In this episode of "Thrive While Loving an Addict," host KL Wells and guest Cathie Coe Sipe, Founder/CEO of New Each Morning, discuss the challenges and triumphs of supporting loved ones in recovery. Cathie shares her personal journey, including her first husband's battle with alcoholism and her transition from hairdresser to nonprofit leader. Emphasizing the importance of community and post-recovery support, Cathie highlights the need for ongoing resources to prevent relapse. The episode underscores the significance of compassion, intentionality, and creating a supportive environment for those navigating addiction and recovery, offering hope and practical insights for listeners.

• How has your experience of being married to someone with alcohol issues informed and influenced the life you’ve created?
• What tools do you use that are non-negotiable for staying steady in the work that you do?
• What advice would you give to loved ones who are navigating the complexities of supporting someone in addiction?
• What was the journey for you in working with women, and how has that impacted you?

• Personal journey of navigating addiction within a family context.
• The establishment and mission of New Each Morning, a nonprofit for women in recovery.
• The impact of addiction on families and the importance of breaking the cycle of enabling.
• The therapeutic role of community and relationships in the recovery process.
• The significance of post-recovery support and the gap in resources available for ongoing assistance.
• The role of trauma as a root cause of addiction and the need for addressing it in recovery.
• The importance of compassion and understanding in the societal perception of addiction.
• Strategies for providing emotional support and creating a calming presence for those struggling with addiction.
• The necessity of building a supportive network to combat isolation in recovery.
• The balance between caring for loved ones and prioritizing one’s own well-being in the context of addiction.

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In this episode of "Thrive While Loving an Addict," the host KL Wells welcomes Dr. Rais Vohra, an emergency room physician and medical toxicology expert, to discuss addiction and emergency preparedness during the holiday season. They emphasize the importance of having Narcan (naloxone) available to reverse opioid overdoses and provide practical tips for navigating emergency room visits. Dr. Vohra highlights the need for alternatives to opioids for pain management and advocates for patient empowerment and advocacy in medical settings. The episode offers valuable insights and strategies to support loved ones struggling with addiction, especially during the challenging holiday period.

• How do we navigate if there's a relapse during the holiday season?
• What are some practical tips for families to manage emergency situations like a loved one needing an ER visit?
• How can friends and family advocate effectively for their loved ones in crisis while staying calm and measured?
• What alternative treatments exist for individuals recovering from opioid addiction, especially when they need medical care involving pain management?
• What are some trends in addiction treatment, like alternatives to opioids, that are gaining traction and making a difference?

•  Importance of emergency preparedness during the holiday season for individuals in recovery from addiction.
• The role and accessibility of Narcan (naloxone) in reversing opioid overdoses.
• Strategies for advocating for loved ones in medical emergencies, particularly in emergency room settings.
• Alternatives to opioids for pain management, including non-narcotic medications and innovative techniques.
• Trends in addiction, including the rise of alcohol use disorder and the misuse of inhalants among youth.
• Addressing the root causes of addiction, such as childhood trauma and societal pressures.
• The significance of open dialogue about addiction and mental health to foster understanding and support.
• The need for community education around addiction and the use of Narcan.
• Preparing families for potential crises related to addiction during stressful times.
• The importance of calmness and rationality when navigating healthcare systems for individuals in crisis.

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In this episode, the host KL Wells engages with Beverly Buncher, founder of BALM Family Recovery, to discuss the emotional challenges families face during the holiday season when a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder. Beverly Buncher, with over 15 years of experience, shares strategies for managing emotions, setting boundaries, and providing support. Key topics include understanding emotional overwhelm ("flooding"), practicing mindfulness and breathing techniques, and the importance of self-care and community support. The episode offers practical advice for creating a safe and supportive environment during the holidays.

Some Questions I Ask:

• The shame, the stigma, the judgment that we have for ourselves around this - how do we move past that?
• When shame stops you from making that phone call... what do you do?
• What we're talking about here also is we're interrupting that habit of thinking... how do we make that change?
• If you're just so angry - honestly, they don't know what to do with themselves - what would be a first step?

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In this episode of "Thrive While Loving an Addict," host KL Wells welcomes Melissa Engle, co-owner and executive vice president of Healing Springs Ranch. Melissa, with nearly 40 years of experience in addiction and mental health, discusses the complexities of addiction, defining it as a "pervasive pattern of avoiding emotional pain." She emphasizes the link between trauma and addiction, advocating for a compassionate approach to understanding and supporting loved ones. Melissa also highlights the importance of emotional fitness and resilience, encouraging families to address underlying pain and foster open, supportive environments for recovery.

•  Complexities of addiction and its emotional underpinnings
• The connection between trauma and addiction
• Definition of addiction as a pattern of avoiding emotional pain
• Importance of addressing underlying emotional issues in recovery
• Role of family members in supporting loved ones with addiction
• Reframing addiction as a response to pain rather than a moral failing
• The significance of emotional expression and connection in recovery
• Challenges faced by families dealing with repeated relapses
• Stigma and shame associated with addiction and its impact on families
• The potential for growth and healing through understanding and compassion

• How do you unlock the key to get to what the root cause, the real pain is for people?
• How do you loop the family in in a way that they understand what's really going on here?
• How does the family or friends navigate when it's they've been through 12 rehabs?
• If there is a message that you would want families to absolutely hear and absorb, what would that be?

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In this episode of "Thriving While Loving an Addict," host KL Wells speaks with Waylon Hirst, spouse of sobriety coach Jen Hirst. Waylon shares his journey of supporting Jen through her struggle with alcoholism and recovery. He discusses the early signs of her addiction, the emotional challenges he faced, and the importance of setting boundaries. Waylon reflects on the personal growth he experienced and the commitment required to rebuild trust. Their story highlights the transformative power of love, resilience, and the importance of self-care and community support in navigating the complexities of addiction.

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In this episode, the host KL Wells welcomes Beverly Buncher, founder of BALM Family Recovery, and discusses the challenges families face when dealing with addiction. Beverly shares her personal journey with her husband's addiction and emphasizes the importance of family recovery and support systems. She introduces her mindfulness-based recovery program, BALM Recovery, used at Healing Springs Ranch in Texas, which teaches families meditation and calming techniques to manage emotional turmoil. The conversation highlights the need for personalized recovery approaches, the significance of self-care, and the power of compassionate communication in fostering healthier relationships and promoting recovery.

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In this podcast episode, the host KL Wells and guest Meredith Eicher discuss the themes of shame, guilt, judgment, and stigma surrounding substance use disorder. Meredith Eicher shares her personal journey of sobriety, detailing her early relationship with alcohol, the accumulation of shame, and the pivotal moments that led her to seek help. She emphasizes the importance of community, honesty, and service to others in maintaining sobriety. The episode underscores the significance of supportive networks and open conversations in overcoming the challenges associated with substance use disorder, aiming to foster a compassionate and understanding environment for those affected.

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In this episode, the host KL Wells and guest, Nicole Schueppert, a probation officer with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, discuss the challenges families face when a loved one is arrested. Nicole shares insights from her ten years of experience, highlighting the evolving, compassionate approaches within the correctional system to support individuals with substance use disorders. They emphasize the importance of community resources, trauma-informed care, and proactive measures to address addiction. The conversation underscores the need for family involvement, self-care, and open communication, offering valuable guidance for families navigating the complexities of addiction and the correctional system.

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In this episode, the host welcomes back Rachel Graham, founder and CEO of Healing Springs, to discuss addiction and its impact on families. Rachel shares her personal journey and introduces her "ARCH" framework, which stands for Awareness, Root Cause, Change, and Heal. This model helps families support loved ones dealing with addiction by addressing underlying issues and fostering collective healing. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding generational patterns, allowing children to experience and process emotions, and creating a supportive community. Listeners are encouraged to seek support and embrace the healing journey together.

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In this insightful podcast episode, KL Wells welcomes William Moyers, a New York Times bestselling author and recovery advocate. They discuss addiction, recovery, and the vital role of family support. William shares his personal journey with addiction, emphasizing the importance of hope, setting boundaries, and understanding insurance coverage for treatment. He highlights the toxic nature of shame and the necessity of being teachable. The episode underscores the evolving approaches to treatment and the significance of family programs. Through their heartfelt conversation, they offer hope and practical advice to families dealing with loved ones struggling with addiction.

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