Welcome to next episode in The Courage to Change Nurses Series. In this compelling episode, we explore the often hidden world of addiction within the nursing profession. Join us as we shed light on how the four stages of addiction manifest in the workplace, drawing a powerful comparison to the stages of cancer. Understanding this analogy can be a game-changer, leading to earlier and more effective intervention for nurses grappling with substance use issues.

Tune in to learn about:

Cancer vs. Addiction: Discover how the four stages of addiction bear a striking resemblance to the progression of cancer. Unveil the parallels and explore why this comparison is crucial for early intervention in the nursing community.

Empowering Nurses: Learn how understanding addiction within the context of these stages can empower nurses to seek help sooner, potentially saving careers and lives. We share insights on how identifying these stages is the first step towards a brighter, healthier future.

Early Intervention: Gain valuable knowledge about how recognizing the signs of addiction in its early stages can make a world of difference. Nurses will find practical guidance on reaching out for help and engaging in the recovery process.

Expert Insights: Ashley Loeb Blassingame offers expert advice and strategies to help nurses navigate the complex terrain of substance use and addiction within the healthcare profession.

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

Complete this form to speak confidentially with an admissions counselor for help and guidance or take the self assessment to evaluate your own substance use.

Already in recovery, find an online support community.

Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast

Podcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcast

YouTube | The Courage to Change Podcast

TikTok | @ashleyloebblassingame

Podcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcast

Lionrock Life Mobile App | lionrock.life/mobile-app

Support Group Meeting Schedule | lionrock.life/meetings

Edwin Young grew up in the Jehovah’s Witness community. He was well spoken and knew the community inside and out by age 20 he was an Elder. In the new role he was exposed to corruption happening behind the scenes. He felt conflicted about what he saw, but the final straw was the death of a friend associated with the church. He initially attempted to take a step away, but was eventually left with no choice but to leave the community entirely.

Leaving the church meant losing all of his friends and family. He was suddenly exiled from everyone he loved and began drinking heavily to deal with it. What followed was 20 years of struggling. Deeper and deeper into addiction he went until finally finding help.

Today Edwin has found sobriety through Lionrock Recovery. He’s found a community of people who support him and connect in ways he’d always craved. He’s currently working on a book that tells his story and works hard to help others find healing.

Tune in To Learn About:

Inside the Jehovah's Witness Community: Tune in to learn about Edwin Young's upbringing in the Jehovah's Witness community, where he became an Elder at a young age.

A Crisis of Faith: Discover how Edwin was exposed to corruption within the community and the inner conflict that arose from witnessing troubling events.

The Breaking Point: Explore the events that led to Edwin's decision to step away from the community, and how the tragic death of a friend associated with the church became the final straw.

Leaving It All Behind: Learn about Edwin's challenging journey of eventually leaving the Jehovah's Witness community entirely, the personal and emotional struggles he faced, and his path to recovery and healing.

A Journey of Transformation: Delve into Edwin's story of breaking free from a restrictive environment and finding a new sober path in life, and how he has used his experiences to inspire and support others.

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

Complete this form to speak confidentially with an admissions counselor for help and guidance or take the self assessment to evaluate your own substance use.

Already in recovery, find an online support community.

Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast

Podcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcast

YouTube | The Courage to Change Podcast

TikTok | @ashleyloebblassingame

Podcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcast

Lionrock Life Mobile App | lionrock.life/mobile-app

Support Group Meeting Schedule | lionrock.life/meetings

Heather’s life changed drastically when her son began struggling with mental illness issues as a very young child. When he was three, she found herself sitting across from his doctor, as he recommended psychiatric hospitalization. This was the first but not the last time she’d had to do something similar as a result of the extreme behavior and violence that she attempted to manage everyday.

All along the way her own guilt around the situation was compounded by other people trying to suggest what was happening was in some way her fault. What followed were 13 hospitalizations, each promising that life would move towards something more “normal”, but the problems remained upon each return. 

Eventually after some particularly explosive incidents, her son was admitted to a residential treatment program at age 15. She felt such complicated emotions. She didn’t want him in that setting, and she also felt immense guilt because she felt a sense of relief. She prayed that maybe someone there would be able to help. 

What followed was deep depression and a grief process that was incredibly complex all while trying to do what was right for her son and her other children.

Today, she and her son have a great relationship and Heather uses her story to help other families not feel so alone in a situation that can feel as lonely as anything. She also shares her story with teachers, clinicians and parents in order to help them understand the unique limitations of families going through something similar.

Tune In To Learn About:

A Mother's Journey: Tune in to learn about Heather's profound journey as a mother, whose life was turned upside down when her young son began struggling with mental health issues.

The Search for Help: Discover Heather's experiences as she sought help for her son's extreme behavior and violence at a very young age, and how this was just the beginning of a long and challenging path.

Navigating Guilt and Judgment: Explore the complex emotions Heather faced, compounded by guilt and external judgments that made her situation even more difficult.

The Healing Journey: Today, Heather and her son have a strong relationship, and she uses her experience to support other families facing similar situations. Discover how her story helps combat the isolation that often accompanies such struggles.

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

Connect with Heather

TikTok | @heatherhutchison4

Instagram | @hhutchgirl

Email | Email Heather

Complete this form to speak confidentially with an admissions counselor for help and guidance or take the self assessment to evaluate your own substance use.

Already in recovery, find an online support community.

Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast

Podcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcast

YouTube | The Courage to Change Podcast

TikTok | @ashleyloebblassingame

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Kim worked in western medicine for 18+ years holding an Associates in Medical Specialties & Bachelors in Healthcare. During her time in medicine she worked in the field, academics, authored multiple medical books, wrote national allied health certification tests and served on medical advisory boards. 

While her own personal health took her away from this amazing path, it led her to an even better opportunity, helping others realize how important it is to understand their own bodies and health and to dive deeply into the world of parasites and their role in our physical and emotional health. 

Today, she works to help others find healing from the parasites that detract from our body’s ecosystem.

Medical Career Expertise: Tune in to learn about Kim's impressive 18+ years in Western medicine, where she earned advanced degrees, authored medical books, and contributed to the healthcare field in various capacities.

A Personal Journey: Discover how Kim's own health challenges redirected her path, leading to a deeper understanding of the significance of understanding one's health and the role parasites play in our physical and emotional well-being.

The Parasitic Connection: Dive into the intriguing world of parasites and their impact on our bodies. Learn from Kim's expertise as she explores how these microorganisms affect our physical and emotional health.

Healing and Wellness: Join us as we explore Kim's mission to help others find healing and restore their body's ecosystem by addressing the presence of parasites. Discover the tools and insights she offers for a healthier life.

Empowering Health Knowledge: Explore how Kim empowers individuals to take control of their health by understanding their bodies and addressing the often-overlooked aspect of parasitic infections.

A Path to Holistic Health: Learn about the holistic approach Kim takes to promote overall well-being by addressing the role of parasites in our physical and emotional health.

Unlocking the Secrets of Health: This episode delves into the valuable information and insights Kim provides to help you unlock the secrets of your own health and well-being through parasite awareness and management.

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

Connect with Kim

TikTok | @mrsrogershood

Instagram | @mrsrogers.hood

Complete this form to speak confidentially with an admissions counselor for help and guidance or take the self assessment to evaluate your own substance use.

Already in recovery, find an online support community.

Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast

Podcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcast

YouTube | The Courage to Change Podcast

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Podcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcast

Lionrock Life Mobile App | lionrock.life/mobile-app

Support Group Meeting Schedule | lionrock.life/meetings

Stephanie was always a high achiever. She felt that if she kept things together, then people would leave her alone. When her father died when she was 16, she doubled down on that strategy, keeping her external appearance spotless when internally she was a mess. 

She began drinking heavily then and felt like she didn’t belong anywhere. She sought out other broken people and found them quickly and her drinking jumped to new levels. 

She was unwavering in hiding her internal world. She made it into a great college, she completed her nursing program on time and immediately started working as a nurse. Heavy drinking was under the surface, but it never affected her work. It was just her way of coping with the tragedy and pain she faced everyday. Her patients got 100%, always. She never wavered in the quality of care they received. 

Then the pandemic hit which poured gasoline on the fire. Each day she would finish and immediately start drinking. Even then it still felt normal, but cracks started to form until she finally realized she truly needed help.

Today she’s found a community and the coping skills she needs to continue to do the challenging work of nursing but this time without alcohol. She shares her story in hopes of helping other nurses going through something similar and thinking that it’s not possible to get help without affecting their job.

Tune in to Learn About:

The Facade of Perfection: Join us as we explore Stephanie's journey of maintaining a flawless exterior while battling inner turmoil. Discover how the loss of her father at a young age shaped her coping mechanisms.

Escalation of Drinking: Dive into Stephanie's experience of turning to alcohol as a means of finding belonging and numbing her pain. Learn how her search for like-minded individuals escalated her drinking habits.

Nursing with a Hidden Struggle: Learn about Stephanie's remarkable ability to excel in her nursing career while battling heavy drinking in secret. Explore how she managed to provide top-notch patient care while grappling with her own demons.

The Pandemic's Impact: Discover how the pandemic exacerbated Stephanie's drinking problem, pushing her to confront the cracks in her facade. Understand the tipping point that led her to seek help.

Finding Hope and Community: Explore Stephanie's journey to recovery and her discovery of a supportive community. Learn how she developed new coping skills to continue her nursing career without relying on alcohol.

Inspiring Other Nurses: Stephanie shares her story in the hope of inspiring fellow nurses facing similar struggles. Gain insights into how it's possible to seek help without jeopardizing one's career in healthcare.

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

Complete this form to speak confidentially with an admissions counselor for help and guidance or take the self assessment to evaluate your own substance use.

Already in recovery, find an online support community.

Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast

Podcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcast

YouTube | The Courage to Change Podcast

TikTok | @ashleyloebblassingame

Podcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcast

Lionrock Life Mobile App | lionrock.life/mobile-app

Support Group Meeting Schedule | lionrock.life/meetings

Dean Anderson was born and raised just outside of Boston. He grew up in a family with very little drinking, but at 13 found alcohol and loved it immediately. His drinking was always intense, but the town and the friends he grew up with normalized the behavior. It wasn’t until he got to college that he realized not everyone drank the way he and his friends did.

Dean’s drinking really spiraled out of control as he moved away from home. By his mid 30s he was drinking all day and blacking out several times a day. The consequences began catching up to him. He gave up custody of his children and his house. His job was in peril and his doctor told him he would be dead in 9 months if he continued down the road he was on.

But it wasn’t until his daughter needed to leave her living situation and needed him to regain custody that things finally changed. Even if it was 3 months at a time, he would do what he had to do for her. 

Today his life is dedicated to serving others. Since getting sober, Dean’s life has completely turned around and things have transpired in his life beyond his imagination. 

He also authored and published two books, one on relationships and the other on recovery titled “Finding Myself Sober”.

Tune in To Learn About:

From Normalcy to Chaos: Tune in to learn about Dean Anderson's journey from a childhood with little exposure to drinking to a life consumed by alcohol, all while his surroundings normalized his behavior.

A Life in Descent: Discover how Dean's drinking escalated to the point of daily blackouts, leading to the loss of custody of his children, his home, and the threat of losing his job, as well as a dire health warning from his doctor.

A Father's Redemption: Hear the powerful story of how Dean's daughter became the catalyst for change in his life. Find out how her need for him to regain custody motivated Dean to confront his addiction head-on.

Sobriety's Transformation: Explore how Dean's life took a complete turn for the better after getting sober. Learn about the remarkable transformations and opportunities that arose in his life.

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

Connect with Dean

Book | Finding Myself Sober

Instagram | @deananderson1973

Complete this form to speak confidentially with an admissions counselor for help and guidance or take the self assessment to evaluate your own substance use.

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Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast

Podcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcast

YouTube | The Courage to Change Podcast

TikTok | @ashleyloebblassingame

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Lionrock Life Mobile App | lionrock.life/mobile-app

Support Group Meeting Schedule | lionrock.life/meetings

Welcome to a special series dedicated to the unsung heroes of our healthcare system: nurses. Through my journey, I've encountered numerous nurses, each grappling with their own set of unique challenges when it comes to seeking sobriety. From demanding schedules to the weight of societal stigma, the path to recovery for nurses is often filled with hurdles. And yet, their significance in the healthcare landscape is undeniable. They are the backbone, often stretched thin due to an overwhelming demand that far exceeds the supply.

Recognizing these unique challenges, we are proud to unveil a series tailor-made for our friends in the nursing and broader healthcare community. At Lionrock, we've crafted specific treatment tracks, drawing from real-life experiences of nurse clients who've bravely shared their stories. In this safe haven, they've found a space free from judgment or shame, empowering them to transform their lives.

Dive into our inaugural episode, whether you're a nurse in the midst of your own recovery journey or someone looking to support a nurse you cherish. We're here to listen, to share, and most importantly, to help. Let's embark on this journey together.

Tune in To Learn About:

Nurses in Recovery: Join us for a special series dedicated to the unsung heroes of healthcare – nurses. Discover the unique challenges they face on their path to sobriety and the importance of their role in our healthcare system.

Hurdles on the Road to Recovery: Explore the demanding schedules, societal stigma, and other obstacles that nurses often encounter in their journey towards recovery.

Recognizing the Signs: In this episode, we'll also discuss the crucial topic of recognizing signs that a nurse may be struggling with alcohol-related issues. Learn how to identify these signs and gain insights into providing support and assistance to those in need within the nursing community.

A Safe Haven for Nurses: Delve deep into the experiences of nurses in recovery. Whether you're a nurse on your own journey or someone wanting to support a nurse you care about, this episode is for you. 

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

Complete this form to speak confidentially with an admissions counselor for help and guidance or take the self assessment to evaluate your own substance use.

Already in recovery, find an online support community.

Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast

Podcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcast

YouTube | The Courage to Change Podcast

TikTok | @ashleyloebblassingame

Podcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcast

Lionrock Life Mobile App | lionrock.life/mobile-app

Support Group Meeting Schedule | lionrock.life/meetings

Jay Jay French is an American guitarist, manager and producer. French is most famous for his role as the founding member and one of the guitarists of the heavy metal band Twisted Sister. As a guitar player, manager, producer and executive producer, French has sold over 20 million albums, performed in 34 countries and performed live over 9,000 times.

His life was incredibly large and glamorous, but for years he struggled with drugs and watched as he and his friends waded through the minefield that was the music industry and drug use.

After years of watching the drastic devastation of drugs on his life and the lives of the people he cared about, he finally made a lasting change.

Today he devotes his career to writing and motivational speaking, while also overseeing licensing and intellectual property rights for the Twisted Sister brand.

Jay Jay French Recovery Journey: Explore the transformative journey of Jay Jay French, Twisted Sister's founding member, and his battle with addiction in the music industry.

Resilience & Redemption: Discover how resilience and redemption play a pivotal role in Jay Jay French's life story, inspiring positive change and recovery.

Twisted Sister's Legacy: Uncover the enduring legacy of Twisted Sister and how Jay Jay French continues to shape it while advocating for recovery and motivational speaking.

Motivational Insights: Gain valuable motivational insights from Jay Jay French's experiences, offering hope and guidance for individuals seeking their own paths to recovery and personal growth.

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

Connect with Jay Jay

Book | amazon.com/Twisted-Business

Podcast | Jay Jay French Connection

Email | email Jay Jay

Complete this form to speak confidentially with an admissions counselor for help and guidance or take the self assessment to evaluate your own substance use.

Already in recovery, find an online support community.

Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast

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Nora Bontrager was born in an Amish community in Indiana where her life revolved around hard work. Each day she would bookend school with 2 hours of chores in the morning and evening. Her life was closed off from a lot of the world and she had the feeling that “these people just don’t get it.” 

In a life that revolved around hard work, school felt like her only respite. The place that she felt like she could be a truer version of herself, but in the Amish community, school ends after 8th grade. And she was forced to return home and work with her father.

Each morning she looked at the stars and felt so much fear as she walked towards the barn because her father was there waiting for her. She spent the next year rarely speaking for the fear of setting him off. And without school as an outlet, there was no escape. 

Even in her near silence she was seen as defiant and unruly in the eyes of her father who decided to bring in the community ministers to advise him. They leveled even stricter rules and expectations and she felt that men were controlling every aspect of her life.

She eventually escaped the community, but then was forced to rebuild her life, alone, and in a world that was so different from the life she’d known.

Today, she is the most healed that she’s ever been and on a journey of finding her voice.

Tune in to learn about:

From Amish Beginnings to Self-Discovery: Join us as we delve into Nora Bontrager's unique life journey, starting from her upbringing in an Amish community in Ohio, where hard work was the norm, and isolation was the reality.

School: A Sanctuary Amidst Hardship: Explore how Nora found solace and authenticity in the confines of her school, her only respite in an otherwise challenging Amish life.

Trapped in Silence: A Year of Fear: Uncover the harrowing year in Nora's life when she could scarcely speak, living in fear of her  father and the absence of any escape.

The Weight of Strict Expectations: Learn how community ministers further tightened their grip on Nora's life, imposing stricter rules and intensifying the control exerted by men in her community.

Escaping the Amish: Rebuilding Alone: Follow Nora's journey as she bravely escapes her Amish community, only to face the daunting task of rebuilding her life in a world vastly different from her own.

Finding Voice and Healing: Discover Nora's ongoing quest for self-expression and healing, as she shares her inspiring journey toward becoming the most healed version of herself.

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

Connect with Nora

Instagram | @nora_bontrager

TikTok | @norabontrager6

Complete this form to speak confidentially with an admissions counselor for help and guidance or take the self assessment to evaluate your own substance use.

Already in recovery, find an online support community.

Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast

Podcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcast

YouTube | The Courage to Change Podcast

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Podcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcast

Lionrock Life Mobile App | lionrock.life/mobile-app

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In this Q and A episode, we dive deep into the intricate world of recovery, focusing on a crucial distinction: not everything that hurts is harmful. Join us as we explore the delicate balance between facing discomfort and avoiding lasting damage, all while learning the art of delivering potentially hurtful information with empathy and care.

Tune in to learn about:

Understanding the Difference: We unravel the nuances between hurt and harm, helping you recognize when it's necessary to confront pain and when it's time to protect yourself from true harm.

The Right Formula: Discover the secret recipe for delivering potentially hurtful information with finesse. We provide actionable strategies for effectively communicating difficult truths without causing unnecessary suffering

Building Empathy: We discuss the importance of empathy in relationships and how understanding the difference between hurt and harm can improve your connections with others.

Join us for an enlightening and compassionate conversation that will empower you to face life's challenges with courage and wisdom. Whether you're on a journey of personal recovery or seeking to improve your relationships, this episode has something valuable to offer. Don't miss it!

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

Complete this form to speak confidentially with an admissions counselor for help and guidance or take the self assessment to evaluate your own substance use.

Already in recovery, find an online support community.

Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast

Podcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcast

YouTube | The Courage to Change Podcast

TikTok | @ashleyloebblassingame

Podcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcast

Lionrock Life Mobile App | lionrock.life/mobile-app

Support Group Meeting Schedule | lionrock.life/meetings