In the latest episode of The Courage to Change, we unravel the intricate layers of addiction recovery by exploring a pivotal question: "What made the last time I drank different?" Join Ashley as she shares a firsthand account, backed by professional insights, shedding light on the unique dynamics that make this recovery attempt stand out from the rest.

Tune in to learn about:

Personal Journey: Gain deep insights into a firsthand account of why the last attempt to quit alcohol was distinct, exploring the mindset, circumstances, and the key factors that set this recovery journey apart.

Professional Perspective: Delve into the expert viewpoint on what happens within an addict during this critical phase. Uncover the psychological and physiological aspects that contribute to a transformative recovery experience.

Family Dynamics: Understand what families should grasp when witnessing their loved ones engage in destructive behaviors, believing it will be the catalyst for change. Explore the delicate balance between support and tough love, and how to navigate these challenging moments.

Moments of Clarity: Discover what families and friends should do when their loved ones experience a moment of clarity. Learn how to seize these opportunities to facilitate meaningful conversations and encourage positive steps towards recovery.

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

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Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast

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Marin Nelson loved drinking from the moment she began. It was an immediate connection that she’d been searching for. Early on she found herself having panic attacks and being stuck in the destructive cycles of use. She began searching for all kinds of cures for her health concerns. She became a Vegan. She tried volunteering. She tried new groups and clubs and health kicks but never considered alcohol to be the root of her problems. 

She eventually found recovery that worked for her after a long road of failed attempts and as her recovery and her career grew, she began to feel the desire to share her recovery. She knew there were other people in her workplace community that were struggling with the same problems, but no organized community existed. This need was the birth of Soberforce. 

In her role at Salesforce, she created an open group for people to meet and share their sobriety out loud. What started small grew to 500 members in a matter of months. 

Today, she works to combat the stigma people face in the workplace and to educate companies about the need to create a more supportive environment for their employees struggling with substances.

Tune In To Learn About:

Immediate Connection with Alcohol: Discover Marin's early experiences with alcohol and how it provided an immediate connection she had been searching for. Uncover the initial allure and its impact on her life.

Unconventional Solutions: Explore Marin's journey through unconventional solutions, such as adopting a vegan lifestyle, volunteering, joining new groups and clubs, and embracing health kicks—all while overlooking alcohol as the root cause of her problems.

Birth of Soberforce: Learn about the catalyst for Marin's desire to share her recovery journey and the founding of Soberforce. Understand the gap she identified in her workplace community and how Soberforce emerged to address this need.

Combating Stigma in the Workplace: Gain insights into Marin's efforts to combat the stigma associated with substance use in the workplace. Understand her mission to educate companies about the importance of fostering a more supportive environment for employees dealing with substance-related challenges.

Educating Companies: Discover Marin's advocacy for creating awareness and understanding within companies about the unique needs of employees in recovery. Learn about the positive impact of supportive workplace environments on individuals struggling with substances.

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

Connect with Marin

LinkedIn | @marinenelson

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Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast

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YouTube | The Courage to Change Podcast

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Hospice Nurse Julie McFadden grew up in a normal 80s childhood, but obsessive thoughts plagued her from a young age. The people around her constantly asked “why can’t you relax?” And she immediately internalized the idea that there was something wrong with her.

At 13, she found alcohol and the thoughts would go away. It became her first tool to manage her obsessive compulsive anxiety. Now she knew how to keep things together, but she needed alcohol.

In college she kept the facade going even when she’d evolved to a daily heroin user. As things got darker and darker she told herself she wasn’t any worse off than anyone else. But in the back of her mind she knew there was something wrong.

She was able to get off heroin and told herself getting off that single substance would solve her problems. Her problems continued as she drank and used drugs through nursing school and as she began her career. Even with all the partying she could always keep the wheels on.

Then things became more and more problematic and she felt like she needed to change. She moved to California with a vow to change her life. But attempt after attempt failed until she finally found lasting recovery.

Today, Julie works in Hospice care and has a successful TikTok channel with over a million followers.

Tune In To Learn About: 

Early Struggles with Obsessive Thoughts: Discover how Julie's childhood was overshadowed by obsessive thoughts, leading those around her to question why she couldn't relax. Understand the impact of these thoughts on her self-perception.

Nursing Career Amidst Addiction: Explore the challenges Julie faced as she pursued a nursing career while continuing to grapple with addiction. Understand how she managed to keep the appearance of stability, even as her life became increasingly problematic.

The Failed Attempts at Change: Hear about Julie's attempts to change her life, including a move to California with a vow to transform. Discover the struggles she faced and the repeated failures before finding the path to lasting recovery.

From Struggle to Success: Explore Julie's present-day success, as she not only thrives in her career but also boasts a TikTok channel with over a million followers. Uncover the empowering messages she shares with her audience and the impact of her story on others.

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

Connect with Nurse Julie

TikTok | @hospicenursejulie

Instagram | @hospicenursejulie

Youtube | @hospicenursejulie

Facebook | @hospicenursejulie

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Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast

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Nurses Program | lionrockrecovery.com/programs/nurses

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Support Group Meeting Schedule | lionrock.life/meetings

In this Q+A episode of The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast, we delve into the question many individuals ask themselves on their recovery journey: "What if I don't want to go to AA?". Host Ashley Loeb Blassingame shares insights on how to help you navigate alternative paths to recovery.

Tune in to learn about:

Understanding Resistance: Uncover the main reasons why some individuals may hesitate to embrace a 12-step program and explore common misconceptions surrounding it.

Beyond Religion: Discover how to find and maintain recovery without relying on religious aspects, providing inclusive options for individuals seeking a secular approach.

Exploring Alternatives: Learn about the myriad of recovery options available outside of AA, from evidence-based therapies to community-based support groups, and gain insights into how these alternatives can be just as effective.

Personalized Recovery: Understand the importance of identifying the right program for you. Explore how tailoring your recovery journey to fit your unique needs and preferences can lead to long-lasting success.

Join us as we navigate the diverse landscape of recovery, offering valuable insights, debunking myths, and empowering you to make the choices that resonate with your personal journey. Tune in and take the first step toward a recovery path that aligns with your values and aspirations.

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

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Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast

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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

Rebecca Britt was a bright light when she was a child. That light slowly faded in a home life that constantly told her to shut up and sit down. She learned to be silent. She was silent when her brother introduced her to pot at 10 and she was also silent when her older brother’s friend began leaving her notes at age 12. She felt special that someone would want to have a relationship with her. What she didn’t realize that he was grooming her. At 12 she was raped. It was only discovered when she told her classmates about what felt like a “grown up love affair”. 

The experience was jarring and confusing but also prepared her for the next year when a teacher began grooming her. When she finally came forward about his predatory behavior she spent the next 3 years in a deposition and after all the long process, he was found not guilty.

Her painful experience had been for nothing. People whispered around school that she’d slept with a teacher. Her self esteem was nothing and that’s when she began using heroin, sleeping with older men and beginning an incredibly dark period of her life.

Through all of it she had a strange desire for justice. She became a social worker in an attempt to help others who felt as powerless as her. All the while heroin had found its way into her daily life and she found herself nodding out during meetings. She was eventually arrested for possession of Heroin. It scared her enough to stop her heroin use, but her trauma remained.

Today, she hasn’t used heroin in 10 years and uses her non-profit to help children with complex trauma needs. 

Tune in to Learn About:

From Silence to Empowerment: Explore Rebecca Britt's journey from a silenced childhood to finding her voice amidst trauma and adversity.

Overcoming Injustice: Delve into the heartbreaking experience of reporting abuse, facing a lengthy legal battle, and the emotional toll of seeing justice slip away.

Dark Days and Addiction: Uncover the depths of Rebecca's struggles, from battling drug addiction to the lowest point in her life, marked by a painful arrest for heroin possession.

From Desperation to Purpose: Follow Rebecca's path as she transforms desperation into purpose, founding Stable Moments to provide healing and support for children with complex trauma needs.

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

Connect with Rebecca

Stable Moments | stablemoments.com

Transcend91 | transcend91.com

For Purpose Live | forpurposelive.com

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Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast

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

Support Group Meeting Schedule | lionrock.life/meetings

Rita Gigante grew up in a world swirling with secrets, lies, and multiple sins. Her father, notorious Mafia boss Vincent "the Chin" Gigante, was the leader of the Genovese crime clan and the head of all five New York crime families for decades. But until she was 16, she was kept in the dark about his underworld activities. 

She unknowingly hung out at mob headquarters and witnessed her dad's whispered meetings around the dinner table, but only knew what she was told by her mother and siblings about his odd behavior: Dad's sick. Keep your mouth shut. Don't talk about the family. Living with the family secret--and other shocking betrayals she was to uncover, then instructed to conceal--plunged Rita into emotional and physical turmoil for years. 

Then there was the blockbuster secret she herself kept hidden away: As the youngest girl in an old-fashioned, devout Catholic family, how could she confess to the unforgiving Godfather that she was a lesbian? They were all going to hell, she figured unless she could find a way to embrace the truth and find redemption.

Today Rita Gigante is a gifted and sought-after Intuitive Psychic, Medium, and Healer. She uses the knowledge acquired through life experiences and studying with renowned teachers such as Eamonn Downey and Jinny Johnson, Rita also uses her skills to be a prolific Author, Speaker & Teacher. 

Tune in to learn about:

A Mafia Princess's Secrets: Tune in to learn about Rita Gigante's extraordinary upbringing in a world filled with Mafia secrets and her father's notorious criminal activities as the head of the Genovese crime clan.

The Weight of the Family Secret: Discover how Rita's life was shrouded in secrecy, and how her family's Mafia ties had a profound impact on her emotional and physical well-being, keeping her in turmoil for years.

A Personal Struggle for Acceptance: Explore the inner conflict and hidden truth Rita carried as the youngest member of a devout Catholic family, as she grappled with her identity as a lesbian and the fear of condemnation.

Embracing the Truth: Follow Rita's journey as she sought redemption by confronting her true self, finding acceptance, and breaking free from the constraints of secrecy and societal expectations.

From Secrecy to Healing: Learn about Rita's transformation into a gifted Intuitive Psychic, Medium, and Healer. Discover how her life experiences and teachings have shaped her into a prolific Author, Speaker, and Teacher, helping others on their own journeys.

To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.

Connect with Rita

Book | The Godfather's Daughter

Instagram | @ritagigantepsychic

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Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast

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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

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.

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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.

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Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast

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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

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Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast

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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.

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Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast

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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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