Do What You Can Live With: Navigating Through Addiction and Recovery

Summary

Brandi Mac (Host) is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and mother of an adult child in recovery from substance use disorder. 

Dr. Taylor Nichols, a certified addiction physician and ER doctor, discusses his journey from working in the emergency department to specializing in addiction medicine. He shares his experiences of seeing the broken healthcare system and the harm it causes to people who use drugs. Dr. Nichols emphasizes the importance of harm reduction and reducing stigma in healthcare. He also addresses misconceptions about medications like Suboxone and buprenorphine and provides insights into managing pain in patients with opioid use disorder. In this part of the conversation, Dr. Taylor Nichols discusses the process of tapering off opioids, specifically focusing on the use of buprenorphine and the medications Sublicade and Brixadi.

 He explains how buprenorphine works to replace opioids in the brain and reduce withdrawal symptoms. Dr. Nichols also discusses the challenges of tapering off fentanyl and the importance of finding the right dose of buprenorphine to effectively manage withdrawal. She highlights the Bernese method as an alternative approach to tapering and explains the differences between Sublicade and Brixadi. Additionally, Dr. Nichols addresses the concerns of families and loved ones of individuals with substance use disorder, emphasizing the importance of supporting the individual's goals and providing them with evidence-based treatment options.

Dr. Nichols TikTok: Click Here

Dr. Nichols Website: Click Here

Recovery Reform Podcast by Dr. Nichols and McCauley Sexton: Click Here

Recovery Reform YouTube Channel: Click Here

Article: Naloxone to Buprenorphine

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background 03:46 Harm Reduction and Stigma 10:38 Respecting Autonomy and Challenging Stigma 14:46 Debunking Misconceptions about Naloxone and Buprenorphine 18:23 Physician Fear and the Opioid Crackdown 25:16 The Functionality of Naloxone in Suboxone 32:54 The Ceiling Effect of Buprenorphine 36:26 Managing Pain in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder 38:25 Understanding the Role of Buprenorphine 41:21 Managing Withdrawal Symptoms 44:04 Long-Acting Injectable Buprenorphine 50:43 Comparing Sublicade and Brixadi 55:27 Supporting Individuals and Families 01:02:16 Empowering Individuals to Make Decisions

Summary

Brandi Mac discusses her journey as a mother of a child with substance use disorder and her own healing process. She talks about the challenges of navigating her daughter's recovery and the impact it has had on their relationship. Brandi also shares her experience with perimenopause and the importance of addressing hormonal imbalances. She emphasizes the need for families to take ownership of their role in addiction and the importance of therapy and self-care.

Takeaways

• Loving someone with substance use disorder is incredibly challenging and requires ongoing support and understanding.
• Healing and rebuilding trust in the family after addiction takes time and effort from all members.
• Addressing hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during perimenopause, can have a significant impact on mental health and overall well-being.
• Families need to take ownership of their role in addiction and work on their own healing and growth.
• Therapy and self-care are essential for both individuals struggling with addiction and their loved ones.

Resources are available on my website : Resources Here

TikTok: The_original_brandi_mac

Email: [email protected]

Happy New Year everyone! Brooke and I figured we would start 2024 off with part 2 of her interview. This episode goes more into what happened in Maryland especially concerning her medicated assisted treatment and much more. All of the questions came from followers on social media. The next episode we will be discussing sex trafficking. 

Email us @ [email protected]

Resources and website https://www.brandimac.com/

This podcast is raw and real. My daughter came home one week ago to detox and together we made the decision to restart her medicated assisted treatment. This will likely be several parts and a great way to end 2023. Brooke and I want to wish each of you and your family's a very Happy Holiday. 

Thank you for sticking around. 

https://www.brandimac.com/

https://www.brandimac.com/

This episode I talk about what it was like having our daughter in active drug use home for Thanksgiving for the first time in 5 years. The day even included family pictures. Those who may be new here my daughter is 23 and struggles substance use disorder. She is an IV drug user and we have been raising our grandson since his first birthday. I also talk about the potential for opening a treatment facility. 

Thank you for listening and please download and leave a review so we can get this episode out to more people. 

Many have seen the drama on social media when it comes to Sam and I. He not only made a 1 sided podcast but also went live last night sharing a 1 sided view. Hopefully this will answer some of the questions many of you have had. 

If you want to learn more about the story there is a playlist called "Sam Davis and Marc" on my Tiktok profile when this all started. 

Brandi Mac Tiktok TikTok Link

This week another mom who has shared her daughters struggles with addiction has experienced the call so many of us fear. Her 20 year old daughter lost her battle to addiction. Please pray for Melissa and the rest of her family grieving the loss of Angel. 

Melissa's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.real.melissa

Brandi Mac's TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@the_original_brandi_mac

Go fund me Go fund me for funeral expenses

This episode features an interview with Dr. Stacy Murphy who owns Navigating Addiction which provides family education for treatment centers. Stacy also know what its like love a child with substance use disorder. Her daughter has 11 years of sobriety and understands the struggles that many of us go through. 

If you love the podcast please leave a review and follow!

Dr. Stacy Murphy Navigating Addiction

Dr. Stacy Murphy TikTok

If you are in need of resources check out The Apathetic Journey

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You can follow all of Brandi Mac's social media accounts at Brandi Mac's Website

Recovery and Awareness shirts Stop The Stigma Apparel

This episode is going to discuss what a bodybroker is, kickbacks, how the affordable care act contributed to many rehab facilities becoming the new "pill mill" following the oxycontin epidemic.  I am sure there are some amazing rehabs but sadly it's impossible to determine which ones those are.

If you have been impacted by the "Florida Shuffle" or had an experience with a "body broker" I would love to hear your story!!!

Article: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/owner-sentenced-more-27-years-prison-multi-million-dollar-health-care-fraud-and-money

PBS: https://www.pbs.org/video/sci-body-brokering-rampant-in-addiction-rehab-industry-1665520234/

Body Brokers Movie: Body Brokers Movie

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As always I appreciate all of your reviews which will start being shared in the monthly newsletter.

Brandi Mac TikTok: Brandi Mac TikTok

Email the podcast @ [email protected]

Sponsor: The Apathetic Journey- All Things Addiction for families

How we got our grandson

AA/NA online meetings: https://aa-intergroup.org/meetings/

Smart Recovery: https://meetings.smartrecovery.org/meetings/

Brandi Mac TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_original_brandi_mac

Interested in being on the podcast? Email us @ [email protected]

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