Hopestream: Parenting Kids Through Addiction & Mental Health

ABOUT THE EPISODE:
Have you ever felt overwhelmed when you realize just how many layers there are to the addiction that is derailing your son or daughter? When we get curious and focus on asking questions, it’s incredible what we can learn about our kids. For so many, an unrecognized mental health diagnosis is at the root of their pain and substance use. 

My guest today is Tonia Ahern. She’s a mom who lost her son, Rory, to opioid addiction and now fights to change legislation to support prevention, evidence-based treatment practices, recovery support programs, and family support. Tonia is also a certified recovery and parent coach who emphasizes the CRAFT method in every aspect of her practice. Not only is she a knowledgeable resource, she’s also a mom who knows exactly what you’re likely walking through. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why Tonia would not encourage you to mortgage your house to pay for treatment as a first step
• How to spot the signs of an underlying mental health struggle
• How Tonia was able to connect deeply with her son in the midst of his addiction
• How to find and  navigate your state-sponsored treatment options
• Practical ways you can help make resources for recovery available for the most vulnerable

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Partnership To End Addiction (website)  
• SAMHSA (website) 

This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community
Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms
Find us on Instagram here
Watch the podcast on YouTube here
Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol

Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE:
If there is one thing you can count on when your child is misusing substances or struggling with addiction and the mental health issues that come with it - it's change. Change is a constant, and you can either have your world capsized by it, or you can be intentional about planning for it to lessen its impact on you and your family.

Based on lessons learned from my own experience and that of the hundreds of families I work with, this episode will help you prepare emotionally and practically when things go right and when things go wrong.

You'll gain valuable ways to team up with your co-parent, spouse or partner to shore up your relationship and also hear ten incredibly practical things you can do that will allow you to focus on your child and next steps when change happens rather than scouring for information, finding logins and chasing down people to help. 

You'll also have a chance to spend one quiet minute gathering yourself and quieting your mind, an important part of approaching this challenging time in a more healthy way.

This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community
Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms
Find us on Instagram here
Watch the podcast on YouTube here
Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol

Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE:
I joke that this club of mine (The Stream Community) is the club you never want to find yourself needing an invite to. But here we are, doing this messy, exhausting, and entirely meaningful work together. I am so grateful yet another one of these moms is sharing her story with you. 

In this coaching episode, I am joined by Jamie, a long-time member of The Stream. She shares the impact of pre-term birth and how other learning and health challenges have complicated her son’s academic success, social life, and drug use. We discuss how her ex-husband’s own addiction has impacted her son and his attempts at sobriety. Additionally, she thoughtfully unpacks the difficulty (and gift) that being an empath can be for our kids.

If you’re struggling to find ways to support your child because of their extreme displays of disrespect, you’ll want to listen to take a lesson from Jamie’s book. She’s doing so many things well, and yet she’s aware of the boundaries she has to protect to save their relationship. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why kids who are empaths are vulnerable to addiction
• Strategic ways to stay regulated when your son or daughter isn’t able to
• Why being your child’s ‘safe person is a double-edged sword
• What incredible wins Jamie has been witnessing in her son
• Why “projecting positive” impacts everyone in the picture

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Outward Bound Intercept (website) 
• Have You Filled a Bucket Today? (book)

This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community
Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms
Find us on Instagram here
Watch the podcast on YouTube here
Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol

Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE:
Mamas are so fierce. They are incredible protectors- and not just of their own children, but of the whole village. My guest today is Janet Janes, is a warrior mama and founder of MAPDA (Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse). She is bravely telling the story of the loss of her son to one methadone pill in hopes of saving others from this unimaginable loss. 

Every five minutes, someone dies of a drug overdose. What’s worse is that this tragedy is entirely preventable. But as a society, we’re so unaware of how powerful these drugs are. While she is proud to advocate for this cause, Janet shares how intentional she has to be about self-care to prevent burnout as she tells her story again and again. 

We also talk about how grief can absolutely undo us and make us strangers to ourselves. This episode is a reminder that when we have the courage to deal with the shame of finding ourselves here, there is help and hope waiting for us- and our children. Be sure to share this episode and what you learn with someone you love.

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• How Janet was able to turn her pain into action
• Why we’re going numb to the rampant use of prescription drug abuse
• Some of the bright spots of the work Janet is doing
• Why we don’t have time to worry about having uncomfortable conversations with our kids
• What Janet is learning about herself in this stage of her healing

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• MAPDA: Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse (Website) 

This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community
Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms
Find us on Instagram here
Watch the podcast on YouTube here
Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol

Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE:
Research has shown that a positive, non-confrontational approach to helping our kids make positive changes in their lives is the most effective when they’re misusing substances. In this episode, I share three keys to shifting your words, actions, and mindset in a more positive direction using courage, confidence, and compassion. 

After listening to this episode you'll walk away with:

• an understanding of what motivates a young person to change their substance use and what doesn't
• why courage is an inside job and how to boost yours
• how we can increase our confidence even when we're living in a foreign world filled with stigma
• why parenting from a place of compassion is important if we want our kids to make healthier decisions
• a solution for the times when you bomb your parenting attempt that models good behavior to your child
• a positive-parenting tip you can use today with your son or daughter who's misusing drugs or alcohol, no practice required.

This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community
Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms
Find us on Instagram here
Watch the podcast on YouTube here
Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol

Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE:
There are many stages of recovery, but one of the hardest to prepare for is when your child transitions home after treatment. Then factor in your semi-recovering child becoming a legal adult (but still needs support,) COVID, bullying, an eating disorder, and insincere friends and you’ve got a perfect storm of challenges.

This is exactly the season Lynn, a member of the Stream Community, shares in this coaching episode. You’ll be blown away by how intentional and involved Lynn has been at every turn of this confusing journey. But as you’ll hear from our conversation, the decision to heal is still ultimately up to our kids, especially as they become young adults. 

Listen as we explore several options for Lynn to offer her son as they establish new rhythms in their family post-residential treatment and high-school graduation. We also take some time to get specific about what self-care looks like for Lynn. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why there are often so many layers to the pain our kids face
• About the moment Lynn realized that her parenting toolbox was empty
• How COVID created a huge gap in therapeutic support
• Why prioritizing fun is important when establishing new family expectations
• How Lynn identifies what self-care looks like for her in this transition

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Failure to Launch: Why Your Twentysomething Hasn't Grown Up... and What to Do About It by Mark McConville, Ph.D.
• Episode 51: Getting Kids Unstuck From Failure to Launch Mode
• ARFID eating disorder
• How to find a therapeutic educational consultant
• The Parallel Process book
• Journey of The Heroic Parent book

This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community
Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms
Find us on Instagram here
Watch the podcast on YouTube here
Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol

Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE:
No matter where you are on the journey with a child misusing substances, chances are you've faced two very dangerous lies: 

1. that you've failed as a parent, and/or
2. that you're alone in the fight for your child

In this week's Hopestream episode, I have the honor of introducing you to five incredible women who, together in The Stream Community, have faced these lies and additional terrifying moments in parenting.  They were generous enough to tell their stories which are all individually unique, and yet they're all known and understood by one another. These moms also share their biggest ah-ha moments with you, which you won't want to miss.

The Stream is a private online community I created where we help moms connect with each other. We help you gain knowledge about how to have better communication and relationships with your kids and help you get as healthy as possible. It’s specifically for moms of kids who are misusing substances, in treatment, or working toward recovery.

If you are encouraged by these brave women and their honesty, I invite you to join us. The first two weeks are always free. We’re saving a spot for you. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why it’s critical to stay present in your journey-even taking it hour by hour
• How these women are discovering how to become experts in self-compassion
• What is in your control vs. what is not in this battle
• Why The Stream Community has helped these moms find the balance between denial and too much positivity
• What an impact approaching their kids with empathy and understanding has had on their relationships

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Coaching Episode with Cheryl 
• Episode #92: Fentanyl Awareness Episode in Honor of Graham 
• Beyond Addiction (Book) 
• Introduction to the Parent's Guide - The 20-Minute Guide
• Partnership to End Addiction (free parent coaching, helpline, support groups and content for parents)

This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community
Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms
Find us on Instagram here
Watch the podcast on YouTube here
Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol

Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE:
“It’s not mine. I’m just carrying it for a friend.” Have you heard this one before? As many times as that line has been used, it’s still a really common cover in the moment we confront our kids. 

Yet, sometimes our kids are really good at hiding their substance use or addiction because the signs are actually not obvious. It’s shocking and confusing when our incredible, thoughtful, and high-achieving kids are battling something so dangerous. 

In this episode, I’m joined by author, and certified parent and life coach, Cathy Taughinbaugh. Cathy is a Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) trained coach through the Center for Motivation and Change and a parent coach with the Partnership to End Addiction. 

Cathy is an expert in helping parents connect with their kids through an approach that is driven by compassion and positivity which she shares in her book. If you’re tired of blaming, shaming, and lashing out in response to your child’s addiction, this conversation is going to encourage you and remind you that there is another way to address the problems and the pain. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• The most common mistakes parents make in setting boundaries with their kids
• What the CRAFT approach is and why it’s statistically proven to be more effective to guide kids toward the path of recovery
• Many of the reasons why your child’s addiction is actually NOT your fault
• Why becoming an expert in self-care will always be the biggest gift to your child
• Why your silver lining will almost always begin with connection
• How focusing on your child’s strengths is powerful and not “going soft” or naive

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with Cathy: https://cathytaughinbaugh.com/
• The Compassion Antidote
• Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change 
• The Artist’s Way
• Drugfree.org

This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community
Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms
Find us on Instagram here
Watch the podcast on YouTube here
Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol

Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE:
Getting real this week about the mental and physical burnout and empathy fatigue we can feel as parents when we're trying our hardest with our kids who are struggling with substance use. It's not often talked about but it's real, so we'll dive into what it can feel like and 3 things you can start doing today to turn it around.

You'll also hear a secret tip about taking care of yourself that might just help when you're tempted to put yourself last. It's a snack-sized episode that will help if you're running on empty and need to start feeling better but aren't sure where to start.

This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community
Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms
Find us on Instagram here
Watch the podcast on YouTube here
Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol

Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.

ABOUT THE EPISODE:
How does a parent cope when you have not one, but two kids struggling with substance misuse and all the issues that surround it? This episode provides inspiration and hope if you're trying to navigate this experience with your child from a mom who watched her family implode when her 17 and 19-year-old kids simultaneously spiraled out of control with drugs and alcohol.

Cathy Cioth has seen the world of adolescent and young adult substance use from all angles and shares openly in this conversation about her family's journey which included wilderness therapy, 'gooning', an unwelcomed intervention, and lots of coping skills. 
Cathy is now the Community Director for The Stream and supports hundreds of parents as they work to get and stay healthier through this challenging season of life.

Listen in to hear:

• how Cathy and her husband became aware that both of their kids were struggling with drugs and alcohol
• the differences between their kid's journey to and through treatment
• how Cathy and her husband decided on wilderness therapy for their treatment-resistant daughter, and how they got her there
• what it was like to have an intervention with their 19-year-old college student and how it went
• what tools Cathy used to stay sane when both of her kids were struggling and then in treatment at the same time
• Cathy's path to finding The Stream and what it provided her as a member
• Cathy's role now as Director of the community
• Her words of wisdom for any parent currently at the end of their rope
• And much more

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Beyond Addiction, How Science and Kindness Help People Change (book)
• The Partnership to End Addiction (free parent coaching, helpline, support groups and content for parents)
• The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving The Heart of Conflict
• Leadership and Self Deception
• Rebekah Tayebi Hopestream episode #63 - “Your Child is Not The Patient”

This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community
Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms
Find us on Instagram here
Watch the podcast on YouTube here
Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol

Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.