Pretend I Don't Know Anything

This episode highlights a shift in how we view Substance Abuse and Mental Health issues. Previously, substance abuse was often seen as a personal failing, and mental health concerns were heavily stigmatized. Today, there's a greater understanding that both can stem from underlying medical conditions. This has led to more open conversations and a willingness to seek help. However, there's a...

This episode discusses co-occurring disorders, where mental health and substance abuse issues happen together. The speakers, Mike Jones and Grant Young, explore the challenges of untangling these conditions and how they can worsen each other. They emphasize that both conditions need to be treated together for successful recovery. Key Points: - It's often difficult to determine whether mental h...

This episode talks about how parents of young adults are facing a new set of challenges, and how to overcome them. Their children are struggling with issues like anxiety and lack of motivation. Coach Kim, a parent coach, suggests these struggles may stem from social media, overprotective parenting, and a tough job market, among other things. She emphasizes that parents can't control their adul...

Deciding on detox can be overwhelming, but this episode breaks it down into two main scenarios: emergencies and non-emergencies. If someone is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, especially from alcohol, call 911 immediately as it can be life-threatening. For non-emergency situations, there are various detox options to consider. While comfort levels range from basic to luxury facilities, it&#...

This episode dives into finding the right residential treatment center for addiction recovery. It's crucial to choose a facility that aligns with your needs, not just marketing promises. Consider your priorities: program length, facility size, and treatment focus areas (trauma, co-occuring disorders, etc.). We discuss key questions to ask, like family involvement, staff qualifications, and tre...

This episode dives into inpatient addiction treatment, unpacking what to expect during a stay and how to find a quality facility. We explore the typical 28-45 day program, including detox, therapy, and discharge planning. You'll learn how to choose a facility that is focused on long-term recovery and strong aftercare, not just repeat business. We also go over many specific questions you can as...

This podcast episode discusses intervention for substance use and mental health disorders. An interventionist can be a helpful resource for families struggling with a loved one's addiction. Interventionists can help set boundaries and determine the appropriate level of treatment. It's important to find a qualified interventionist who communicates well and collaborates with the family and t...

This episode dives into the world of family therapy with Dr. Brooke Keels, the Chief Clinical Officer of Lighthouse Recovery Texas. Dr. Keels discusses her background growing up in a helping profession family and what led her to specialize in working with families struggling with substance abuse. She shares her personal experiences that fueled her passion for this work, along with why she chose Ma...

This episode tackles the crucial topic of recognizing mental health emergencies and navigating when and how to seek help. These include concerns about suicide, self-harm, psychosis, mania, paranoia, and substance abuse affecting mental health. The episode equips families with tips for recognizing warning signs, encouraging them to take all these issues very seriously. Ultimately, this episode empo...

This episode of "Pretend I Don't Know Anything" dives into helping a loved one navigate addiction treatment. Therapy is highlighted as a crucial first step to explore underlying issues and build coping mechanisms. Medication from a psychiatrist might be needed, but it's not always the initial solution. Open communication with the therapist is essential, including how they assess...

Having a loved one suspected of struggling with drugs can be a frightening and isolating experience. This episode aims to equip you with the tools to navigate this difficult conversation. Dr. Brooke Keels and Mike Jones offer guidance on how to approach your loved one with concern and compassion. The episode emphasizes the importance of open communication. Talking directly to your loved one allows...

This episode dives deep into the link between mental health and substance use. We explore how young adults might use substances to cope with anxieties, and how these behaviors can escalate after leaving home. Identifying addiction in this age group can be tricky, especially when they appear to be functioning normally. We discuss key warning signs to watch for, like changes in weight, grades, and s...

Spotting substance use disorder (SUD) in teenagers and young adults can be tricky. During this time lots of changes are occurring, and normal behavior can sometimes mimic signs of drug or alcohol abuse. The key is to look for patterns of these changes happening over a longer period, not just a single incident. It's also important to remember that mental health struggles can cause similar sympt...