How To Cope With The Dope

Jacqui
  • 5.0 (6)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • WEEKLY SERIES

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.

  1. EPISODE 1

    Understanding Step One

    Send us a text 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 explore some thought provoking questions which will help get us thinking about our habits and behaviors. Perhaps you will be able to relate to some of my experiences.  I have linked some questions for you to work through on your own.  I truly hope that you will have a few a-ha moments.

    29 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Interview with Jackie B.

    Send us a text 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 and resources that have helped her to flourish and grow throughout her journey. The Books Mentioned Today: The 3 daily readers are Alanon books by Alanon Family Group Head Inc. One Day At a Time Courage to Change Hope For Today Under the Influence  by James Milam Ph.D. and Katherine Ketcham

    47 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    Rope A Dope

    Send us a text 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 get help. *the  National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233

    10 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    Boundaries

    Send us a text 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.   Questions to think about: *Who do I struggle to set boundaries with ? *What am I afraid will happen if I set boundaries with this person? *How would I feel if I established healthy boundaries with this person? *How do I think the other person will react to these boundaries? *An affirmation that gives me courage.

    17 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    Step 2

    Send us a text 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.  Paths to Recovery -Al-Anon's Steps, Traditions and Concepts is the book that I refrenced. Questions to reflect on: *What is my concept of a Higher Power at this time? *What would it take for my concept of my Higher Power to change? *Have past experiences affected my concept of a Higher Power?and if so, How? *What do I hope to gain from accepting the concept of a Power greater than myself? *Do I sense spiritual guidance in life?How? *What does let go and let God mean to me? *What does faith mean to me? *With whom and in what circumstances and I comfortable discussing my spiritual experiences? *What might I gain from believing I could be supported and loved by a Power greater than myself? *What does sanity mean to me? *How has the addict situation affected my sanity? *Have I allowed the addict situation to become my Higher Power?How? *How has my thinking become distorted trying to handle the addicts behavior? *When have I done the same thing over and over and expected different experiences?

    18 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    Interview with Nick

    Send us a text 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 stories, books and things he does in everyday life to thrive. Books mentioned: Love Must be Tough by Dr. James Dobson Opening Our Hearts Transforming Our Losses  by al-anon family groups Facing Co-Dependency by Pia Melody One Day at A Time  by al-anon family groups Courage to Change by al-anon family groups Hope for Today  byal-anon family groups

    45 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    Let's talk Codependency

    Send us a text 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.  I will share some hallmarks of codependency and some ways to build healthier relationships and effective self-care strategies. Books mentioned: Codependent No More by Melanie Beattie Attachment Styles Article: https://psychcentral.com/health/4-attachment-styles-in-relationships

    28 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    Step 3

    Send us a text 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 some help on how to do this.  I will give some action steps you may try to aid in working this step. Books  mentioned: Paths to Recovery  Al-Anons steps, Traditions and concepts by Al-Anon family groups Alcoholics Anonymous (known as the big book of AA) by Bill Wilson and Henry Parkhurst Action Steps: *take note for 3-7 days each time you are jumping into fix, rescue, correct or save another person. *Take a PAUSE before you take action relative to the person you are trying to help. *Give your will over to your higher power-Create a prayer/meditation journal, God Box or list of your prayers. *Create your own prayer for the 3rd step. Or use the one below :) The 3rd Step Prayer: God, I offer myself to Thee-to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties , that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of  Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life.  May I do Thy will always! Some additional questions from Paths to Recovery: *How do I feel about turning my life over to a Higher Power for guidance? *Am I willing to turn my problems over?What could help me to be willing ? *Do I trust my Higher Power to care for me? *What consequences have I had by obsessing on problems and other people? *How can I stop myself from taking my will back? *What can I do when a loved one makes decisions I don't like? *What can I do to try to see others as God sees them? *How can I let my loved ones find their own life paths as I am finding mine? *How can I express God's will in my actions and words toward others, including the addict/alcoholic?

    24 min
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6 Ratings

About

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.

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