In this episode of Primary Purpose, Pej sits down with Ottis Johnson, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor at New Directions for Women, to discuss one of the most overlooked—but most powerful—parts of recovery: family healing.

Ottis explains why treating only the addict isn’t enough, and how untreated family dysfunction often sets the stage for relapse. Through his work leading family groups, he has seen firsthand how family members discover the impact addiction has had on their own lives—emotionally, psychologically, physically, and even financially—despite never using substances themselves.

By learning healthier ways to respond, families can create a safe, supportive environment where their loved one has the best chance to thrive in recovery. Because as Ottis reminds us: addiction is a family disease, and true healing must involve the whole family.

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