Breaking Free Recovery Radio

Addiction is never just about one person—it is a family disease that impacts everyone in its orbit. In this free-flowing, 50-minute conversation, we dive deep into the true nature of addiction, how it reshapes family dynamics, and the vital (but difficult) art of detaching from a loved one's addictive behaviors. If you are feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in a cycle of enabling, this v...

If you woke up today with zero drive, a heavy spirit, or you're feeling completely paralyzed by a massive goal... this video is your spark. Constant, high-octane motivation is a lie. True inspiration relies on cycles of rest and output—being tired isn't a character flaw, it’s just a signal to change your fuel. In this episode, we tackle the psychology of burnout and give you actionable, lo...

If you are fighting an intense craving right now, or if you are picking up the pieces of a recent slip-up... this video is your safe harbor. A relapse or a stumble doesn’t erase your previous progress, and it doesn't define your identity. In this episode, we break down the practical psychology of recovery into actionable phases: grounding your nervous system, navigating shifting relationships,...

If you are carrying the absolute exhaustion of holding everyone else’s emotional weight while your own cup sits completely empty, this video is your safe space to land. Today, we are breaking down why exhausting yourself to keep everyone else happy isn’t kindness—it’s a trauma response. We’re diving into the psychology of boundaries, how to survive the inevitable pushback (the "extinction bur...

If you are having a heavy day, if your anxiety is screaming, or if you feel like you're failing—please know you are exactly where you need to be. You don't have to navigate this journey perfectly. In fact, a messy day sober beats a "perfect" day in active addiction every single time. In this video, we are breaking down the reality of "nonlinear" recovery. We share pract...

When you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, walking through the doors of a treatment facility takes immense courage. But what happens when the very institutions trusted with a person's life are operating in complete bad faith? In this episode, Dr. Alan Heide and Don Radon pull back the curtain on the dark side of the recovery industry. Moving past the humor of everyday recovery chaos...

"We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity." In this video, Don Radon, founder of Recovered & Free, opens up about his deeply personal journey through Step Two of Alcoholics Anonymous. For many of us, the word "sanity" or the idea of a "Higher Power" can feel like a massive roadblock. Don shares his raw, lived experience of...

Is "dying to self" the same thing as losing yourself? In this deeply vulnerable discussion, Dr. Alan Heide, PsyD, LMFT, explores the thin but vital line between self-abandonment and abandoning our will to God. Many people confuse spiritual surrender with the neglect of their own needs, boundaries, and identity. Dr. Heide breaks down the psychological toll of self-abandonment—often rooted...

"I didn't have a problem with my drinking and using; You have a problem with my drinking and using. And that was how I used to live my life." Don Radon, owner of Recovered and Free, sits down to share the raw, unfiltered truth of his journey. From the early shadows of growing up in an alcoholic household to the heights of his own struggle with addiction, Don’s story is a testament to...

"I did not know I was slowly dying to the family disease of addiction."As a therapist, Dr. Alan Heide, PsyD, LMFT, spent his life helping others navigate their pain. But behind the scenes, the family disease of addiction was taking a silent, devastating toll on his own life. In this moving 12-minute share, Dr. Heide reveals his journey from the suffocating isolation of "saving"...

As the psychedelic renaissance hits full stride, we’re facing a new crisis: the gap between clinical breakthrough and recreational reality. In this segment, we dive into the 2026 data revealing the "Shadow Side" of the movement—from the policy-driven surge in use to the rising rates of Ketamine Use Disorder. Are we fast-tracking a cure, or accidentally fast-tracking a new generation of h...

"The goal of an intervention isn't just to stop the using; it's to start the healing." In this episode of Breaking Free Recovery Radio, hosts Dr. Alan Heide, Psy. D., LMFT and Don Radon, owner of Recovered And Free, dive deep into one of the most stressful yet life-saving moments a family can face: the Intervention. When a loved one is spiraling due to substance use disorder, the...

In this candid discussion, Dr. Alan Heide, Psy. D., LMFT and Don Radon, owner of Recovered And Free, pull back the curtain on the modern addiction treatment industry. While the goal of recovery is to save lives, the "business of rehab" often creates systemic pitfalls that can hinder long-term success. From the "revolving door" phenomenon to the lack of individualized clinical c...

In this candid discussion, Dr. Alan Heide, Psy. D., LMFT and Don Radon, owner of Recovered And Free, pull back the curtain on the modern addiction treatment industry. While the goal of recovery is to save lives, the "business of rehab" often creates systemic pitfalls that can hinder long-term success. From the "revolving door" phenomenon to the lack of individualized clinical c...

In this episode of Breaking Free Recovery Radio, hosts Dr. Alan Heide, Psy. D., LMFT and Don Radon dive deep into the complexities of the family disease of addiction. The conversation gets provocative as the duo tackles a heated debate in the recovery community: Is Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) a religious cult? By responding to various creator perspectives, Alan and Don peel back the layers of spir...

Is everything you know about addiction recovery wrong? In this episode of Breaking Free Recovery Radio, we dive deep into the heart of the "Family Disease." Addiction doesn't happen in a vacuum—it impacts every branch of the family tree. Join hosts Dr. Alan Heide and Don Radon as they dismantle the most common misconceptions that keep families stuck in cycles of shame and enabling. I...

In this video, Don Radon (Owner of Recovered and Free) and Dr. Alan Heide, Psy. D., LMFT, sit down to recap the highlights of the event. They discuss the breakthroughs that occurred during our deep dive into the Step One Study and why educating the family on the "Family Disease" model is the missing piece of the puzzle for many. 🎙️ Key Discussions in This Recap: The "Aha!" Mome...

Are You Tired of Managing Everyone’s Chaos? 🕊️ Do you feel like you’re constantly walking on eggshells, trying to manage everyone’s mood just to keep the peace? In dysfunctional families, the need for control isn't about power—it’s a desperate survival mechanism for internal chaos. What if the very thing you think is saving your family is actually what's tearing it apart? Most people mista...

"I’m the doctor, he’s the guy who’s lived it. This is Breaking Free." Today, we’re tearing down the myths of recovery. We’re talking about why "tough love" usually fails and what actually works when it comes to saving a life. From the clinical "Family Blueprint" to the raw reality of the front lines, Dr. Heide and Don dive into the data and the stories you won’t hear...

Is digital tracking a breakthrough tool in addiction recovery — or could it actually make things worse? In this episode, co-hosts Dr. Alan Heide, PsyD., LMFT and Don Radon break down the real pros and cons of using digital monitoring tools in recovery, including: 📍 GPS tracking 🚗 Remote Breathalyzers 📱 Recovery & sobriety apps They discuss 3 key benefits of digital accountability tools: ✔️...

Alcoholism doesn’t just affect the person drinking—it impacts the entire family system. In this discussion, we explore alcoholism as a family disease, how codependency develops, and what recovery can look like for everyone involved once addiction is addressed. We talk openly about: How addiction reshapes family roles and dynamics The emotional impact of codependency on partners, children, and love...

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) plays a vital role in how our bodies create energy, repair damaged cells, regulate metabolism, and support healthy aging. However, NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, chronic stress, inflammation, poor sleep, and certain lifestyle factors—often contributing to fatigue, brain fog, slower recovery, and metabolic changes. In this video, a Nurse Practitione...

What’s new in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment in 2026? In this video, we break down the most important updates shaping prevention, diagnosis, and recovery—based on the latest research, clinical guidelines, and policy changes.🔍 In this video, you’ll learn about:New and emerging medications for SUD treatmentAdvances in behavioral and integrated care modelsUpdates on harm reduction strategies...

Join us for a powerful and insightful live conversation exploring the heart of recovery — from spiritual sobriety to the real challenges individuals face when navigating today’s insurance-based treatment system. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting a loved one, or a professional in the field, this discussion is for you. 🧠 Hosted by: Dr. Alan Heide, PsyD, LMFT Owner | Breaking The Cycle Therapy...

We are honored to welcome a powerful and purpose-driven special guest to Breaking The Cycle — Lovie Baxter, MSSW, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CDP. ✨ About Our Guest Lovie Baxter is a faith-driven speaker, healthcare professional, and senior care advocate whose impact is growing across the nation. She is the founder of A Touch of Love Care Home, a residential senior care assisted living ministry, and Love...