How To Cope With The Dope

Send a text In this powerful and inspiring episode, Cheryl shares her deeply personal journey through substance use and the moment everything changed—a near-fatal overdose that became a turning point in her life. What followed was nothing short of a spiritual awakening, as she turned her life over to God and began a path of healing without a formal recovery program. She also opens up about the emo...

Send a text When you love someone struggling with addiction, the stress can seep into every corner of your life—mentally, emotionally, and physically. In this episode, we explore how natural energy wellness can offer real, grounding relief. Our guest, Ann Knapp, shares how energy healing practices like breathwork, grounding, and intuitive release can help restore balance, calm your nervous system,...

Send a text In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, we sit down with a man who has experienced addiction firsthand—and also the heartbreak of watching loved ones struggle with it. He shares what it’s like to walk in both worlds, attending both Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon, and how each program has shaped his healing, perspective, and relationships. This episode offers rare insight int...

Send a text This episode is an announcement of an update to the podcast moving forward.

Send a text Addiction doesn’t just impact the person struggling—it shakes the foundation of relationships, testing love, trust, and resilience. In this powerful episode, we hear from a couple who faced the devastating effects of substance use disorder in their marriage. They share the raw truth about how addiction nearly tore them apart, the breaking point that forced change, and the hard work it...

Send a text Do you find yourself constantly putting others’ needs ahead of your own, even at the expense of your well-being? People-pleasing can be exhausting, especially when dealing with a loved one who struggles with addiction. In this episode, we explore the roots of people-pleasing, how it keeps us trapped in unhealthy cycles, and practical steps to set boundaries and prioritize self-care. Le...

Send a text Resentment can be a heavy burden, keeping us stuck in pain, blame, and frustration. In this episode, we dive into the power of a resentment inventory—what it is, why it matters, and how it can help you break free from old wounds. Whether you're navigating relationships with loved ones struggling with addiction or just looking to let go of lingering anger, this step-by-step approac...

Send a text Do you feel like you have to handle everything yourself? Are you the one everyone relies on, even when you're drowning in stress? In this episode, we dive into high-functioning codependency —what it looks like, how it impacts your health and relationships, and why it’s so hard to recognize. We'll explore the hidden toll of constantly meeting others' needs at your own exp...

Send a text When a loved one struggles with addiction, the question of intervention often arises—but how do you know what approach is best? In this episode, we sit down with Chuck Montante, a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, to explore the differences between open and closed interventions. We discuss what makes each approach effective, common pitfalls to av...

Send a text In this episode, we explore the powerful tool of tapping, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), to help you find calm amidst the challenges of loving someone with addiction. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in a cycle of worry, tapping can provide a simple and effective way to release stress and bring yourself back to center. We’ll walk through how tapp...

Send a text Enabling is a common yet often misunderstood behavior among the loved ones of addicts. In this episode, we dive into what enabling looks like, why it happens, and how it impacts both the addict and their family or friends. Through personal stories, insights, and practical tips, we’ll explore how to recognize enabling behaviors and shift toward healthier ways of offering support without...

Send a text In this episode, we explore the transformative power of positive reinforcement when supporting a loved one with addiction. Learn how small affirmations, encouragement, and focusing on progress—no matter how small—can foster trust, promote change, and strengthen your relationship. We’ll discuss practical tips, and real-life examples. Tune in to discover how positivity can be a powerful...

Send a text In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we sit down with Kathy, a woman whose journey through Al-Anon has transformed her life and relationships. She shares her story of finding hope, rediscovering herself, and learning how to navigate life with grace and resilience. Through her candid experiences, listeners will hear how Al-Anon has helped her heal, set healthy boundaries, and embrac...

Send a text As the year comes to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on your journey and set yourself up for success in the months ahead. In this episode, we explore the power of looking back to move forward, unpack the SMART goal framework, and share practical tips for crafting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Whether you're focused on per...

Send a text As another year comes to a close, it’s time to take a step back and reflect on the different areas of your life—relationships, work, health, personal growth, and more. In this episode, we’ll work through a holistic year-end review and a way to evaluate what’s working, what’s not, and where you can find more balance. Join in for a thoughtful conversation on celebrating your wins, learni...

Send a text In this episode, we explore Step 12 from the Al-Anon perspective: “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” What does it mean to experience a spiritual awakening, and how do we share our recovery journey with others without becoming preachy or overbearing? We'll di...

Send a text In this episode, we dive into the idea that addiction goes beyond substances like drugs and alcohol. From social media scrolling to shopping sprees, binge-watching shows to overworking, we all grapple with behaviors rooted in overconsumption. Why do we crave 'more,' and how can we recognize when it becomes unhealthy? We'll explore the psychological and societal factors t...

Send a text

Send a text The holiday season can be a time of joy and connection, but for those with loved ones struggling with substance abuse, it often brings unique challenges. In this episode, we discuss practical strategies to protect your own peace and well-being during family gatherings. We’ll explore setting healthy boundaries, managing expectations, and finding support to navigate difficult emotions an...

Send a text Join us as we explore Step 11: 'Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.' In this episode, we dive deep into the role of spirituality in the healing journey, how to connect with a higher power in personal ways, and the transformative impac...

Send a text In this episode, we explore a simple, compassionate guide to starting a prayer and meditation practice. When someone close to you struggles with substance abuse, feelings of helplessness, stress, and even anger can be overwhelming. Prayer and meditation can be powerful tools for grounding yourself and finding inner peace. We’ll explore basic techniques for quieting the mind, connecting...

Send a text In this episode, we sit down with Jacquelin, who shares her powerful story of growing up in a household affected by alcohol use disorder. Jacquelin opens up about the impact it had on her and the resilience she built along the way. Now, as an advocate for recovery, Jacquelin works with a nonprofit organization that combines fitness and community support to help others heal. Join us as...

Send a text In this episode, we explore the complex issue of control when dealing with a loved one struggling with addiction. It's easy to feel helpless, and sometimes, controlling their actions seems like the only way to protect them—and yourself. But is it really helping, or is it just adding to the chaos? We'll discuss the pitfalls of being overly controlling, how it can damage your r...

Send a text In this episode, we explore the impact of emotional hangovers on those who love someone struggling with addiction. These emotional hangovers—feelings of overwhelm, guilt, or anxiety that persist long after a crisis has passed—can take a serious toll on your mental and physical well-being. We discuss how to recognize the signs, unpack the emotional toll of constantly being on edge, and...

Send a text In this episode, we focus on Step 10 of Al-Anon’s 12 Steps: 'Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.' We discuss how this vital step encourages ongoing self-reflection, honesty, and growth in the journey of recovery. Learn how taking daily inventory helps maintain emotional clarity, improves relationships, and fosters accountability....