Living While Loving Your Child Through Addiction

EP109 How To Make Sense of Behaviors That Don’t Make Sense (To You) Pt 1


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Have you ever felt completely baffled by your child’s behavior? Maybe they can play chess skillfully but can’t seem to get ready for an appointment on time. Maybe they have zero concept of time but can tell you the gas prices at every station in town. These inconsistencies can feel frustrating and even personal—like they don’t care or aren’t trying.

But what if there’s a scientific explanation?

In this episode, we dive into the brain science behind these confusing behaviors. I’ll break down how substance use affects different areas of the brain, why some skills stay intact while others decline, and how understanding this can reduce frustration, increase compassion, and help you better support your child.

We’ll explore:

  • How the prefrontal cortex, dopamine system, hippocampus, and amygdala all play a role in motivation, memory, and decision-making
  • Why time blindness makes planning and follow-through so difficult
  • How survival-based thinking can cause hyperfocus on things like gas prices but not daily responsibilities
  • Why understanding these brain changes can help you find peace of mind and set realistic expectations
  • When we understand the why behind their struggles, we can stop fighting against reality and start working with it.

    Resources From Heather Ross Coaching

    If you want answers and support to help you and your child Sign up for a 45-minute $17 Road to Recovery call with me using the link below. https://heatherrosscoachingcalendar.as.me/RoadtoRecovery⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Guide about enabling - If you've ever worried about enabling, this guide is for you! https://heatherrosscoaching.com/perspective-about-enabling/

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    Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionBy Heather Ross

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