GET UNHOOKED PODCAST

They Swear They’ll Change… But Will They? How to Know What Stage They’re Actually In

Jason Coombs Episode 32

Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.

0:00 | 33:36

Send us Fan Mail

In this solo episode, Jason unpacks one of the most transformative frameworks for families who love someone struggling with addiction—and feel like nothing they’ve tried is working. If you’ve ever said “Why don’t they just stop?” or found yourself rescuing your loved one (again) despite your best intentions, this episode is for you.

Jason walks you through:

  • What’s really happening in the addicted brain (and why logic doesn’t work)
  • How to spot the Stages of Change—and why it matters
  • Why “just one area of resistance” can derail the whole recovery process
  • How to set boundaries without abandoning your heart
  • The difference between enabling and empowering
  • What it means to take your life back... even if your loved one isn’t ready

This episode is especially powerful for the family member who’s exhausted, discouraged, and wondering if hope is even still possible. It is.

📌 Highlights:

  • [00:31] Reconsidering what you think you know about addiction
  • [04:18] The "lightbulb moment" from Jason’s client and mentor story
  • [07:03] The Stages of Change explained (in real language)
  • [21:24] Why rescuing blocks internal motivation
  • [25:35] Practicing “Vitamin N” (No) and emotional integrity
  • [30:07] Jason’s 30-minute “vow of silence” challenge to reconnect with your larger story

🔑 Key Takeaway: Natural consequences aren’t punishment—they’re one of the only things strong enough to wake up a brain that’s been hijacked by addiction. When you stop rescuing and start aligning with reality, you not only create space for their transformation—you start experiencing your own.

💬 Listener Love:
“This episode helped me realize I’ve been stuck in my own stage of change around enabling. It gave me permission to let go, and a framework to do it with peace.” —Podcast listener

📘 Resources:

  • Read Jason’s book Unhooked on Amazon
    or listen on Audible
  • Explore the Live Unhooked experience at brickhouserecovery.com

  • Join the Brick House Recovery community for ongoing support and tools

Join Jason Coombs LIVE each week for tips and tricks and LIVE Q&A’s. Go to https://www.liveunhooked.com/live-unhooked

For information about treatment services visit https://www.brickhouserecovery.com/

For more information about Warrior Heart Bootcamp for men visit www.awarriorheart.com

https://awarriorheart.com/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Warrior Heart = 2026Brick100

To learn more about the women’s retreat, Heart of a Woman:
 https://theheartofawoman.net/

$100 DISCOUNT CODE for Heart of a Woman = 2026Brick100

Podcasts we love

Check out these other fine podcasts recommended by us, not an algorithm.