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When it seems like everyone on social media is criticizing 12-step programs, where can you find the truth about what really works for addiction recovery? Matt Brown dives into groundbreaking Stanford University research that examined 35 studies involving 10,080 participants to answer a simple question: Does Alcoholics Anonymous actually work?

The science is startlingly clear. AA was found to be "nearly always more effective than psychotherapy in achieving abstinence," while significantly reducing healthcare costs. This research, led by Dr. Keith Humphreys (who initially dismissed AA himself), provides compelling evidence that the social connection component of 12-step programs creates powerful healing that formal therapy alone often can't match.

Matt shares his own journey from homeless, penniless alcoholic to 22 years of sobriety, addressing his initial resistance to AA's core concepts: the disease model and belief in a higher power. His story reveals how the social connection and accountability found in meetings ultimately saved his life, despite his skepticism.

Whether you're questioning the value of AA for yourself or a loved one struggling with addiction, this episode offers research-backed insights without judgment. Matt emphasizes that while multiple paths to recovery exist, discounting effective options based on misconceptions can have life-or-death consequences. For anyone concerned about addiction, this evidence-based perspective on what truly works could be the most important thing you hear today.

Email your questions or comments to Matt at [email protected], and don't forget to join the new Sunday night meetings starting June 15th at 8pm Pacific time.

Support the show

Join us Every Sunday at 8:00 PM PST and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Night at 8:00 PM EST/5:00PST for a FREE family support group. Register at the following link to get the zoom information sent to you: Family Support Meeting

About our sponsor(s):
SoberHelpline.com If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you do not have to navigate it alone. Sober Helpline offers confidential, family-focused support designed to help you understand what is happening, reduce chaos, and take clear, healthy next steps—without pressure or judgment. From practical guidance and education to real-world tools for setting boundaries and finding ethical help, Sober Helpline exists to support families as much as the person struggling. Learn more and access support at SoberHelpline.com.

FamilyBridgeApp.com: FamilyBridge is an app designed to support real family systems in real time. It gives families a structured way to communicate, track patterns, and reduce emotional chaos—without constant confrontation. What makes it different is how it uses AI to help families notice patterns they might miss on their own: communication breakdowns, financial stress points, boundary violations, and moments where helping quiet...

We want to hear from you! Send us a question or comment.

What happens when love becomes a shield that prevents necessary growth? In this powerful episode, Matt Brown examines the complex psychology behind enabling behaviors and offers practical strategies for breaking free from destructive patterns that keep both families and their addicted loved ones stuck.

Drawing from over two decades of experience as an interventionist, Matt compassionately challenges the notion that addiction is simply about poor choices. He reframes addiction as a survival mechanism—sometimes the only thing keeping someone emotionally afloat despite devastating long-term consequences. This perspective shift opens the door to understanding why both the addicted person and their family members remain locked in patterns that perpetuate suffering.

The heart of this episode revolves around two transformative questions families must confront: "Have I enabled the addiction?" and "Have I been harmed by it?" These seemingly simple inquiries demand brutal honesty and lead to the most difficult realization—that we cannot control others, only ourselves. Matt walks listeners through the emotional parallels between addiction and codependency, revealing how both stem from avoiding uncomfortable feelings.

Perhaps most valuable are the practical insights on boundary-setting that actually works. Matt explains why boundaries must have integrity, why consequences matter, and how starting with smaller, manageable boundaries builds credibility over time. His approach empowers families to reclaim their lives while still supporting recovery in more effective ways.

For anyone caught in the exhausting cycle of enabling a loved one's addiction, this episode provides both the compassion and clear direction needed to begin making meaningful changes. Matt also announces a new weekly West Coast family support call starting June 15th at 8pm Pacific, complementing the existing Monday/Thursday calls—all completely free and designed to help families navigate these challenging waters.

Support the show

Join us Every Sunday at 8:00 PM PST and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Night at 8:00 PM EST/5:00PST for a FREE family support group. Register at the following link to get the zoom information sent to you: Family Support Meeting

About our sponsor(s):
SoberHelpline.com If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you do not have to navigate it alone. Sober Helpline offers confidential, family-focused support designed to help you understand what is happening, reduce chaos, and take clear, healthy next steps—without pressure or judgment. From practical guidance and education to real-world tools for setting boundaries and finding ethical help, Sober Helpline exists to support families as much as the person struggling. Learn more and access support at SoberHelpline.com.

FamilyBridgeApp.com: FamilyBridge is an app designed to support real family systems in real time. It gives families a structured way to communicate, track patterns, and reduce emotional chaos—without constant confrontation. What makes it different is how it uses AI to help families notice patterns they might miss on their own: communication breakdowns, financial stress points, boundary violations, and moments where helping quiet...

We want to hear from you! Send us a question or comment.

Ever wondered why addiction interventions sometimes fall apart, even when everyone wants the same outcome? In this powerful episode, addiction interventionist Matt Brown tackles the vital role of family unity when helping someone struggling with substance use.

Drawing from both professional expertise and personal recovery experience, Matt reveals how people battling addiction become masterful at detecting family division. "We as addicted individuals are going to be looking around the room looking for the weak link," he explains. "We want to know where's the chink in the armor? Who is the most likely person in this group that I could sway to see things my way?"

This episode dives deep into why families struggle to maintain a unified approach despite shared goals. Matt explores how differing beliefs about addiction (choice versus disease), misunderstandings about trauma, and overemphasis on mental health diagnoses can create fatal cracks in family cohesion. He offers practical guidance on educating family members, designating leadership during difficult conversations, and preventing emotional escalation that derails intervention efforts.

Perhaps most valuable is Matt's compassionate understanding of family dynamics. He acknowledges that unity doesn't require everyone to like each other—many successful interventions happen with blended families where relationships are strained. What matters is agreement on the approach and commitment to the goal of getting help. Through compelling storytelling and actionable advice, Matt provides a roadmap for families to set aside differences and present the united front their loved one desperately needs to begin recovery.

Whether you're currently struggling with a loved one's addiction or supporting someone who is, this episode offers invaluable insights that could make the difference between a successful intervention and a missed opportunity. Subscribe to Party Wreckers for more wisdom from Matt Brown, and visit partywreckers.com to connect directly with resources that can help your family find its way through addiction.

Support the show

Join us Every Sunday at 8:00 PM PST and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Night at 8:00 PM EST/5:00PST for a FREE family support group. Register at the following link to get the zoom information sent to you: Family Support Meeting

About our sponsor(s):
SoberHelpline.com If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you do not have to navigate it alone. Sober Helpline offers confidential, family-focused support designed to help you understand what is happening, reduce chaos, and take clear, healthy next steps—without pressure or judgment. From practical guidance and education to real-world tools for setting boundaries and finding ethical help, Sober Helpline exists to support families as much as the person struggling. Learn more and access support at SoberHelpline.com.

FamilyBridgeApp.com: FamilyBridge is an app designed to support real family systems in real time. It gives families a structured way to communicate, track patterns, and reduce emotional chaos—without constant confrontation. What makes it different is how it uses AI to help families notice patterns they might miss on their own: communication breakdowns, financial stress points, boundary violations, and moments where helping quiet...

We want to hear from you! Send us a question or comment.

What if everything you thought you knew about addiction recovery was wrong? In this eye-opening episode, addiction interventionist Matt Brown tackles five crucial questions that families repeatedly ask when trying to help a loved one struggling with substance use.

The myth of "rock bottom" gets thoroughly debunked as Matt explains why waiting for someone to hit their lowest point before offering help is not only unnecessary but potentially dangerous. "Rock bottom is really wherever we want to stop digging," he shares, revealing how family organization and education can create earlier opportunities for recovery.

Matt offers profound insight into the courage required to set and maintain boundaries with addicted loved ones. Rather than boundaries established from anger (which dissolve when the anger subsides), effective boundaries stem from love and require support systems to withstand the inevitable guilt and pressure that follows. His practical advice for families navigating this emotional minefield provides real hope for those feeling trapped in enabling cycles.

Perhaps most illuminating is Matt's exploration of why "doing it on your own" rarely works for addiction recovery. He expertly explains how substance use isn't actually the problem but rather an attempt to solve deeper issues like untreated mental health conditions, trauma, grief, or abandonment. This fundamental misunderstanding leads many down failed paths of repeated attempts at solo recovery.

For families seeking treatment options, Matt provides clear warning signs of problematic treatment centers and essential questions to ask before committing. His insider perspective on family programming, communication protocols, and quality clinical care offers a roadmap through the often confusing treatment landscape.

The episode concludes with thoughtful reflections on recovery psychology, including why non-alcoholic substitutes might pose hidden risks for those in sobriety. "It's really about staying as far away from the ledge as possible, not seeing how close to the ledge I can get without falling over."

Join the free Families in Crisis support calls every Monday and Thursday at 8pm Eastern. Email

Support the show

Join us Every Sunday at 8:00 PM PST and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Night at 8:00 PM EST/5:00PST for a FREE family support group. Register at the following link to get the zoom information sent to you: Family Support Meeting

About our sponsor(s):
SoberHelpline.com If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you do not have to navigate it alone. Sober Helpline offers confidential, family-focused support designed to help you understand what is happening, reduce chaos, and take clear, healthy next steps—without pressure or judgment. From practical guidance and education to real-world tools for setting boundaries and finding ethical help, Sober Helpline exists to support families as much as the person struggling. Learn more and access support at SoberHelpline.com.

FamilyBridgeApp.com: FamilyBridge is an app designed to support real family systems in real time. It gives families a structured way to communicate, track patterns, and reduce emotional chaos—without constant confrontation. What makes it different is how it uses AI to help families notice patterns they might miss on their own: communication breakdowns, financial stress points, boundary violations, and moments where helping quiet...

We want to hear from you! Send us a question or comment.

Matt shares findings from a comprehensive National Institutes of Health study revealing why doctors struggle to treat addiction effectively and the alarming gap between those who need help and those who receive it.

• 81% of doctors cite lack of institutional support as the main barrier to treating addiction
• 74% of physicians acknowledge insufficient skill sets for addiction treatment
• 66% of studies identified negative social stigma as a significant deterrent
• 56% of doctors fear damaging patient relationships by addressing addiction
• In 2022, 49 million Americans had substance use disorders, but only 13 million received treatment
• Of 9 million people with opioid use disorder, only 25% received medication-assisted treatment
• Treatment demand significantly exceeds available capacity across the country
• Political solutions and policy changes have often fallen short of addressing core issues

If you or someone you know needs help with addiction, call or text 988, visit findtreatment.gov, or call 800-662-4357. Join our free family support meetings Mondays and Thursdays at 8pm Eastern, and our new trauma-focused family meetings Wednesdays at 8pm Eastern. Register at interventiononcall.com or contact Matt directly at [email protected].

Support the show

Join us Every Sunday at 8:00 PM PST and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Night at 8:00 PM EST/5:00PST for a FREE family support group. Register at the following link to get the zoom information sent to you: Family Support Meeting

About our sponsor(s):
SoberHelpline.com If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you do not have to navigate it alone. Sober Helpline offers confidential, family-focused support designed to help you understand what is happening, reduce chaos, and take clear, healthy next steps—without pressure or judgment. From practical guidance and education to real-world tools for setting boundaries and finding ethical help, Sober Helpline exists to support families as much as the person struggling. Learn more and access support at SoberHelpline.com.

FamilyBridgeApp.com: FamilyBridge is an app designed to support real family systems in real time. It gives families a structured way to communicate, track patterns, and reduce emotional chaos—without constant confrontation. What makes it different is how it uses AI to help families notice patterns they might miss on their own: communication breakdowns, financial stress points, boundary violations, and moments where helping quiet...

We want to hear from you! Send us a question or comment.

Some of the information in this episode was taken from my good friend Ben Cort, author of "Weed, Inc."  If you want to learn more from him, please reference his Ted Talks:

https://www.ted.com/talks/ben_cort_what_commercialization_is_doing_to_cannabis

The modern marijuana landscape has undergone a radical transformation that few people fully understand. What was once a relatively mild substance with THC concentrations of 0.5-1% has evolved into a highly potent drug containing 15-30% THC in plant form and up to a staggering 90% in concentrates. This isn't your grandparents' weed - it's a completely different substance with serious health implications.

As competition drives dispensaries to create increasingly potent products, we're witnessing a marketplace-driven acceleration of THC delivery with minimal regulation. Unlike alcohol, which faces strict concentration limits and ingredient oversight, marijuana cultivation practices often include concerning chemicals and pesticides that would never be permitted in other consumable products. The result? A substance that's potentially more dangerous than many realize.

The health consequences are troubling. Recovery from marijuana addiction now takes longer than recovery from substances like methamphetamine or fentanyl, with normal cognitive and memory function potentially impaired for 60-90 days after cessation. Young chronic users face significantly higher risks of psychiatric issues including THC-induced psychosis. Perhaps most alarming is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), a painful condition causing violent vomiting that affects up to 30% of chronic users and can only be treated through complete abstinence.

What makes marijuana addiction particularly challenging is its gradual progression, allowing users to easily deny the connection between their use and life problems. If you're concerned about a loved one who uses marijuana heavily, especially if they began at a young age, understanding these modern realities is crucial. Reach out to me at [email protected] or interventiononcall.com if you need guidance navigating this

Support the show

Join us Every Sunday at 8:00 PM PST and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Night at 8:00 PM EST/5:00PST for a FREE family support group. Register at the following link to get the zoom information sent to you: Family Support Meeting

About our sponsor(s):
SoberHelpline.com If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you do not have to navigate it alone. Sober Helpline offers confidential, family-focused support designed to help you understand what is happening, reduce chaos, and take clear, healthy next steps—without pressure or judgment. From practical guidance and education to real-world tools for setting boundaries and finding ethical help, Sober Helpline exists to support families as much as the person struggling. Learn more and access support at SoberHelpline.com.

FamilyBridgeApp.com: FamilyBridge is an app designed to support real family systems in real time. It gives families a structured way to communicate, track patterns, and reduce emotional chaos—without constant confrontation. What makes it different is how it uses AI to help families notice patterns they might miss on their own: communication breakdowns, financial stress points, boundary violations, and moments where helping quiet...

We want to hear from you! Send us a question or comment.

The question Matt Brown hears most frequently in his work as an addiction interventionist is deceptively simple yet profoundly challenging: "How do I get my loved one to accept help?" In this powerful return episode of the Party Wreckers podcast, Brown draws from decades of experience to provide families with practical, compassionate strategies for breaking through resistance and creating pathways to recovery.

Matt begins by dismantling the myth that addiction is a choice, comparing it to the overwhelming urge to scratch a chickenpox itch despite knowing the consequences. "Nobody wakes up and decides, 'Hey, I think I'm going to burn my life to the ground today,'" he explains. Rather, addiction functions as a desperate attempt to self-medicate against underlying trauma, mental health issues, or emotional pain that feels unbearable without chemical assistance.

At the heart of this episode is the powerful parallel between the addict's struggle and the family's enabling patterns. Matt reveals how both sides operate from the same emotional avoidance - the addict using substances to escape feelings, while family members enable to avoid guilt, conflict, and discomfort. "Addiction can't survive for any length of time without enabling," Brown states, comparing the relationship to oxygen feeding a fire. By examining three primary forms of enabling - financial support, emotional coddling, and silence - families can begin identifying their contributions to the cycle.

Matt provides transformative guidance on establishing and communicating boundaries, emphasizing language that signals true resolve: replacing "I can't do this anymore" with "I will no longer do this." He explains why family unity proves crucial in intervention success, noting that the 10-15% of people who initially refuse help often do so because they don't believe boundaries are real. When families stand firm while continuing to express love, the message becomes clear: "We're no longer going to let your addiction dictate the rules and hold this family hostage."

For families feeling afraid of potential consequences - from homelessness to incarceration or worse - Brown offers balanced perspective and hope. "Those things

Support the show

Join us Every Sunday at 8:00 PM PST and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Night at 8:00 PM EST/5:00PST for a FREE family support group. Register at the following link to get the zoom information sent to you: Family Support Meeting

About our sponsor(s):
SoberHelpline.com If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you do not have to navigate it alone. Sober Helpline offers confidential, family-focused support designed to help you understand what is happening, reduce chaos, and take clear, healthy next steps—without pressure or judgment. From practical guidance and education to real-world tools for setting boundaries and finding ethical help, Sober Helpline exists to support families as much as the person struggling. Learn more and access support at SoberHelpline.com.

FamilyBridgeApp.com: FamilyBridge is an app designed to support real family systems in real time. It gives families a structured way to communicate, track patterns, and reduce emotional chaos—without constant confrontation. What makes it different is how it uses AI to help families notice patterns they might miss on their own: communication breakdowns, financial stress points, boundary violations, and moments where helping quiet...

We want to hear from you! Send us a question or comment.

Layne LoMaglio's journey from addiction to recovery is as inspiring as it is cautionary, and his story begins with a box of wine at age 12. This episode promises to unravel the complexities of mental health struggles and the winding path to sobriety. Join us as Layne shares his personal battle with clinical depression and self-harm, alongside his early experiences with alcohol. Host Matt Brown adds a heartfelt dimension by recounting his daughter's struggles with anxiety, underscoring the necessity of compassion and understanding when supporting young people. Through these shared experiences, we explore the vital role of family and therapy in healing.

Layne's story takes us through the challenges of relapse, the impact of a rigid recovery mindset, and the ultimate redemption found in flexibility and community support. From the initial failure of a sober apartment plan in Austin to success in Kerrville, Layne's narrative is one of resilience and adaptability. His evolution from operations to founding Helm Recovery highlights the importance of lived experience in intervention and coaching roles. Together, Lane and Matt discuss the intertwined nature of substance use and mental health, offering insights into how thoughtful interventions can pave the way for lasting change.

Contact Layne at Helm Recovery or book a private coaching session with him at Intervention on Call.

Support the show

Join us Every Sunday at 8:00 PM PST and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Night at 8:00 PM EST/5:00PST for a FREE family support group. Register at the following link to get the zoom information sent to you: Family Support Meeting

About our sponsor(s):
SoberHelpline.com If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you do not have to navigate it alone. Sober Helpline offers confidential, family-focused support designed to help you understand what is happening, reduce chaos, and take clear, healthy next steps—without pressure or judgment. From practical guidance and education to real-world tools for setting boundaries and finding ethical help, Sober Helpline exists to support families as much as the person struggling. Learn more and access support at SoberHelpline.com.

FamilyBridgeApp.com: FamilyBridge is an app designed to support real family systems in real time. It gives families a structured way to communicate, track patterns, and reduce emotional chaos—without constant confrontation. What makes it different is how it uses AI to help families notice patterns they might miss on their own: communication breakdowns, financial stress points, boundary violations, and moments where helping quiet...

We want to hear from you! Send us a question or comment.

Can the holiday season be a catalyst for change? Discover a perspective that challenges the conventional wisdom of delaying recovery efforts for loved ones struggling with addiction. This episode sheds light on the misconception that suicide rates skyrocket during the holidays—while depression does increase, suicides do not. You'll learn why prioritizing recovery over traditional holiday gatherings could be the gift that keeps on giving, turning this festive time into an opportunity for positive transformation. We invite you to explore the emotional and psychological benefits that can far outweigh the temporary loss of family moments.

As families face the daunting decision of choosing health over holiday traditions, overcoming fear and codependency becomes essential. We talk about the delicate balance needed to support a loved one's journey to sobriety. Therapists, often more equipped with specialized training than physicians, offer a viable route for families seeking help. You'll gain insights into the systemic barriers doctors face, such as the lack of institutional support despite addiction being a recognized medical disease.

As 2024 approaches, we emphasize the urgency of seeking timely intervention amidst a critical shortage of treatment options. With 49 million Americans meeting criteria for a substance use disorder diagnosis and only 13 million receiving help, timely action is crucial. We explore the unmet promises of state-funded programs like Oregon's Medicaid system, urging families to act now. Let this holiday season be a time of renewal and potential, setting the stage for a brighter 2025. Thank you for your continued support—your ratings and reviews help us spread this vital message far and wide.

Support the show

Join us Every Sunday at 8:00 PM PST and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Night at 8:00 PM EST/5:00PST for a FREE family support group. Register at the following link to get the zoom information sent to you: Family Support Meeting

About our sponsor(s):
SoberHelpline.com If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you do not have to navigate it alone. Sober Helpline offers confidential, family-focused support designed to help you understand what is happening, reduce chaos, and take clear, healthy next steps—without pressure or judgment. From practical guidance and education to real-world tools for setting boundaries and finding ethical help, Sober Helpline exists to support families as much as the person struggling. Learn more and access support at SoberHelpline.com.

FamilyBridgeApp.com: FamilyBridge is an app designed to support real family systems in real time. It gives families a structured way to communicate, track patterns, and reduce emotional chaos—without constant confrontation. What makes it different is how it uses AI to help families notice patterns they might miss on their own: communication breakdowns, financial stress points, boundary violations, and moments where helping quiet...

We want to hear from you! Send us a question or comment.

Denise Klein, co-owner and executive director of Milestones Ranch in Malibu, CA reveals her transformative career switch and her personal recovery from codependency. With over 35 years of social work experience, Denise passionately discusses the importance of addressing family systems and underlying dynamics to foster lasting recovery. Her unique approach involves a systemic, holistic focus on family-centered solutions, offering a refreshing perspective on tackling addiction and mental health challenges.

Discover the innovative methodologies at Milestones Ranch, where Denise and her team prioritize individual and family therapy to heal relationships affected by addiction. Understand why learning to love differently, setting boundaries, and processing regrets are crucial elements in recovery. Denise shares insights into the impact of the pandemic on treatment services and emphasizes the necessity of trauma-informed care. By maintaining a limited number of patients, Milestones ensures high-quality, personalized care, highlighting the immense dedication and teamwork essential for successful recovery journeys.

Navigate the complexities of selecting the right addiction treatment program with expert guidance from Denise and her co-authors. Gain valuable tips on evaluating recovery centers, understanding the significance of visiting facilities, and verifying their credentials to avoid overpromised solutions. Emphasize the importance of persistence in recovery, debunking the myth of a quick fix, and learn about the critical role of aftercare plans. This episode empowers families to recognize addiction, choose effective treatment options, and align efforts with first responders for a supportive, unified approach to recovery.

For more information regarding Milestones Ranch or to order "The Truth About Treatment" please visit: Milestones Ranch or call 1-866-874-9774

Support the show

Join us Every Sunday at 8:00 PM PST and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Night at 8:00 PM EST/5:00PST for a FREE family support group. Register at the following link to get the zoom information sent to you: Family Support Meeting

About our sponsor(s):
SoberHelpline.com If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you do not have to navigate it alone. Sober Helpline offers confidential, family-focused support designed to help you understand what is happening, reduce chaos, and take clear, healthy next steps—without pressure or judgment. From practical guidance and education to real-world tools for setting boundaries and finding ethical help, Sober Helpline exists to support families as much as the person struggling. Learn more and access support at SoberHelpline.com.

FamilyBridgeApp.com: FamilyBridge is an app designed to support real family systems in real time. It gives families a structured way to communicate, track patterns, and reduce emotional chaos—without constant confrontation. What makes it different is how it uses AI to help families notice patterns they might miss on their own: communication breakdowns, financial stress points, boundary violations, and moments where helping quiet...