Family Support In Addiction Recovery : Substance Abuse Disorder Tools Beyond Al- Anon
Do you feel overwhelmed and emotionally drained, struggling to support your child with substance abuse disorder? This podcast offers practical guidance for parents navigating the challenging journey of supporting a child battling addiction without losing themselves along the way. Each week, you’ll gain critical insights and strategies, including: Learning how to manage the emotional rollercoaster of addiction with effective coping tools. Discover techniques to support your child while maintaining your own well-being, like setting boundaries or practising self-care routines. Finding guidance on overcoming the unique challenges families face with substance abuse disorder. Hosted by Paul King, a parent who’s be...
EP 47: Fentanyl and the Addiction Crisis: How to Support an Addict and Protect Your Family

Could one innocent-looking pill be the last thing your teenager ever takes?
With fentanyl increasingly contaminating street drugs—even in pills that appear safe—this episode reveals the alarming new reality parents face. Whether your child is experimenting or in recovery, knowing the dangers could mean the difference between life and death.
Discover how fentanyl is silently infiltrating everyday substances and why it's so lethal.Learn practical ways to talk to your teen about drug risks that actually resonate.Hear real-world harm reduction tips that could save a life, even when abstinence isn’t an option.EP 46: Why Listening Without Fixing Helps Parents Support an Addict Child

What if the most powerful way to protect your child wasn't through words—but through silence?
When your child is struggling, every instinct tells you to act, to fix, to protect. But sometimes, what they really need is your quiet presence. This episode unpacks how fear-driven reactions can block real connection—and how staying still in difficult moments can actually build the trust and emotional safety your child craves.
Understand why staying silent during emotional conversations can strengthen trust and create deeper connection.Learn how fear masks itself as protection—and how to step back without lettin...EP 45: Why Connection Can Prevent Addiction—Even in High-Functioning Families

What if the emotional distance in a loving, high-functioning family could open the door to addiction in your child?
Even in homes without conflict or visible dysfunction, emotional disconnection can quietly create the conditions where grooming and substance use take root. If you're navigating the pain of a child’s addiction, understanding the power of connection might be the key to turning things around.
Discover why even well-meaning, busy families can unintentionally create emotional gaps that leave children vulnerable.Learn how grooming often starts unnoticed—especially through online platforms—and what warning signs to watch for.Gain p...EP 44: From Childhood Grooming to Substance Abuse Disorder: Jo Summers' Story of Addiction and Recovery

What if the first signs of addiction start with emotional neglect and go unnoticed until it's too late?
Today’s parents face a hidden challenge—understanding how emotional disconnection and modern grooming tactics can lead children down the path of early substance use. If you’re striving to protect your child and keep your family strong, this episode offers insights from someone who's lived that journey.
Hear Jo Summers’ powerful story of addiction beginning at age 11 and how connection could have changed everything.Learn the subtle warning signs of grooming and manipulation that most parents miss until it...EP 43: Forget Tough Love. This Is How to Support an Addict with Compassion and Boundaries

What happens when a child chooses honesty over blame in the face of addiction?
In this touching episode, we explore how raw, heartfelt truth can reopen doors that pain has closed. For anyone navigating the complexities of loving someone in recovery, this story reveals how quiet courage and gentle honesty can shift even the hardest moments.
Hear how a ten-year-old boy's simple truth reshaped a moment of pain into one of reconnection.Discover the quiet power of speaking from love rather than anger—even when the wounds are deep. Find hope in the idea that healing do...EP 42: How to Support an Addict Without Hating Their Behavior: Tools for Families Facing Substance Abuse Disorder

How do you support a loved one struggling with addiction—without losing your compassion or your mind?
If your child or family member's substance use has left you hurt, confused, or emotionally drained, this episode offers a lifeline. Learn how recognizing destructive behaviors as symptoms of a chronic illness—not personal betrayals—can shift your perspective and bring healing.
Discover how to separate the person you love from their addiction without minimizing the pain they've caused.Learn to set healthy, loving boundaries using I statements that express compassion while protecting your well-being.Gain insight into how even y...EP 41: Why Ignoring Siblings of Addicts Fuels the Next Generation of Substance Abuse

What if the overlooked sibling of an addict becomes the next generation's addict?
If you're a parent navigating the storm of a child's substance use, you may not realize the silent suffering of their brothers and sisters. This episode uncovers how ignoring siblings' trauma not only deepens family wounds but can unknowingly plant the seeds for future addiction.
Discover the three hidden emotional roles siblings often adopt in families struggling with addiction—and how these shape their future.Understand why honest, non-blaming communication can be a powerful healing tool for both the child in recovery and th...EP 40: Do I Need to Use Drugs to Get Your Attention?”: A Sibling’s Cry in Addiction Recovery

Have you ever wondered what a child might say when they feel invisible in a family consumed by addiction?
When addiction takes center stage in a family, it's easy for other voices—especially those of siblings—to be drowned out. This episode sheds light on the emotional toll that drug use can have on the entire family and how one simple, painful question sparked a path toward healing.
Discover how a young girl's honest plea became a powerful turning point in her family's recovery journey.Learn why staying emotionally present, even in moments of pain, can open...EP 39: The 3 Hidden Roles Siblings Play in Families Struggling With Addiction

Are your other children silently suffering while all your attention goes to the one struggling with addiction?
When a child is battling substance use, siblings often take on hidden emotional burdens that go unnoticed—leaving them feeling invisible, anxious, or responsible for the chaos at home. This episode unpacks how addiction affects the entire family, especially the children who suffer in silence while trying to hold everything together.
Discover the three secret roles siblings often adopt—like the "perfect child" or the "family clown"—and what those roles are really hiding.Learn to identify subtle warning signs...EP 38: The Forgotten Children of Addiction: Support Strategies for Families Facing Substance Abuse Disorder

What happens to the younger siblings when one child in the family is battling addiction
When addiction strikes a family, it's not just the person using substances who suffers—it's the whole family, including the often-overlooked siblings. These children, caught in the chaos, may internalise guilt, withdraw emotionally, or feel invisible. This episode sheds light on how early trauma and lack of communication can set the stage for generational cycles of substance use and emotional pain.
Discover how children aged 7 to 12 emotionally react when their sibling falls into addiction and how their behaviour may mask deeper wo...EP 37: Is It Love or Addiction? The Hidden Trap Parents Fall Into with Substance Abuse Disorder

Are you trying to save your child from addiction so much that it's silently destroying your own wellbeing?
Many parents facing a child's substance abuse believe relentless rescuing is love—but what if it’s a trap that deepens the struggle for both of you? This episode explores the emotional addiction to rescuing, and why learning to let go without giving up may be the hardest—and most important—step you take.
Understand the hidden cycle of fear, guilt, and social pressure that keeps parents stuck in “rescue mode.”Learn practical ways to shift from rescuing to supportin...EP36: She Thought It Was Her Job to Save Him—A Mother’s Journey Through Addiction, Grief, and Self-Healing

Have you ever felt like it's your responsibility to save your child from addiction—only to find yourself breaking in the process?
When a child is facing substance use struggles, many parents fall into the trap of over-functioning, losing themselves in the process of trying to fix something they can’t control. In this deeply personal episode, Karen Hardy shares how shifting from control to compassion—and from burnout to boundaries—changed everything in her relationship with her son.
Discover the emotional toll of trying to be your child’s savior—and how to reclaim your energy and p...EP35: They Finally Went to Rehab—Now What? The Truth Families Aren’t Told About Addiction Recovery

What if the relapse you fear most is actually a necessary step toward your child’s lasting recovery?
When your loved one finally agrees to rehab, the wave of hope can be overwhelming—but what happens when they relapse? This episode unpacks the emotional rollercoaster many parents face, offering vital clarity and support around why relapse is often part of the journey, not the end of it.
Learn why most people relapse multiple times before achieving lasting recovery—and how knowing this can protect your heart.Discover how to emotionally prepare for the ups and downs of reh...EP34: Are You Addicted to Fixing Your Child? Why Parental Burnout in Addiction Recovery Is Real

Are you exhausted from trying to "fix" your child—and wondering if it's taking a toll on your own wellbeing?
When your child is struggling with substance use, the emotional rollercoaster of fear, hope, and helplessness can push you to the brink. This episode dives into the overlooked reality of parental burnout, and how letting go of control and focusing on self-care can be a powerful turning point—for both you and your child.
Learn the subtle but powerful difference between supporting and saving your child.Hear how addiction can create a parallel journey for parents, and...EP33: Is Waiting for Them to Want Recovery a Myth? The Reality About Substance Abuse Disorder

Are you tired of being told you have to wait for your child to want recovery before anything can change?
Many parents of children struggling with substance abuse are trapped in helpless waiting, believing they must sit by until their child chooses recovery. In this episode, you'll discover why that belief is not only misleading but dangerous — and how understanding the reality of substance abuse disorder can empower you to take meaningful action now.
Learn why waiting for a child to "feel ready" can prolong suffering and delay real change.Discover how maintaining connection and allowing na...EP32: Why 'Tough Love' and 'Rock Bottom' Don’t Work in Substance Abuse Disorder Recovery

Is cutting your child off really the best path to recovery—or could it be deepening the disconnect?
Many parents are told to wait for their child to “hit rock bottom” or to apply “tough love,” but this episode challenges those outdated and often harmful approaches. If you’ve been struggling with whether to stay connected or step back, this conversation will give you a compassionate, research-backed perspective.
Understand why connection and attachment—not isolation—are the keys to meaningful recovery.Learn how to set healthy boundaries while continuing to show love and support for your child.Discover h...EP31: Is It Intuition or Fear? How Parents Can Tell the Difference in Addiction Recovery

Ever wondered if that gut feeling about your child’s addiction is true intuition—or just fear speaking?
When you're parenting a child in addiction recovery, making the right decision in high-stakes moments can feel overwhelming. The internal tug-of-war between fear and intuition is real—and knowing which voice to follow could be the difference between helping and hindering their recovery journey.
Discover how to distinguish between fear-driven reactions and intuitive insight, even in moments of chaos.Learn practical techniques—like grounding, journaling, and mindful breathing—to reconnect with your inner clarity.Hear a powerful, personal story of a...EP30: How to Respond to Judgment When Your Child is Addicted

How do you handle judgment when your child is struggling with addiction—and everyone around you seems to have an opinion?
If you're a parent navigating the painful and complex journey of a child's substance use, you've likely faced shame, isolation, and unsolicited advice. This episode dives deep into the emotional toll and offers practical tools to preserve your well-being and your relationship with your child, even in the face of stigma.
Learn how to assertively set emotional boundaries when others make hurtful or uninformed comments.Discover why grief is a hidden yet powerful force in th...EP29: How Trauma Fuels Addiction—And Why Treating Both is the Key to Substance Abuse Disorder Recovery

Have you ever wondered why addiction recovery often fails, even with detox and rehab? The key may lie in untreated trauma and mental health struggles.
Many people battling addiction are unknowingly self-medicating underlying mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression. Without addressing both addiction and trauma together, recovery can feel like an endless cycle of relapse. In this episode, we uncover why treating only substance use isn’t enough—and what truly works for lasting recovery.
Understand the deep connection between trauma and addiction, and why one fuels the other.Learn why self-medication with substances is a...EP28: Why Home Detox Can Be More Effective Than Rehab for Addiction and Substance Abuse Disorder Recovery

Did you know that home detox can be just as—if not more—effective than rehab for many people struggling with substance use? Learn how home-based treatment, when done right, can lead to lasting recovery and keep families involved in the process.
Many families face the heartbreaking cycle of addiction and relapse, often feeling lost when traditional rehab doesn't work. This episode explores why home detox may be a better alternative for most people, how addressing mental health is crucial to sustained recovery, and how families can support their loved ones without enabling destructive behaviors.
Discover why...EP27: Still Think Methadone is Just Another Drug? Here’s What You’re Missing About Addiction Recovery

What if the biggest myth about addiction recovery is actually keeping people trapped? Could harm minimisation be the key to breaking the cycle for good?
For years, many people—including parents of those struggling with addiction—believe that full abstinence is the only path to recovery. But what if that belief is causing more harm than good? In this episode, we explore how harm minimisation treatments like methadone and buprenorphine provide stability, reduce criminal activity, and give people a real chance at rebuilding their lives.
Discover why harm minimisation is often the best path to long-term reco...EP26: Are We Finally Getting Opioid Addiction Treatment Right? A Doctor Weighs In on Substance Abuse Disorder Recovery

What if addiction treatment was as simple as making a phone call? Could accessible, at-home detox be the key to saving lives?
Many families struggle to find timely and effective treatment for loved ones facing substance dependence. Traditional detox and rehab programs often come with long wait times, high costs, and significant stigma. But what if there was a way to get expert, compassionate care without ever leaving home?
EP25: They Are Not Their Addiction—Why Parents Must Separate the Person From the Behavior in Substance Abuse Disorder Recovery

What if the key to helping your loved one in addiction wasn’t pushing them to change, but showing up with steady support?
When a child or loved one is deep in substance use, it’s easy to feel like their destructive behavior is who they really are. But what if we separated the person from their addiction? In this episode, we explore how judgment and shame can keep someone stuck, why setting boundaries is essential, and how love and presence can help rebuild trust over time.
Understand why shame can deepen addiction and how open comm...EP24: He Went From Addiction to Helping Others Recover—What Parents Need to Know About Substance Abuse Disorder

What if everything you thought you knew about addiction recovery was wrong?
Many families struggle with the fear that offering support means enabling, while others believe their loved one must hit rock bottom to change. But what if these ideas are doing more harm than good? In this episode, we uncover the real keys to helping a child overcome addiction without pushing them away.
Discover why family support can be the deciding factor between recovery and relapse.Learn why the "tough love" approach and waiting for rock bottom can be dangerous myths.Get practical strategies to...EP23: He Felt Like a Ghost—How Addiction Isolates and What Helped Him Find Hope

Have you ever wondered why your child seems to drift further away the deeper they fall into addiction?
Addiction isolates, making users feel like ghosts watching life pass them by. The deeper they go, the harder it becomes for them to connect with the world outside their substance use. As parents, we often focus on our own fears and struggles, but what does addiction actually feel like from their perspective? In this episode, we explore the loneliness that keeps them trapped and the one thing that can help bring them back.
Understand how addiction isolates users...EP22: Sobriety is Terrifying—A Former Addict Explains Why Substance Abuse Disorder Makes It So Hard to Quit

How can you support a loved one struggling with addiction without enabling harmful behaviours?
Many parents feel torn between wanting to help their child and fearing they might be making things worse. The old-school "tough love" approach can be damaging, yet setting boundaries is crucial. In this episode, we discuss the vital role of family support in recovery and why parents need their own support systems too.
Learn how to support your loved one without accepting destructive behaviors.Understand why accountability is key and how to encourage it with compassion.Discover the power of family support...EP21: When Addiction Takes Over: How to Cope When Your Child Lives Only for Their Next Fix in Substance Abuse Disorder

How do you stay strong when your child’s only focus is their next fix?
When addiction completely consumes a loved one, it can feel like you’re losing them—and yourself—in the process. As parents, we want to rescue our children, but the painful reality is that we can’t control their choices. The key is learning how to hold onto hope while prioritizing our own well-being.
Understand why addiction takes over your child’s life, making everything else—including you—secondary.Learn how to hold onto hope without losing yourself in their struggle.Discover practic...EP20: Why Rehab Fails Without These 3 Critical Steps for Lasting Addiction Recovery

Rehab is just the beginning—what happens next makes all the difference. Did you know that nearly two-thirds of people relapse within a year of leaving rehab? Discover the three essential steps that can double the chances of long-term recovery.
Many parents believe that getting their child into rehab is the hardest part, but the real challenge begins after treatment. Without the right support, accountability, and structure, the risk of relapse skyrockets. In this episode, we dive into what truly makes rehab successful in the long run and how families can provide the right ki...
EP19: Is Your Child Ready for Rehab? The Critical Question in Substance Abuse Disorder Recovery

Is rehab the right choice for your child right now? Many parents rush into treatment hoping for a quick fix, but there’s one crucial question that can determine whether rehab will actually work.
Rehab isn’t a magic cure—it only works when your child is truly ready. In this episode, we break down why timing matters more than the treatment itself, the common mistakes parents make when pushing rehab too soon, and what to do when your child is finally ready to take the next step.
The key sign that determines if your child is tru...EP18: How Families Can Find Addiction Treatment Centers with Proven Success—Support for Substance Abuse Disorder Without Wasting Time and Money

How do you know if a rehab centre actually works? Many treatment centres make big claims—but without real success data, you could be wasting time, money, and risking your loved one’s recovery.
When your child or loved one needs addiction treatment, choosing the right rehab is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. But with misleading success rates and unverified claims, how can you separate fact from fiction? In this episode, we uncover how to find treatment centres with real, independently verified success rates—so you can make the best choice...
EP17: Anticipatory Grief: Why Parents of Addicts Mourn Before a Tragedy Even Happens

Have you ever felt an overwhelming sense of grief for something that hasn’t even happened yet? Parents of children struggling with addiction often experience this painful reality—mourning their child’s possible loss before it even occurs.
Loving someone with a substance use disorder is an emotional rollercoaster filled with fear, exhaustion, and heartbreak. The constant worry about their safety can create an ongoing sense of grief, even when they’re still alive. This episode explores anticipatory grief—why it happens, how it affects parents, and how to navigate it without losing hope.
Understand what anticipato...EP16: Beyond ‘Just Say No’—How Honest Conversations About Drugs Can Help Prevent Addiction Support Families and Save Lives

What if your grief started long before your child was gone?
Many parents of children with substance use disorders experience anticipatory grief, mourning the future they imagined while their child is still alive. The stigma surrounding drug use often prevents life-saving conversations. In this episode, Jenny Ross-King shares her journey of loss, the realities of harm reduction, and how open, honest conversations can make all the difference.
Understand how anticipatory grief affects parents of children struggling with addiction.Learn why stigma prevents crucial discussions and how to break the silence.Discover how harm reduction strategies like...EP15: Why Fear-Based Drug Talks Don’t Work—And What to Do Instead for Addiction Prevention and Recovery

Are fear-based drug talks actually putting your child at greater risk? Discover why the traditional "just say no" approach often fails—and what you can do instead.
As a parent, you want to protect your child from the dangers of drugs. But outdated, fear-driven conversations can push them away rather than help them make safer choices. In this episode, we dive into how open, honest, and informed discussions can empower your child to stay safe—without shutting down communication.
The powerful reason why education and trust work better than fear when talking about drugs.Practical ways to h...EP14: The Hard Truth About MDMA & Festivals—Lessons From a Parent Who Lost a Child

Would you know what to say if your child told you they were considering taking drugs at a festival?
Many parents believe their child would never use drugs—until tragedy strikes. In this episode, Jenny Ross-King shares the heartbreaking story of losing her daughter, Alex, to an MDMA overdose at a music festival. Her experience highlights the urgent need for honest conversations, drug-checking services, and harm reduction strategies to keep young people safe.
Learn why open conversations about drug use can be life-saving.Understand how drug-checking services can prevent overdoses.Discover practical steps to educate and su...EP13: Burnout Isn’t Just Mental—The Shocking Physical Toll of Supporting an Addicted Child

Is your body warning you before it’s too late? Burnout isn’t just in your mind—it’s in your body, too. Learn how to recognise the hidden physical toll of supporting a child struggling with addiction.
As a parent of a child with substance dependence, the stress can feel relentless. You push through, thinking you have no choice—but at what cost? If you’ve ever felt exhausted, numb, or like you just don’t care anymore, your nervous system is crying out for relief. This episode will help you recognise and respond to those warning signs...
EP12: How Simple Body-Based Exercises Can Rebuild Calm and Clarity for Families of Addicts

Are you overwhelmed by stress and struggling to cope as a parent of a child using substances?
Addiction doesn’t just impact the person using substances; it can leave parents feeling mentally, emotionally, and physically drained. This episode introduces somatic healing, a powerful, body-based approach that offers immediate relief and helps parents regain clarity and resilience.
Learn what somatic healing is and why it’s so effective for parents in high-stress situations.Discover two simple somatic exercises to calm anxiety or overcome emotional heaviness in minutes.Find out how these practices can improve your mental clarity and...EP11: Why Sacrificing Everything for Your Addicted Child Might Be Doing More Harm Than Good

Are You Burning Out While Trying to Save Your Child?
🛑 Are you fighting to save your child but feeling like you’re losing yourself in the process?
When a loved one is struggling with substance use, it’s easy for parents to pour everything into saving them—often at the cost of their own mental and emotional health. But what if prioritising your well-being is one of the most powerful ways to support your child?
In this episode, we explore:
✅ The warning signs of emotional burnout and why they’re so easy to miss<...
EP10: Why Trying to Fix Addiction Alone Leads to Emotional Exhaustion

How do you recognise the silent toll addiction takes on your emotional well-being as a parent?
Burnout is a hidden challenge many parents face when supporting a child struggling with addiction. This episode uncovers how to spot the early signs of burnout, embrace radical acceptance, and set boundaries that allow you to care for both yourself and your child.
Understand the five stages of burnout and how to recognise them in your life.Learn the transformative practice of radical acceptance to find peace amid challenges.Discover practical strategies for self-care and setting realistic expectations to avoid...EP9: The Harsh Truth About Burnout: Why Parents Need to Put Themselves First

Are you constantly exhausted, feeling like you have nothing left to give? If you're a parent supporting a child struggling with substance use, burnout can sneak up on you before you even realise it.
Many parents put their own well-being last while trying to help their child. But the truth is, running on empty doesn't just hurt you—it also limits your ability to support your child. In this episode, we uncover the dangers of burnout, why self-care isn’t selfish, and how prioritising yourself can make all the difference.
EP8: Why Ignoring Burnout Is Destroying Families Dealing With Addiction

How do you recognise the silent toll addiction takes on your emotional well-being as a parent?
Burnout is a hidden challenge many parents face when supporting a child struggling with addiction. This episode uncovers how to spot the early signs of burnout, embrace radical acceptance, and set boundaries that allow you to care for both yourself and your child.
Understand the five stages of burnout and how to recognise them in your life.Learn the transformative practice of radical acceptance to find peace amid challenges.Discover practical strategies for self-care and setting realistic expectations to avoid...