Change isn’t neat, and it’s rarely a straight line. In this raw conversation with Jack from Real Drug Talk, we dive into what recovery actually looks like, beyond the Instagram quotes.

You’ve heard the term rock bottom - but what does that actually mean, how can we change the lens and what really helps someone change?

In this raw and eye-opening episode, I’m joined by Jack from Real Drug Talk, who brings a rare and powerful perspective: the inside story of addiction, what recovery actually looks like, and the truth about what it takes to turn a life around.

Jack opens up about his own experience, from being a promising young athlete to spiralling into meth addiction, and eventually finding his way out. We unpack the outdated myths still floating around in the addiction space (like “if they wanted to, they would”), the real role families play in recovery, and why waiting for a loved one to “hit rock bottom” might actually be missing the point.

Whether you’re supporting someone you love or navigating your own recovery, this conversation will give you hope, validation, and insight.

What talk about in this episode

• Jack’s story: how curiosity, insecurity, and disconnection led to addiction
• The problem with “just let them hit rock bottom”
• What change really looks like (hint: it’s not linear)
• Harm reduction vs. abstinence, and why both can have a place
• How families can support without enabling
• What success in recovery really means (it’s not just about not using)
• The 3 pillars Jack sees in people who thrive after addiction

If you’ve ever wondered:

→ Can people really change?

→ How do I support someone without losing myself?

→ What does recovery actually look like - beyond the stereotypes?

This episode is for you.

Connect with Jack:

🔗 www.connectionbasedliving.com.au

📲 Instagram: @realdrugtalk

For spouses and loved ones who are looking for resources and support:

Register for the Three Essential Steps to support your Loved one in addiction or recovery (Without losing yourself in the process)

Happening on June 19th and June 20th (depending on where you are in the world)

Replay is available but you have to register to get it in your inbox

👉 Register Here

If you haven’t the Crisis Conversation Guide (What to say and what not to say when addiction takes over) ? Grab it now—it’s free and full of practical scripts to help you say what you mean (even when it’s messy):

👉 Download the guide

You can also book a friendly, no-pressure chat with Amanda and explore what support might look like - without doing this alone, because you know you’ve been trying ‘that way’ for long enough by now.

👉 Book in a friendly chat - Click here to find a time and let's talk about what's possible

Your peace matters. And you’re closer than you think.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever walked away from a conversation with a loved one in active addiction/navigating recovery thinking...

“Why didn’t I just say what I meant?”

“Why do I always say that when I know it doesn't help?"

"Why did I say I was ok with that when I'm not?"

If your nervous system is fried, your plate is overflowing, and your words keep getting caught in your throat - you’re not broken. You’re up to your absolute eyeballs with EVERYTHING and you are absolutely maxed out and struggling here.

And this episode is your exhale. Inside, we’ll talk about:

• Why your brain shuts down in high-stress moments (it’s not your fault)
• What’s really behind the silence, the outbursts, the people-pleasing
• How to interrupt the cycle with one phrase, one pause, one breath
• Why kindness and clarity can coexist—and how to practise it

If you haven’t the Crisis Conversation Guide (What to say and what not to say when addiction takes over) ? Grab it now—it’s free and full of practical scripts to help you say what you mean (even when it’s messy):

👉 Download the guide

If you’ve already downloaded The Crisis Conversation Guide, this is your next step. Ready to go deeper?

Book a friendly, no-pressure chat with Amanda and explore what support might look like - without doing this alone, because you know you’ve been trying ‘that way’ for long enough by now.

👉 Book in a friendly chat - Click here to find a time and let's talk about what's possible

Your peace matters. And you’re closer than you think.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you’re in the thick of it navigating a partner’s addiction, it can feel like you’re the only one carrying the weight. The guilt. The confusion. The hope. The heartbreak. The double life of keeping it all together on the outside… while quietly falling apart inside.

In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by the incredible Carol Beaumont. Mum, advocate, and co-founder of Her Courage as she opens up about her 20-year journey of loving someone through addiction, losing herself along the way, and slowly rebuilding a life of peace, power, and purpose.

Together, we explore:

— The hidden struggle of being ‘the strong one’

— What gaslighting, guilt, and grief can really look like

— Letting go of the façade and stepping into truth

— Why choosing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s survival

— How peace can feel foreign (and what to do with that)

This episode is for the woman who’s doing her best to keep the peace, protect her kids, and make sense of a world that feels upside down. It’s raw. It’s honest. And it’s your reminder that you are not alone—and that you’re allowed to choose you.

🎧 Listen now. And if this resonates, share it with a friend who might need the same reminder.

✨ Find Carol and Her Courage events at hercourage.co.nz

📸 Follow Carol on Instagram: @hercouragecarol

If this episode hit home, send me a message on Instagram @addictionmakesthree and let me know what resonated most. I love hearing from you.

If you'd like to implement what have been learning on the podcast ...

Be the first to know when the doors open to the Kind and Evidenced based program for loved ones and spouses of those struggling with addiction or in recovery - The three month Pathway to Wellness Program. Drop your details here.

I love getting mail! Send me an email - [email protected]

If you want to have a friendly chat about your current situation and what the next best steps could be: Click here to find a time and we can chat about it. No pressure, just a soft place to land.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If the thought of setting a boundary leaves you spiralling, freezing, or avoiding the conversation altogether… you’re in the right place.

I know it's hard, and you don't want to be here or to have to have this conversation at all. And I promise you, it's possible for this to be better, and we can do it, one small conversation and action step at a time.

In this episode, I gently walk you through what to do when boundaries feel terrifying and why that makes complete sense, especially when you're navigating addiction in your relationship.

Whether you’re afraid of conflict, rejection, or what might happen if you actually have to follow through, this is a starting point that’s designed to feel safe, grounded, and doable.

We’ll talk about:

• Why fear will always be in the room (but doesn’t need to drive the bus)
• The quiet power of starting small and building confidence step by step
• How to speak your truth without needing all the answers
• The pre-work to do before setting a boundary so you feel clear and calm, not reactive and overwhelmed

This episode is for you if you’re tired of second-guessing yourself, waiting for the “perfect moment,” or hoping your loved one will just magically change. It’s honest, practical, and packed with compassionate wisdom for anyone who wants to start protecting their peace, one small step at a time.

Want support working through your next boundary? My DMs are open @addictionmakesthree I’d love to hear from you.

If this episode hit home, send me a message on Instagram @addictionmakesthree and let me know what resonated most. I love hearing from you.

If you'd like to implement what have been learning on the podcast ...

Be the first to know when the doors open to the Kind and Evidenced based program for loved ones and spouses of those struggling with addiction or in recovery - The three month Pathway to Wellness Program. Drop your details here.

I love getting mail! Send me an email here or [email protected]

If you want to have a friendly chat about your current situation and what the next best steps could be: Click here to find a time and we can chat about it. No pressure, just a soft place to land.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you're in the thick of a loved one's addiction, the last thing you need is a polite platitude.

“Thoughts and prayers.”

We’ve all heard it. Maybe we’ve even said it. But in the face of real crisis, real grief, and real chaos, it’s just not enough.

This isn’t about religion or belief. It’s about presence vs platitudes.

You’ll hear:

• Why “thoughts and prayers” often land as dismissive, even when well-intended
• What families impacted by addiction really need
• How addiction struggles are treated differently than other illness or tragedy—and why that needs to change
• Tangible ways to lean in and offer meaningful support (even if you don’t have all the answers)

If you’ve ever felt abandoned in your hardest moments, or unsure how to support someone else through theirs, then this one’s for you.

Because we need more than thoughts and prayers.

If this episode hit home, send me a message on Instagram @addictionmakesthree and let me know what resonated most. I love hearing from you.

If you'd like to implement what have been learning on the podcast ...

Be the first to know when the doors open to the Kind and Evidenced based program for loved ones and spouses of those struggling with addiction or in recovery - The three month Pathway to Wellness Program. Drop your details here.

I love getting mail! Send me an email here or [email protected]

If you want to have a friendly chat about your current situation and what the next best steps could be: Click here to find a time and we can chat about it. No pressure, just a soft place to land.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever felt like you’re carrying the weight of your loved one's addiction? Like if you just loved them enough, supported them enough, or said the right thing, they’d finally change?

You’re not alone—and I need you to hear this: You are not their rehab. In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into:

✅ Why you feel so responsible for their recovery (and why it’s not your job)

✅ How addiction tricks you into believing you can “fix” someone else

✅ The hidden ways over-helping actually keeps you stuck

✅ What to do instead—so you can stop living in survival mode and start reclaiming your own life

This episode is for the caring, amazing, capable woman who’s exhausted from trying to hold it all together. If you’re done walking on eggshells, feeling powerless, or wondering if you’re the problem, this conversation will be a game-changer.

And if this resonates, DM me on Instagram @addictionmakesthree to share your thoughts so we can keep this conversation going! 💬

Listening live... join the free 60 minute workshop -  Boundaries That Build Connection & Protect Your Peace: Why They Matter, What Works, & How to Set Them Without Guilt

Happening on March 17th and 18th at two different times (LIVE!) The only catch?  There is no replay on this one.  So secure your spot and I'll see you there.  Reserve your Spot Here

Show Notes:

If you'd like to implement what have been learning on the podcast ...

Be the first to know when the doors open to the Kind and Evidenced based program for loved ones and spouses of those struggling with addiction or in recovery - The three month Pathway to Wellness Program. Drop your details here.

I love getting mail! Send me an email here or [email protected]

Are we Instagram friends?

If you want to have a friendly chat about your situation and what the next best steps could be: Click here to find a time

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listening live... join the free 60 minute workshop - Boundaries That Build Connection & Protect Your Peace: Why They Matter, What Works, & How to Set Them Without Guilt

Happening on March 10th and 11th at two different times (LIVE!) The only catch? There is no replay on this one. So secure your spot and I'll see you there. Reserve your Spot Here

Cyclone Alfred is on the approach and it got me thinking about storms... and addiction and the huge similarities!

When a loved one struggles with addiction, it can feel like you’re standing in the middle of a cyclone—chaotic, unpredictable, and completely out of your control.  But what if the key to navigating both storms wasn’t trying to control them, or endlessly worrying, but learning how to prepare, how to protect yourself, and what actually helps?

In this episode I'm talking about the emotional turbulence, uncertainty, and fear that both can bring. I am doubling down on the importance of preparation—because waiting until the storm is here leaves you vulnerable and scrambling for a solution that is (most probably) not going to effective.  Just like preparing before a cyclone, setting boundaries and knowing how you are going to respond to situations and events are critical before the chaos hits.  

I'm chatting about the noise of external opinions and how this can amplify confusion, self doubt and uncertainty, making it even harder to know what to do.  Not every voice deserves your attention, and filtering out the noise is essential for protecting your peace of mind. 

While you can’t control the storm, you can control how you prepare yourself and how you respond, and that shift in mindset can be a game-changer.  Experience teaches us valuable lessons, and every challenge we face is an opportunity to adapt, grow, and refine our strategies.  

🎧 Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need a fresh perspective on coping with a loved one's addiction, this episode will help you shift your mindset and regain control of your own well-being.

Show Notes:

If you'd like to implement what have been learning on the podcast ...

Be the first to know when the doors open to the Kind and Evidenced based program for loved ones and spouses of those struggling with addiction or in recovery - The three month Pathway to Wellness Program. Drop your details here.

I love getting mail! Send me an email here or [email protected]

Are we Instagram friends?

If you want to have a friendly chat about your situation and what the next best steps could be: Click here to find a time

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listening live... join the free 60 minute workshop - Boundaries That Build Connection & Protect Your Peace: Why They Matter, What Works, & How to Set Them Without Guilt

Happening on March 10th and 11th at two different times (LIVE!) The only catch? There is no replay on this one. So secure your spot and I'll see you there. Reserve your Spot Here

Have you ever stopped to think about how the words you use impact the way you experience your life? The way you see your loved one? Yourself?

In this episode, I'm pulling apart the labels and narratives that keep people stuck—words like addict, alcoholic, junkie—and questioning whether they truly help or if they reinforce the very struggles we’re trying to break free from.

Isn't your loved one was more than their addiction? Aren't you more than the spouse or loved one of someone struggling?

If you’ve ever felt like addiction has taken over your identity or that the world around you sees your loved one as nothing more than their worst moments, this conversation is for you. Let’s reframe the way we speak about addiction and step into something more powerful.

Maybe you’ve caught yourself saying, “My husband is an addict.” Or “My dad’s an alcoholic.” Maybe you’ve even labeled yourself: “I’m the wife of an addict.”

But here’s the question: Is that helping?

Show Notes:

If you'd like to implement what have been learning on the podcast ...

Be the first to know when the doors open to the Kind and Evidenced based program for loved ones and spouses of those struggling with addiction or in recovery - The three month Pathway to Wellness Program. Drop your details here.

I love getting mail! Send me an email here or [email protected]

Are we Instagram friends?

If you want to have a friendly chat about your situation and what the next best steps could be: Click here to find a time

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boundaries, they are the gift that gives, but also... can have us tripping up over ourselves and have us in a tale spin of confusion.

Have you ever felt guilty for setting boundaries? Or wondered why the ones you set don’t seem to stick? In this episode we’re diving deep into boundaries—what they are, why they matter, and how to set them in a way that actually works.

Or maybe you were like me 5 years ago.... no boundaries and just no idea where to even start?! Don't worry, we are going to chat about it.

When you love someone struggling with addiction, boundaries can feel confusing. You might start with trying to control or manipulate under the guise of a boundary... or maybe you'll go down the request and then annoyance path like me. Or perhaps just hope, hope, hope things will get better and behaviour will change and you won't need to set a boundary (also me)

You may worry that setting limits means pushing them away when it's the last thing you actually want to do, or that following through will create more conflict. But healthy boundaries aren’t about controlling others—they’re about protecting your peace, your energy, and your well-being.

This conversation will help you understand boundaries on a whole new level, giving you the confidence to create ones that honour both your needs and your values.

Boundaries allow you to stay in relationships that matter to you and it's about saying what is absolutely ok with you as well as what isn't.

Listening live... join the free 60 minute workshop - Boundaries That Build Connection & Protect Your Peace: Why They Matter, What Works, & How to Set Them Without Guilt

Happening on March 10th and 11th at two different times (LIVE!) The only catch? There is no replay on this one. So secure your spot and I'll see you there. Reserve your Spot Here

Show Notes:

If you'd like to implement what have been learning on the podcast ...

Be the first to know when the doors open to the Kind and Evidenced based program for loved ones and spouses of those struggling with addiction or in recovery - The three month Pathway to Wellness Program. Drop your details here.

I love getting mail! Send me an email here or [email protected]

Are we Instagram friends?

If you want to have a friendly chat about your situation and what the next best steps could be: Click here to find a time

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your life looks good on the outside—successful, capable, and "fine." But inside? It feels like a constant battle.

Loving someone struggling with addiction comes with an exhausting double life. You’re holding everything together, managing responsibilities, putting on a brave face—yet inside, you're drained, overwhelmed, and wondering why no one sees how hard this really is.

Is it wrong to feel this way? Shouldn’t you just be stronger? What if opening up makes things worse?

In this episode, I’m breaking down the hidden toll of living a double life, why societal pressure and fear of judgment keep so many stuck in silence, and how constantly choosing connection over authenticity leads to emotional exhaustion. We’ll talk about the cost of pretending, why “hope” can sometimes be a trap, and—most importantly—how to start creating safe spaces where you can be real, without guilt or shame.

If you’ve been feeling unseen, exhausted, and trapped between who you are and who the world expects you to be—this conversation is for you.

Let’s talk about what it really means to find support, reclaim your authenticity, and stop carrying this alone.

Show Notes:

If you'd like to implement what have been learning on the podcast ...

Be the first to know when the doors open to the Kind and Evidenced based program for loved ones and spouses of those struggling with addiction or in recovery - The three month Pathway to Wellness Program. Drop your details here.

I love getting mail! Send me an email here or [email protected]

Are we Instagram friends?

If you want to have a friendly chat about your situation and what the next best steps could be: Click here to find a time

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.