and we can work through them and make amends for those things that we've done wrong...and then we have the ability to take that experience and try to use it to try to help other people..." This week's episode is full of hope and information as Laurie and Annie speak with Michael King, of Facing Addiction. Even offering his own contact information for families in need, Michael touches on his own descent into alcoholism, DUI's and professional embarrassment, and his own recovery. From his own recovery he moved into truly embracing the world of recovery, finding a newborn passion for helping others and extending the support system

When a Loved One suffers from addiction, part of the complicated web of emotions we experience involves feeling sorry for them. A Loved One struggling with the influence of drugs or alcohol is not in their "right mind," and can often play on those chords—inviting us to feel sorry for them, in order to extract from us what they need in that moment. As the family of a Loved One with SUD, we can also be vulnerable to feeling sorry for ourselves, given the high stress and heartache that are part of nearly every day. What are these feelings? Where do they come from? Is there anything to do about them, and can they be useful? Laurie and Annie dive into the topic with their usual passion and curiosity, giving examples from their own lives as well as helpful guidance. Tune in! A membership at Allies in Recovery brings you into contact with experts in the fields of recovery and treatment for drug and alcohol issues. Our learning platform introduces you to CRAFT and guides you through the best techniques for unblock

In today's episode Annie and Laurie touch on awareness being low when it comes to how many families are struggling with an addicted or chemically dependent Loved One. They discuss what to be aware of ahead of time versus becoming aware through a wake up call. From how addiction starts, what specific signs to look for, how each of them would have handled a few things different had they known a thing or two like they do now...and how to handle someone in your orbit, such as a coworker, neighbor, relative or friend, that may have this going on with their son, daughter or other Loved One.

In this week's podcast episode Annie and Laurie interview recently retired Judge Scott Vanderkarr, from Columbus, Ohio's Drug Court. Scott left the bench to spread the word about Drug Courts being needed in every court setting across the nation. With a background as a Prosecuting Attorney and his days as a judge, Scott did not expect to find himself affected by the opiate epidemic on a personal level. Tune in to hear his moving account of the close relationship he developed with a young man who later died of an overdose. Scott tells us about all he is currently doing to bring hope and change to families who are dealing with the crisis of addiction. A membership at Allies in Recovery brings you into contact with experts in the fields of recovery and treatment for drug and alcohol issues. Our learning platform introduces you to CRAFT and guides you through the best techniques for unblocking the situation. Together we will move your loved one towards recovery. Learn more here. http://alliesinrecovery.net/#benef

Your addicted loved one needs treatment. Motivation may not be great. You may have heard that the the family is powerless over the situation. Or you may be looking for a magic, instantaneous solution and fear that things are so dire that you don't have time to try anything "soft" or "gradual." Laurie and Annie, who have both successfully shepherded their loved ones into treatment, share how-to's for families facing this dilemma. Along with what worked well, they also point out what didn't. All the while acknowledging that different families need different solutions. Join the Allies in Recovery member site today for full, unlimited access to our e-learning platform, expert guidance, and the chance to connect with others in your situation. Learn more here. http://alliesinrecovery.net/#benefits

In this week's episode Laurie and Annie talk about those we know who seem content in misery, hanging pictures and inviting company down into their pit with them. Outside of being in the midst of trauma or grief, there are times we can decide not to see things negatively. Why do we return to situations we do nothing but complain about? This week's short podcast ends with a list from Psychology Today of symptoms and signs that one might be a "chronically unhappy person." Join our Member Site today to take full advantage of Allies in Recovery’s program, including 8 video modules, three blogs, and dialogue with experts in the fields of treatment and recovery. Learn more here. http://alliesinrecovery.net/#benefits

In this week's episode, Laurie and Annie discuss the differences between dealing with a relative or partner struggling with SUD, versus a son or daughter. They explore why we are so easily hurt and inflamed in the midst of it all. Why do others just not get it? And why are some people mean, particularly to someone who is down? Are they the enemy? Tune in to this week's informative, relatable conversation! For unlimited access to Allies in Recovery's online learning platform featuring our 8 Video Learning Modules, join today. Learn more here. http://alliesinrecovery.net/#benefits

In this week's episode, Laurie and Annie discuss patterns of conflict that repeat within our lives, sometimes without our realizing it. With recovery and peace as the goal, your hosts discuss strategies for not engaging in chaos and negativity. A membership at Allies in Recovery brings you into contact with experts in the fields of recovery and treatment for drug and alcohol issues. Our learning platform introduces you to CRAFT and guides you through the best techniques for unblocking the situation. Together we will move your loved one towards recovery. Learn more here. http://alliesinrecovery.net/#benefits

What is accountability and why is it important for families facing SUD? In this episode, Laurie goes over the meaning of accountability and how a movement of consequences for our kids began some years ago that included a level of shame and punishment that does not work. Your hosts discuss experiences with accountability including apologizing to their sons for handling them with fear and shaming tactics. Great episode for those who are ready to "drop the weapons" and approach their loved one with wisdom, compassion, love and hope! A membership at Allies in Recovery brings you into contact with experts in the fields of recovery and treatment for drug and alcohol issues. Our learning platform introduces you to CRAFT and guides you through the best techniques for unblocking the situation. Together we will move your loved one towards recovery. Learn more here: http://alliesinrecovery.net/#benefits

In today's Coming Up for Air episode, Annie and Laurie discuss the effects of broken trust. They look at the big picture of addiction entering the home of a family who did "all the right things," to family and friends damaging our trust, and how Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and deception often go hand in hand. They ponder who to trust, what to trust, how to trust again and how to look at the enormous topic of Trust when it comes to recovering from the trauma of addiction in a family. Tune in to this week's episode for encouraging information! Join the Allies in Recovery member site today for full, unlimited access to our e-learning platform, expert guidance, and the chance to connect with others in your situation. Learn more here. http://alliesinrecovery.net/#_benefits

Regardless the holidays or traditions you observe, this time of year can be trying, triggering and even traumatic. In this special holiday podcast, Laurie MacDougall and Annie Highwater take apart the often looming, overwhelming effect of "the Holidays" - from how our own expectations affect reality, what role nostalgia plays, how honest we are about those in our entourage who are struggling with SUD, and the heavy duty emotions that often come up for many of us during this time, this conversation will allow you to look at the holiday season from a different angle. A membership at Allies in Recovery brings you into contact with experts in the fields of recovery and treatment for drug and alcohol issues. Our learning platform introduces you to CRAFT and guides you through the best techniques for unblocking the situation. Together we will move your loved one towards recovery. Learn more here. http://alliesinrecovery.net/#_benefits

Anger is a natural part of the human experience. It is seen as a healthy response when a person has been victimized, for instance. Wrath, on the other hand, can be seen as the destructive state of being when a person takes anger too far, and is characterized by the desire for vengeance, the need to punish, and losing one's natural ability to tell right from wrong. In this episode, Annie and Laurie explore these two emotional states, the connections to a life affected by SUD, and ways to protect ourselves and our entourage from harmful behavior. Join our Member Site today to take full advantage of Allies in Recovery’s program, including 8 video modules, two blogs, and dialogue with experts in the field of treatment and recovery. Learn more here: http://alliesinrecovery.net/#benefits

This episode focuses on lying. It is well known that SUD often ushers in lies and more lies. Annie Highwater and Laurie MacDougall explore the phenomenon of lying, digging back into their own childhoods and trying to identify the roots of lying in adulthood. They look at how we, as the entourage of someone with SUD, can approach the fact of being lied to. We may not be able to prevent someone from lying, but we can learn how not to be thrown off or trapped in the net. Finally, they address the reality that many families are tempted to create their own web of lies in order to protect their Loved One struggling with addiction. Listen in! A membership at Allies in Recovery brings you into contact with experts in the fields of recovery and treatment for drug and alcohol issues. Our learning platform introduces you to CRAFT and guides you through the best techniques for unblocking the situation. Together we will move your loved one towards recovery. Learn more here. Visit alliesinrecovery.net/ for more informatio

In this episode, Annie and Laurie offer eye-opening tips for families who are affected by addiction—whether in the discovery phase, your loved one's already in treatment, or in recovery. Heads-Up tips include what to look for if you suspect your Loved One is struggling with a substance, to what to expect from those first calls home when they're in a treatment facility. Laurie and Annie discuss things they have learned along the way, as well as what they wish they’d known or been made aware of beforehand. Much helpful insight for those who are new or unsure of the dynamics they may encounter! Allies in Recovery offers affordable memberships to our exclusive member-only website. On our site, you will learn the CRAFT method which is an alternative to the conventional "intervention" so often seen on TV, and which simply fails to motivate our addicted loved ones, most of the time. Visit alliesinrecovery.net/ for more information, to sign up for Module 1 for free, or to join today!

IIn today's episode, Annie and Laurie speak with Chief Deputy Sheriff Rick Minerd, from the Columbus, Ohio area. Officer Minerd details what he sees in the field, related to addiction, crime and even issues with cartel. Without a personal recovery story of his own, he nevertheless shares a hopeful view that was spawned from listening to families who have been through the horror of addiction with a loved one. Officer Minerd runs the HOPE Task Force, which approaches families in addiction crisis, particularly in the aftermath of an overdose experience, to offer hope, compassion and resources for help versus punishment, shame or fear. Tune into this week's episode for an eye-opening conversation with an officer of the law who has seen just about everything! For unlimited access to Allies in Recovery's online learning platform featuring our 8 Video Modules, 3 blogs, podcasts and many other resources, join today. Learn more here (http://alliesinrecovery.net/) or sign up for our free gift offer and get a sample o

What exactly IS victim mentality? Do you have it, do I? What is the definition of a victim? On this week's Coming Up for Air podcast, Laurie and Annie compare experiences of family and friendship that involved injury, disappointment and opportunities to stay down on the low road and wallow. Those along with experiences with a Loved One's struggle with SUD that are not personal, planned out attacks can tempt a person to feel defeated and suffer longer than we have to. One might get thrown under the bus, but we don't have to lay under it forever. We hope you will enjoy to this week's podcast conversation! Allies in Recovery is an online learning platform and community for families wanting to address the addiction of a loved one. Built on the foundation of a scientifically-validated program (CRAFT), Allies in Recovery is rooted in the firm belief that families can become effective, compassionate allies and guide their loved one towards recovery. To learn more or sign up for our free gift offer, visit: http://al

This week Laurie and Annie welcome Richard Jones: counselor, therapist, coach and founder of Recovery Cartel to Coming up for Air. Richard is in long term recovery himself and has an experienced, compassionate and innovative approach to helping guide families who are affected by an addicted Loved One. He throws terms like "tough love" and "enabling" out the window and sets family members at ease—particularly distressed parents—to get involved, talking, and on the same page when it comes to helping the one they are so worried about find their way out of the depths of addiction. Tune in to this week's episode to learn his take on this compassionate, whole-family style of therapy, coaching and treatment! A membership at Allies in Recovery brings you into contact with experts in the fields of recovery and treatment for drug and alcohol issues. Our learning platform introduces you to CRAFT and guides you through the best techniques for unblocking the situation. Together we will move your loved one towards recover

Has anyone ever said to you, “There is nothing you can do or say that will change things"? Did it make you feel hopeless? powerless? We may be powerless over the disease but we can influence our Loved Ones. This has been studied and proven with CRAFT. Have you ever noticed it's often the same people who warn against enabling and yet try to convince you you're powerless? Isn't this a bit contradictory? In this episode, Annie & Laurie discuss the role of parents-spouses-friends——the most loving and caring people in the Loved One’s life, and the most likely to champion their success in recovery and treatment. Join the Allies in Recovery member site today for full, unlimited access to our e-learning platform, expert guidance, and the chance to connect with others in your situation. Learn about membership and our free gift offer here: http://alliesinrecovery.net/free-gift-offer/

Today Pam Rickard is absolutely passionate about what she does - helping people with addiction and mental health for the Herren Project. She gives thanks for the judge who sentenced her to several months in jail for too many DUI's - this ended up being the beginning of her recovery. Rickard speaks about her life as a high-functioning alcholic who ran 7 marathons while still in active addiction.This interview with Laurie & Annie is both entertaining (Pam has a great sense of humor and ability to smile at herself) while also being extremely inspiring. A must hear! A membership at Allies in Recovery brings you into contact with experts in the fields of recovery and treatment for drug and alcohol issues. Our learning platform introduces you to CRAFT and guides you through the best techniques for unblocking the situation. Together we will move your loved one towards recovery. Learn more here. http://alliesinrecovery.net/free-gift-offer/