How To Cope With The Dope

Send a text  In this powerful episode, I sit down with Tom, a former addict who has transformed his life through recovery and is involved in both Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Al-Anon. He shares his inspiring journey from the depths of addiction to finding hope and healing, offering valuable insights on the power of community, the importance of self-awareness, and how these programs can guide both...

Send a text Hello and thank you for tuning in this week.  This episode is a bit introspective as I reflect on my Grandaughter, Ocean.  I have been thinking about the family chains of addiction which led me down some unusual and eye opening paths.  This episode is filled with a lot of intriguing information.  I am a research nerd, and love to explore addiction from all angles.  I hope you will join...

Send a text In this episode, we explore the unexpected yet powerful role that laughter and smiling can play in coping with the challenges of loving someone with an addiction. While addiction brings immense stress and emotional pain, we dive into how moments of genuine joy can provide relief, foster resilience, and strengthen relationships. Join us as we discuss the science behind laughter, share p...

Send a text Addiction doesn’t just affect the person struggling with it; it creates a ripple effect that impacts everyone around them. One of the most challenging emotions loved ones face is ambiguous grief—the pain of losing someone who is still physically present but emotionally distant. In this episode, we explore the unique and often overlooked experience of grieving an addicted loved one. We...

Send a text In this episode, we explore the transformative power of Step 9 in Al-Anon: "Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others." We delve into the emotional and spiritual journey of making amends, discussing the challenges, fears, and rewards that come with this crucial step. Our conversation offers insights into how to appro...

Send a text So often when we have someone who suffers with addiction in our world, our lives become stress filled and our own health may slip. In  this episode, I talk with Carole- a seasoned health coach who specializes in helping people lead healthier, less stressful lives through small, actionable steps.  From easy-to-implement daily habits to mindset shifts that promote well-being, she shares...

Send a text In this episode, we dive into the shadowy corners of the mind that often emerge when you have a loved one struggling with addiction. We’ll explore the difficult and sometimes taboo thoughts that arise—guilt, resentment, fear, and even anger. These feelings are often left unspoken, yet they can be overwhelming and isolating. Join us as we confront these dark emotions head-on, offering i...

Send a text Loving someone who struggles with addiction can be an overwhelming and heartbreaking journey. In this episode, we explore the dangerous pitfall of self-pity that often accompanies this experience. While it’s natural to feel sadness and frustration, getting stuck in self-pity can drain your emotional resources and keep you from effectively supporting your loved one—or yourself. We discu...

Send a text Hello, so happy you are listening to How to Cope With the Dope.  In this episode, we explore Step 8 of the 12 Steps of Al-Anon, a crucial part of the journey toward healing and recovery. Step 8 asks us to make a list of all persons we have harmed and become willing to make amends to them. We'll dive into what this step truly means, how to approach it with honesty and courage, and...

Send a text In this illuminating episode, I welcome Craig Johnson, a dedicated mental health therapist with extensive experience in addiction treatment and recovery. If you have a loved one grappling with addiction, this episode is for you. Today on How to Cope with the Dope, I  sit down with Craig Johnson  to delve into the complexities of addiction and offer compassionate, professional advice ta...

Send a text In this episode, we dive into the fascinating concept of the Drama Triangle, a powerful model that reveals the roles we play in conflict situations and how these roles can trap us in cycles of negativity. Created by Dr. Stephen Karpman, the Drama Triangle identifies three primary roles: the Victim, the Persecutor, and the Rescuer.  I believe this cycle can easily develop when we are in...

Send a text In this quick yet impactful episode, we dive into the transformative power of forgiveness. Learn how letting go of grudges and past hurts can lead to emotional freedom, improved relationships, better health, and personal growth. Whether you're struggling to forgive someone else or yourself, I will provide practical tips and insights to help you on your journey. Tune in for a dose...

Send a text "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings." This crucial step is all about humility, self-awareness, and the courage to seek personal transformation. This episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration to help you on your path to serenity and self-improvement. Tune in and discover how humbly asking for change can lead to profound personal growth and a more fulfilling life....

Send a text Welcome to another episode of How To Cope With the Dope, where we explore the qualities that shape our character and influence the relationships we have with our loved ones-especially the ones who struggle with addiction. Today, we're diving  into a trait that's often overlooked but incredibly powerful: humility. Humility is more than just modesty; it's a genuine awarene...

Send a text Sometimes we meet people who just seem to have exactly what we need-Deb is one of those to me.  She is a fearless searcher, teacher, author and always seems to be up for a challenge.  Humble, soft spoken and kind, you would never know any of this about Deb, however, she is willing to share with untethered ego and so much eloquence.   I think you will enjoy this episode of How to Cope w...

Send a text In this episode of How to Cope With The Dope I will be discussing several groups that  offer help for those who have a loved one who struggles with addiction.  The wonderful news is that most of these programs are free-...ya don't hear that too often these days!  I talk about what are some of the pros and cons of group fellowship and what program may be best suited for your needs....

Send a text Welcome to another transformative episode of How To Cope With The Dope, dedicated to helping you live your best life while loving someone who struggles with addiction. Today, we embark on Step 6  in our journey towards personal growth and serenity.   This step focuses on personal readiness and willingness to let go of character defects or negative aspects of oneself that have been iden...

Send a text Welcome back to How To Cope With The Dope, where we confront the complexities of loving an addict head-on. In this episode, we're shining a light on a powerful emotion that often accompanies the journey of both the addict and their loved ones: fear. From the gripping fear of relapse to the paralyzing fear of the unknown, we'll navigate through the turbulent waters of addictio...

Send a text Join me as I chat with Linda, a beacon of resilience and strength, as she shares her extraordinary journey of navigating several decades with a spouse battling alcoholism. In this poignant episode, Linda candidly reveals the trials, triumphs, and the arduous path towards self-discovery and healing.  Through her trials she discovers her own path of recovery and begins to unearth more ab...

Send a text Slogans and Acronyms have been used in programs for many years.  They are simple and effective tools that help us when we are in a challenging situation or ruminating on a problem.  These often quirky sayings are sometimes the quick shot in the arm we need to regain our balance and stay on track in our own recovery.  I hope that you will take the time to make a list of your top sayings...

Send a text Step 5 of the 12 steps of AA and Al-Anon is all about having trust-in God, in yourself and in someone else.  

Send a text This episode discusses the very talked about concept of detachment; what it is, what it is not and  some strategies to help you begin detaching with love.   check out previous episode 4 on boundaries.

Send a text Listen to this interesting interview with Billy; a self professed "double-winner".  I met Billy in the Al-Anon program and when I heard his story I was blown away.  As a former addict; Billy has an insightful perspective.  I am amazed at his backstory and all the trials and tribulations he went through.  The best part is he came through and is thriving and happy.  As a mother...

Send a text In this episode we look at our bodies reaction to stress and how to quickly and efficiently diffuse it.  This quick tip episode can be used anytime and anywhere.

Send a text It can be an emotional rollercoaster when we love someone with addiction.  In this episode we  learn about the emotional scale and how to climb it when we are lingering at the bottom (ie-fear, despair, powerlessness).  We touch on other things that impact our emotional state and how moods and personality traits can develop.  This informative episode may inspire you to pay closer attent...