How To Cope With The Dope
Navigating the challenges of loving someone with substance use disorder can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. This podcast combines personal experiences, research, and my own recovery journey to offer understanding, hope, and practical tools for growth. With monthly interviews featuring inspiring stories of hope and expert insights, I aim to help you move from merely surviving to truly thriving in your own life.
Episodes
63 episodes
Understanding Step One
Today we are going to take a look at step one of the 12 steps of AA and Alanon; yes, they are the same for both programs. Using insight from the "Paths to Recovery" book and personal experience I will discuss step one in detail. We ...
Interview with Jackie B.
Today is my first interview episode with Jackie, a friend I met in the Alanon program. Jackie shares how her husbands alcoholism became a path to self awareness and growth. Jackie also shares some daily habits, books...
Rope A Dope
Jumping into the proverbial boxing ring with someone under the influence is an act of futility. Listen to this quick tip episode and see what a better alternative may be.If you are a victim of domestic violence please ge...
Boundaries
In this episode I will discuss boundaries, why we need them and why we may struggle creating them. You may finish this episode feeling inspired to reflect on your boundaries and maybe even coming up with some new ones moving forward. &nbs...
Step 2
Today we will be diving into step 2 of the 12 steps. Often the first steps can be the most difficult to accept and come to terms with. We will break down this step and look at some questions that may help you digest this step. ...
Interview with Nick
In this interview episode Nick shares how his life transformed when he regained his values and self respect. Little hinges often swing big doors and Nick tells how taking a pause has had wonderful results in his life. He shares sto...
Let's talk Codependency
Codependency is a term that became popular with the AA and Alanon program back in the 1950's and 1960's. In this episode I will talk about what codependency is and what empathy is as they may seem similar but there is a big difference.&nb...
Step 3
Today we will be talking about step 3 of the 12 steps of AA and Alanon "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him." We will discuss what it means to turn our will and lives over and ...
Killing ANTS
Dr. Daniel Amen is the author of the bestseller Change Your Brain Change Your Life. His groundbreaking study of the human mind has helped many people. One of the therapies he uses with his clients is ANT therapy. In t...
Interview with Maggie
Maggie shares her journey through her daughters addiction and how she was unwittingly giving for years to a situation she was unaware of. In the al-anon program Maggie learned positive coping skills and a new way to navigate her relations...
The Thief of Joy
Have you been angry or bitter about how your beloved addict has treated you? Is the injustice of a situation replaying like a stuck record in your mind? In this episode we discuss how to spot resentments and how they aff...
Step 4
Step 4 of the AA and Al-Anon program is all about taking a personal inventory. This episode is an overview of the step and how to work it. We learn how this step is about healing resentments, outgrowing our fears and creating a new ...
You Attract More of What You Think About
It can be an emotional rollercoaster when we love someone with addiction. In this episode we learn about the emotional scale and how to climb it when we are lingering at the bottom (ie-fear, despair, powerlessness). We touch o...
Deactivating the stress response quickly
In this episode we look at our bodies reaction to stress and how to quickly and efficiently diffuse it. This quick tip episode can be used anytime and anywhere.
From Bankrobber to Elementary School Teacher-Interview with Billy
Listen to this interesting interview with Billy; a self professed "double-winner". I met Billy in the Al-Anon program and when I heard his story I was blown away. As a former addict; Billy has an insightful perspective. I am a...
Detachment
This episode discusses the very talked about concept of detachment; what it is, what it is not and some strategies to help you begin detaching with love. check out previous episode 4 on boundaries.
Having integrity, trust and humility. Working Step 5
Step 5 of the 12 steps of AA and Al-Anon is all about having trust-in God, in yourself and in someone else.
Slogans and Acronyms-My personal top 5, plus a bonus!
Slogans and Acronyms have been used in programs for many years. They are simple and effective tools that help us when we are in a challenging situation or ruminating on a problem. These often quirky sayings are sometimes the quick s...
Interview with Linda
Join me as I chat with Linda, a beacon of resilience and strength, as she shares her extraordinary journey of navigating several decades with a spouse battling alcoholism. In this poignant episode, Linda candidly reveals the trials, triumphs, a...
FEAR
Welcome back to How To Cope With The Dope, where we confront the complexities of loving an addict head-on. In this episode, we're shining a light on a powerful emotion that often accompanies the journey of both the addict and their loved ones: ...
Step 6 of the 12 steps
Welcome to another transformative episode of How To Cope With The Dope, dedicated to helping you live your best life while loving someone who struggles with addiction. Today, we embark on Step 6 in our journey towards personal growth and ...
Help That Is Out There. Find a group that is perfect for your situation.
In this episode of How to Cope With The Dope I will be discussing several groups that offer help for those who have a loved one who struggles with addiction. The wonderful news is that most of these programs are free-...ya don't hea...
Interview with Deb
Sometimes we meet people who just seem to have exactly what we need-Deb is one of those to me. She is a fearless searcher, teacher, author and always seems to be up for a challenge. Humble, soft spoken and kind, you would never know...