Zero Stigma

One of the challenges of having a family member struggling with a substance abuse disorder is the feeling of alienation from your community. You feel that people are judging you negatively because of what your loved one is going through.  That is why support groups for people who are in the same position are important. They help you feel supported and accepted despite what you are going through.Aid fellowship groups such as Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) allow those struggling with addiction to feel loved and supported without judgment. Their program is based on those struggling with addiction helping one another. This is effective because the people who are helping understand exactly where those struggling with addiction are.Today, I’ll share a little bit about AA and the progress I have made in reconnecting to myself since the last episode.In This Episode You Will Learn:The story behind the founding of the AA aid fellowship (11:52)The first step of the 12 steps in AA (02:43)The importance of finding groups with a common denominator (06:11)Donna’s progress since the sixth episode (09:32)Let’s Connect!Email

If you cannot take care of yourself first, you cannot take care of someone else!If you are taking care of someone with a substance abuse disorder, remember to create enough space for self-care. Give that person you are taking care of an opportunity to see you enjoy life and have fun without using any drugs.You are a role model and you need to paint the other side of addiction as a stable, fulfilling place. Sometimes, constantly worrying and taking of a person fighting addiction can make you forget about the things that brought you joy. However, you should work to reclaim that joy because you need it, and the world needs it too.Today, I’ll share with you the things I’m planning to do as part of reconnecting to myself. I’ll also share more about what triggered this important journey that I’m on. In This Episode You Will Learn:How addiction has impacted my life (0:51)The unusual point my therapist pointed out (02:53)How I plan to reclaim the things that brought me joy (06:05)Let’s Connect!Email

When is it okay to say enough is enough? Many people who have families or loved ones struggling with substance abuse disorder have asked themselves this question many times. That’s because it is very frustrating to watch an addict spiral when it feels like they are intentionally working against themselves and the hope you have for them.When love doesn’t seem to work and it starts to feel like enabling, most people opt for tough love. This involves setting boundaries and letting the addict face the consequences of their actions with the hope they’ll find redemption one way or the other. However, most counselors agree that while love and support are important for the addict, boundaries are also important for those who love them.Today, I’m joined by Rick Flanagan, a counselor within INSynergy Drug & Alcohol Rehab Treatment Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Having overcome a substance abuse disorder himself, he now helps people battling addiction. We’ll have an in-depth conversation about how to deal with loved ones struggling with substance abuse disorder. Tune in to this fifth episode of Zero Stigma and learn more about the challenges of loving someone with a substance use disorder.In This Episode You Will Learn:Rick shares his background and how he become a counselor (00:50)Rick shares his thoughts on where to draw the line between enabling and loving (03:27)His views on setting boundaries and using tough love (08:11)How mental health issues complicate addiction (12:49)Rick’s advice to families struggling with substance abuse disorders (18:03)Connect with Rick FlanaganLinkedInINSynergy Drug & Alcohol Rehab Treatment CenterLet’s Connect!Email

Giving grace is going out of our way to show compassion and kindness to someone else even if they may not appreciate it. To friends and families of people who are fighting a substance abuse disorder, this is something they can’t do without. At times, the only thing better than yelling, cutting off financially, or kicking out someone, is just giving grace.None of us is perfect and yet God still gives us his grace without expecting anything in return. Even though it is difficult, I suggest you do the same to someone else too because everyone needs to feel loved. It'll lighten your load and let them know that they are not alone on their difficult journey.Today, I’ll share with you a recent experience that I had with my son and how showing him grace lightened my load. You’ll get to hear about the incidences that had taken place that weekend and how they had all pushed me to the edge. Additionally, I’ll share with you a self-care recommendation that will help you to keep on believing.In This Episode You Will Learn:Definition of ‘the point of no return’ (03:07)My neighbor’s mailbox incidence (04:11)How a Facebook post me re-evaluate my approach (09:05)A self-care recommendation (14:26)Let’s Connect!Email

Being a caregiver to someone fighting a substance abuse disorder is very difficult and can sometimes be overwhelming. You need to find people who have experience in it and can offer you essential advice on how to approach that role. There is a thin line between being a helper and an enabler, and such people will teach you how to stay in your lane.You also have to practice self-care because your life is just as important - your mental and physical health matters. Keeping the conversation on substance abuse alive is important because it increases the support options for all those who are impacted. This is a problem that needs to be approached from all possible avenues so as to create maximum positive impact.Today, I’m joined by Rebecca Shea. She’ll share with us her son’s fight with addiction and how it impacted him. You'll also find out how it impacted her family and the role her support group played during that difficult period. Additionally, she’ll share with us her opinion on what more needs to be done to help those affected by substance abuse.Tune in to this third episode of Zero Stigma and learn more about the challenges of loving someone with a substance use disorder.In This Episode You Will Learn:Why Kyle started using prescription drugs (01:51)His first experience in residential treatment (07:47)How he started using Heroine (10:53)Why he had to be taken to a mental hospital (30:02)Why we need to keep the substance abuse conversation alive (39:34)Let’s Connect!Email

Substance abuse is a complex problem that impacts the person with the disorder as well as those close to them. It is painful to watch a person you love deal with addiction knowing that the best you can do for them can’t save them. Yes, you can be there to offer support but ultimately, recovery is a process that only they can take and commit to.It is important to remember that, you can’t pour from an empty cup. You need to take care of yourself by being present, being in the moment, and having gratitude for each today.  Do things that bring you joy and laughter because you deserve to also experience life to its fullest.Today, I’ll share with you some lessons I learnt from the book, “Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change.” I will also share some of my recent personal experiences with my son who has a substance abuse disorder. Additionally, you’ll hear about the importance of self-care even as you go through challenging times.Tune in to this second episode of Zero Stigma and learn more about the challenges of loving someone with a substance use disorder.In This Episode You Will Learn:Why substance abuse problems are complex (03:48)A conversation between Donna and her son (05:10)A situation that pushed her anger over the edge (06:59)The importance of being present today (11:45)Let’s Connect!Email