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Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling guilty, confused, or responsible for someone else's choices?

You're not imagining it — and you're not weak. In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, I break down 4 manipulation tactics addicts commonly use against the people who love them most.

These patterns are subtle, emotionally charged, and incredibly effective — especially on parents, spouses, and family members who just want to help. I've been on both sides of this. I used these tactics when I was in active addiction, and today I help families recognize them so they can stop enabling and start healing.

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Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page

As we head into a brand new year, many family members and loved ones are carrying a mix of hope, exhaustion, and uncertainty — especially when someone they love is struggling with addiction.

This video is not about resolutions. It's not about fixing anyone. And it's not about doing more.

In this episode, I share a few simple intentions you can carry into 2026 — practical, grounded ways to protect your own well-being, strengthen connection, and walk into the new year with clarity instead of fear.

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Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page

If it's Christmas Eve and you're lying awake right now, worried about your child, this episode is for you. While the rest of the world seems to be celebrating, many parents are quietly carrying fear, guilt, and exhaustion—wondering where their son or daughter is, if they're safe, or if things will ever change.

In this solo episode, I speak directly to parents who are struggling tonight. We talk about why Christmas Eve can feel heavier than any other night, the lies fear tells us when things get quiet, and what actually helps when you're feeling powerless. This isn't about fixing anything or having all the answers.

It's about getting through tonight—with a little more peace, perspective, and hope. If you love a child who is struggling with addiction or destructive behavior, you are not alone. And this story isn't over.

Merry Christmas.

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Have someone in your life struggling with addiction? DO NOT MISS THIS! Free webclass: 5 MISTAKES FAMILIES MAKE WHEN TRYING TO HELP A LOVED ONE STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION

https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page

In this powerful episode of Real Recovery Talk, we sit down with Ricki Santiago, a licensed clinician who opens up about his own experience growing up with an alcoholic mother—and how that trauma shaped his entire life.

Before he was a therapist helping others heal… he was a kid watching his mom drink herself into the grave.

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Have someone in your life struggling with addiction? DO NOT MISS THIS! Free webclass: 5 MISTAKES FAMILIES MAKE WHEN TRYING TO HELP A LOVED ONE STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION

https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page

In today's episode, we break down the difference between true narcissism and the narcissistic behaviors that show up during addiction. These can look identical — manipulation, gaslighting, lack of empathy, emotional abuse — but the root cause is often very different.

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Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar

In today's conversation, Hilary shares one of the most powerful trauma stories we've ever had on the podcast. Before addiction ever entered her life, trauma did. From growing up in chaos… to being pushed into acting at five years old… to living in fear, shame, and survival mode — her story explains

EXACTLY why so many addicts and alcoholics struggle the way they do.

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Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction?

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I wanted to come on and share my gratitude for ALL OF YOU!

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Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction?

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Getting into a relationship in early recovery can feel amazing… until it quietly becomes the thing that takes you out. In this episode, we talk honestly about why early-recovery relationships are so intense, why they so often end badly, and what actually makes a relationship healthy in long-term sobriety.

And we finally share something big with the Real Recovery Talk family: Ben and Destiny are in a committed relationship now. 🎙❤️

We use their story as a real-life example of what can work in recovery—and why most people in early sobriety probably aren't ready yet

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Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar

Learn how you can stop focusing on your addict loved one and RECLAIM your life back!

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MindPump Media: https://www.youtube.com/@UCq0hKkwnW5Cw1wQqu455WrA

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Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? J

oin Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar

A lot of people think if they haven't gotten sober by 40, it's too late. That the damage is done. The truth? It's not too late — but it is different. In this episode, we break down what it really takes to get sober after 40.

From rebuilding your health and relationships to rediscovering your purpose, this conversation is raw, practical, and full of hope.

We talk about how to stop comparing your journey to everyone else's, how to get your body and mind back after years of neglect, and how faith and community play a massive role in long-term recovery.

Whether you're just realizing you need help or you've been trying for years — it's not over. You can rebuild.

You can recover. And your best years can still be ahead of you.

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