FROM ONE MOTHER OF AN ADDICT TO ANOTHER

Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness, reflection, and sometimes overwhelming emotions—especially for parents and family members navigating the challenges of supporting a loved one with addiction or mental illness. In this heartfelt episode, we look at the Thanksgiving you just celebrated. What worked for your family emotionally? What didn’t? From a mother’s perspective, we’ll explore how to hono...

n this episode, titled "Yes, Depression is a Mental Illness," we explore the reality of depression as a serious mental health condition—not simply a phase or a mood that adolescents "snap out of." Many parents, especially mothers navigating their child’s addiction or mental health journey, face challenges in understanding the depth of depression. I unpack what it means to acknowledge depression as...

In this episode, Who Am I, we turn the focus back on you—the parent managing the heavy responsibility of supporting a child with addiction and mental health challenges. When life becomes consumed with worry, boundaries, and caregiving, it’s easy to forget the person you were before this journey began. This episode is about helping parents reconnect with their own identity, rediscovering what truly...

In this episode, Relapse and Open-Mindedness, we explore the challenging reality of relapse when living with an adolescent struggling with addiction and mental illness. For parents and family members navigating these emotional ups and downs, we’ll discuss how relapse isn’t a straightforward failure but a natural part of the recovery journey, one that calls for patience, strength, and compassion. D...

Podcast Episode: Steps for Redefining Love in Your Family Hello, and welcome to today’s episode. I know that as parents of children struggling with addiction, we often find ourselves wrestling with an overwhelming blend of emotions—fear, guilt, sadness, and a love so deep it feels like it could break us. We find ourselves on a constant rollercoaster, trying to protect our children from the consequ...

For years, I, like many other parents dealing with a child's addiction, believed that love meant always being there, always saying “yes.” If my son needed money, a place to stay, or help with a problem, I thought that by giving it to him, I was doing the right thing as a mother. I thought my love could save him. But after more than 15 years of dealing with addiction and mental illness, I’ve learne...

In this episode, I delve into what I call The Waiting Game —a reality many parents of adolescents struggling with addiction and mental illness know all too well. It’s that constant feeling of living on edge, bracing for the phone call that could change everything. As parents, we often find ourselves consumed by fear, wondering what “the call” will bring and how to prepare for it emotionally and me...

In this episode, I share my personal journey as a parent navigating the relentless challenges of coping with a loved one’s addiction and mental illness. Through the toughest years—and those still ahead—counseling has been a consistent anchor in my life. This conversation is a raw, honest reflection on how counseling has helped me cope, find balance, and maintain hope, even when things feel overwhe...

In this episode, we explore the complex emotions and challenges faced by siblings of addicts who feel overshadowed and burdened by their parents' focus on their struggling sibling. We dive into the feelings of resentment, fear, and guilt that can arise, and discuss ways to navigate these dynamics while finding balance and support. Join us as we shed light on the often-overlooked struggles of s...

The Importance of Life Skills After Rehab and How to Acquire them. In this episode of Life Skills, I delve into the crucial role that life skills play in helping parents cope with their adolescent children’s struggles with addiction and mental illness. Join me as I explore practical strategies and insights to empower parents in navigating these challenging times. We’ll discuss how developing essen...

The Uncelebrated Birthday: Coping with Mixed Emotions When Your Child is Struggling with Addiction. In this episode, we explore the profound sadness and complex emotions parents face when their adolescent child, struggling with addiction, has a birthday. We journey from the joy of celebrating early birthdays to the heartbreak of choosing not to celebrate at all. We'll discuss how to cope with...

"Fear and Anxiety," this episode sheds light on the overwhelming dread of losing a child to addiction and the constant worry that shadows every decision. Tune into "Fear and Anxiety" for an honest and compassionate conversation about the realities of parenting through addiction, and find reassurance in knowing that you are not alone in facing these profound challenges. visit my...

"The Heart's Voice," this episode explores the profound love and deep fear that drives parents to make decisions that might not always align with logic and reason. For more information, please visit my website at www.fromonemother1.com

My journey through denial wasn’t a one-time process. There were moments of clarity followed by slipping back into denial. Each time my child relapsed or faced a new challenge, I found myself questioning the severity of the situation again. This cycle can be exhausting, but it’s part of the process for many parents. One day I did Break Free of Denial and I never looked back you can as well.

*Podcast Episode: Navigating Future Uncertainty** In this episode, we delve into the profound uncertainties parents face when coping with their adolescents' drug addiction. We explore the broader themes of future uncertainty, touching on various addictions, including substance abuse and gambling, as well as related mental health challenges. Join us for an insightful discussion on how parents c...

Navigating Family Milestones When Your Child Is Estranged Family milestones are often times of joy and celebration. Yet, for parents with an estranged child, these occasions can also bring a deep sense of loss and heartache. Whether your child is in jail, rehab, or estranged from the family for other reasons, the pain of their absence can overshadow these moments. Here’s a heartfelt exploration of...

* **Podcast Episode: Aftercare for Parents Post-Rehab** In this episode, we focus on the critical phase of aftercare for parents whose children are returning from drug and alcohol rehab. We'll discuss the various options available to ensure a smooth transition and sustained recovery, including counseling, support groups, and ongoing therapy. Tune in to learn how to create a supportive environm...

An Open Letter to Yourself: Navigating Communication with Your Adolescent Addict In this heartfelt episode, we delve into the powerful practice of writing an open letter to yourself for those moments when you're struggling to communicate effectively with your adolescent who is battling addiction. Join me as I explore the emotions and challenges that arise during these tough conversations and l...

In this poignant podcast episode, I, as a mother, take a profound look back at my journey of aiding my son through addiction. With the benefit of hindsight, I share candidly the steps I would take differently, offering invaluable advice to others facing similar challenges. Join me as I revisit the past with newfound clarity, aiming to empower listeners to make different choices sooner rather than...

Navigating Low Self-Esteem In Adolsescents. Description: In this insightful episode of Navigating Low Self-Esteem in Adolescents, we delve into the crucial topic of supporting adolescents grappling with low self-esteem. Adolescence is a turbulent time filled with self-discovery and identity formation, but it can also be marred by insecurities and doubts. Parents play a pivotal role in guiding thei...

Welcome to "My Brother's an Addict," Where I dive deep into the often unspoken realities of being a sibling to someone struggling with addiction. In this episode, I explore the complex emotions, challenges, and coping strategies that siblings face when a loved one battles addiction. From feelings of guilt and anger to moments of love and hope, I discuss the rollercoaster journey and...

As a fellow mother navigating the complexities of having an adolescent struggling with addiction, let's talk real for a moment. It's tough—beyond tough. When you're in survival mode, it's nearly impossible to find that spark for life again. You're consumed by the daily battle of trying to save your child, who might not even want help yet. 

Dr. Adena Blickstein, MD, MPH is a holistic child psychiatrist specializing in child psychiatry and integrated Energy Therapy. As the CEO and founder of Teal Dragon Healing, an integrative pediatric psychiatry practice in Stamford, Connecticut. She applies her expertise in her practice specializing in reunification of alienated parents and their children. Check out Adena's website for more inf...

In this episode, we delve into the complex relationship between psychosis and addiction. From defining these two conditions to exploring their intersection, we uncover the challenges faced by individuals experiencing both simultaneously. #Psychosis #Addiction #MentalHealth #DualDiagnosis #IntegratedTreatment #Stigma #Awareness #Support #Podcast #Hope

Join me, on a heartfelt journey as I explore the importance of committing to self-help practices amidst the chaos of parenting an addict. In this episode, I share my personal experiences and struggles with staying dedicated to therapy sessions, finding time for support groups, and nurturing personal hobbies while balancing the demands of motherhood.   Through this candid conversation and intimate...