Breaking Free Recovery Radio

Alan Heide & Don Radon

Breaking Free Recovery Radio: We Break The Cycle Together Welcome to Breaking Free Recovery Radio, a dedicated space for navigating the journey of addiction recovery, mental health, and spiritual renewal. Hosted by Dr. Alan Heide, PsyD., LMFT, a clinical expert in psychology, and Don Radon, owner of Recovered And Free, we bridge the gap between professional therapy and the power of lived experience. Our mission is simple: We Break The Cycle Together.

  1. 5H AGO

    Surrender vs. Self-Abandonment: Finding Your Way Back to God | Dr. Alan Heide

    Is "dying to self" the same thing as losing yourself? In this deeply vulnerable discussion, Dr. Alan Heide, PsyD, LMFT, explores the thin but vital line between self-abandonment and abandoning our will to God. Many people confuse spiritual surrender with the neglect of their own needs, boundaries, and identity. Dr. Heide breaks down the psychological toll of self-abandonment—often rooted in trauma or people-pleasing—and contrasts it with the healing, intentional act of surrendering our will to a higher power. Connect with Dr. Alan Heide: Therapy & Clinical Services: Breakingthecycletherapy.com Resources & Support: Recoveredandfree.com In this video, we discuss: The clinical definition of self-abandonment. Why we often mistake "people-pleasing" for "godliness." The psychological freedom found in true surrender. How to reclaim your voice while still honoring God's path. Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction: Defining the Struggle 1:15 – What is Self-Abandonment? (The Psychological View) 2:45 – The Scriptural Misconception: "Dying to Self" vs. Losing Identity 4:10 – Red Flags: How to tell if you are abandoning your needs 5:30 – The Power of Choice: Why God requires a "Self" to surrender 7:00 – Finding Peace in God’s Will without losing your Voice 8:00 – Final Thoughts & The Path to Integration 8:45 – Mental Health Resources & Support Links --- Disclaimer: This video is for educational and spiritual purposes and is not a substitute for professional clinical advice. If you are in crisis, please refer to the resources listed at the 8:45 mark or visit the websites linked above.

    11 min
  2. MAY 7

    The Power of the Steps: Don Radon’s Journey from Chaos to "Recovered and Free"

    "I didn't have a problem with my drinking and using; You have a problem with my drinking and using. And that was how I used to live my life." Don Radon, owner of Recovered and Free, sits down to share the raw, unfiltered truth of his journey. From the early shadows of growing up in an alcoholic household to the heights of his own struggle with addiction, Don’s story is a testament to the fact that no one is ever too far gone.In this 30-minute deep dive, Don explains how he transitioned from a life of survival to a life of service, specifically through the transformative power of working the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Whether you are currently struggling, in early sobriety, or a family member looking for answers, Don’s message offers a clear roadmap to freedom. Video Chapters 0:00 Intro: Who is Don Radon? 2:15 The Foundation: Growing Up in an Alcoholic Home 7:40 The Spiral: My Personal Battle with Addiction 12:20 The Breaking Point: Realizing I Couldn't Do It Alone 15:50 Entering the Rooms: My First Experience with AA 20:15 Working the Steps: The Practical Path to Freedom 26:45 Recovered and Free: Life Today and Helping Others 28:30 A Final Message of Hope for the Viewer About Don Radon & Recovered And Free Don is the founder of Recovered and Free, an organization dedicated to helping individuals find the tools they need to sustain long-term sobriety. His approach combines the lived experience of the 12 steps with a passion for community and freedom from the chains of addiction. Recovery Resources If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out for help: Breaking The Cycle Therapy: https://breakingthecycletherapy.com/about/ Online Recovery Community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/BreakingTheCycleTherapy Recovered And Free: https://recoveredandfree.com/ Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): https://www.aa.org SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) Connect With Us Subscribe to hear more powerful recovery stories every week. Share this video: You never know who on your timeline is secretly struggling and needs to hear Don’s message today. Comment: What step was the hardest for you to take? Let’s support each other in the comments. #RecoveryStory #DonRadon #12Steps #AlcoholicsAnonymous #Sobriety #RecoveredAndFree #AddictionRecovery #HealingTrauma

    30 min
  3. MAY 7

    "I Was Slowly Dying": A Therapist's Journey to Al-Anon Recovery

    "I did not know I was slowly dying to the family disease of addiction."As a therapist, Dr. Alan Heide, PsyD, LMFT, spent his life helping others navigate their pain. But behind the scenes, the family disease of addiction was taking a silent, devastating toll on his own life. In this moving 12-minute share, Dr. Heide reveals his journey from the suffocating isolation of "saving" others to finding his own seat in Al-Anon.This is a story for anyone who has ever loved someone struggling with substance use and lost themselves in the process. It is a reminder that recovery is not just for the person using—it is for the family, too.Video Chapters0:00 Intro: The Silent Toll of the Family Disease1:15 Living in the Shadows: The Reality of Isolation4:45 The Turning Point: Awareness Through Connection5:30 Finding Home: My First Steps in Al-Anon11:00 A Message of Hope: You Are Not AloneAbout Dr. Alan HeideDr. Heide is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who brings both professional expertise and personal vulnerability to the conversation of recovery. His story highlights that no amount of "knowing better" can replace the need for a supportive community.Resources for HelpIf you are affected by someone else’s drinking or addiction, help is available:Breaking The Cycle Therapy: https://breakingthecycletherapy.com/about/Online Recovery Community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/BreakingTheCycleTherapyRecovery Workbooks: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BTCTherapyAl-Anon Family Groups: https://al-anon.orgSAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA): https://adultchildren.orgJoin the ConversationRecovery flourishes in the light.Subscribe for more stories of hope and recovery.Comment Below: If you are in Al-Anon or a similar program, what was the "turning point" that brought you to your first meeting?#AlAnon #RecoveryStory #FamilyDisease #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #DrAlanHeide #Sobriety #Hope

    13 min
  4. MAY 1

    The Psychedelic Paradox: Hope vs. Habit (2026) 🍄⚠️

    As the psychedelic renaissance hits full stride, we’re facing a new crisis: the gap between clinical breakthrough and recreational reality. In this segment, we dive into the 2026 data revealing the "Shadow Side" of the movement—from the policy-driven surge in use to the rising rates of Ketamine Use Disorder. Are we fast-tracking a cure, or accidentally fast-tracking a new generation of habit-forming behaviors? Inside This Segment: The Policy-Attributable Surge 📈 New 2026 data from Oregon and Colorado shows nearly 200,000 new users annually. We discuss the causal link between decriminalization and unsupervised use. 📺 Watch more: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RaD29j0KlOY The Panacea Problem (The "Halo Effect") 😇 Is the federal "breakthrough" status creating a false sense of security? Why the public is starting to treat high-intensity compounds like "mental health vitamins." 📺 Watch more: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QktgJyngvMU | https://www.youtube.com/shorts/o7FgBpkvbAw The Poly-Substance Trap 🍹 Nearly 50% of users are mixing psychedelics with alcohol or cannabis. We break down how "cocktail culture" is increasing overall Substance Use Disorder (SUD) vulnerability. 📺 Watch more: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_-Hu03JwgHU The "Danger Zone": Ketamine & MDMA 🧪 Not all psychedelics are created equal. While psilocybin has low addiction potential, we examine the measurable rise in Ketamine Use Disorder as gray-market use expands. 📺 Watch more: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/m1C_wyYShsU | https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bubis0XJBAw The Clinical vs. Recreational Gap 🏥 A lab has a "sitter"; the wild has "Heroic Doses." We look at why 2026 is seeing a spike in ER visits and psychological crises from unsupervised use. The Vulnerability Paradox ⚠️ The irony of the movement: Those with the deepest trauma are often the most at risk for psychosis or cardiac issues without proper medical screening. Final Thought 🔗 "We’re fast-tracking the cure, but are we accidentally fast-tracking the habit? As the FDA prepares to reschedule, the line between 'medicine' and 'misuse' is getting dangerously thin." Subscribe for more deep dives into the 2026 mental health landscape. #Psychedelics #MentalHealth2026 #Psilocybin #Ketamine #HarmReduction #PolicyChange #Psychology #HealthData

    1h 24m
  5. APR 22

    5 Keys to a Successful Intervention: How to Get Your Loved One Help Now

    "The goal of an intervention isn't just to stop the using; it's to start the healing." In this episode of Breaking Free Recovery Radio, hosts Dr. Alan Heide, Psy.D., LMFT and Don Radon, owner of Recovered And Free, dive deep into one of the most stressful yet life-saving moments a family can face: the Intervention. When a loved one is spiraling due to substance use disorder, the leap from active addiction to inpatient treatment often requires a professional, compassionate push. But how do you do it without causing further division? Dr. Heide and Don break down five essential tips for conducting a high-quality intervention that prioritizes dignity, clarity, and effective results. In this episode, we discuss: Preparation over Persuasion: Why the work done before the meeting is more important than the meeting itself. The Power of the Team: How to choose the right people to sit in the room. Setting Boundaries with Love: Transitioning from "enabling" to "empowering" through firm consequences. Logistics & Immediate Placement: Why you must have a bed waiting at an inpatient facility before you start the conversation. Managing the "No": What to do if your loved one refuses help. Connect with Us: Dr. Alan Heide, Psy.D., LMFT: Visit https://breakingthecycletherapy.com/ for more mental health resources and interventions. Don Radon: Visit RecoveredAndFree.com for resources on recovery coaching and intervention support. Subscribe: Don’t forget to hit the Subscribe button and ring the bell to stay updated on our weekly episodes focused on breaking the chains of addiction. Disclaimer: Breaking Free Recovery Radio provides educational content and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. #Recovery #Intervention #AddictionRecovery #SubstanceUseDisorder #BreakingFree #InpatientTreatment #MentalHealth

    1h 5m
  6. APR 18

    The Pitfalls of Modern Day Treatment Centers Part II

    In this candid discussion, Dr. Alan Heide, Psy.D., LMFT and Don Radon, owner of Recovered And Free, pull back the curtain on the modern addiction treatment industry. While the goal of recovery is to save lives, the "business of rehab" often creates systemic pitfalls that can hinder long-term success. From the "revolving door" phenomenon to the lack of individualized clinical care, Alan and Don break down what families and individuals need to look out for when seeking help. This episode is a must-watch for anyone navigating the complex world of recovery centers. In This Video, We Discuss: The Industry Shift: How treatment has changed from a clinical mission to a corporate model. The "Revolving Door" Trap: Why some centers prioritize high turnover over sustained sobriety. Individualized Care vs. Cookie-Cutter Programs: The importance of treating the person, not just the addiction. Red Flags: Practical advice on how to spot a facility that may prioritize profits over patients. The Path Forward: What a truly effective, ethics-first recovery model looks like. About the Hosts Dr. Alan Heide, Psy.D., LMFT Dr. Heide is a licensed marriage and family therapist with years of experience in the behavioral health field. He specializes in the intersection of mental health and substance abuse, advocating for deeper psychological healing in the recovery process. Don Radon | Recovered And Free As the owner of Recovered And Free, Don Radon is a dedicated advocate for those seeking freedom from addiction. His mission is built on transparency, integrity, and providing a roadmap for those who feel lost in the traditional treatment system. Connect With Us Website: https://breakingthecycletherapy.com/ Follow Us on Instagram: @BreakingFreeRecoveryRadio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577271700332 Resources & Support If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, please reach out for help. SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #TreatmentCenters #RecoveryAndFree #DrAlanHeide #SobrietyJourney #RehabIndustry

    43 min
  7. APR 10

    The Pitfalls of Modern Day Treatment Centers

    In this candid discussion, Dr. Alan Heide, Psy.D., LMFT and Don Radon, owner of Recovered And Free, pull back the curtain on the modern addiction treatment industry. While the goal of recovery is to save lives, the "business of rehab" often creates systemic pitfalls that can hinder long-term success. From the "revolving door" phenomenon to the lack of individualized clinical care, Alan and Don break down what families and individuals need to look out for when seeking help. This episode is a must-watch for anyone navigating the complex world of recovery centers. In This Video, We Discuss: The Industry Shift: How treatment has changed from a clinical mission to a corporate model. The "Revolving Door" Trap: Why some centers prioritize high turnover over sustained sobriety. Individualized Care vs. Cookie-Cutter Programs: The importance of treating the person, not just the addiction. Red Flags: Practical advice on how to spot a facility that may prioritize profits over patients. The Path Forward: What a truly effective, ethics-first recovery model looks like. About the Hosts Dr. Alan Heide, Psy.D., LMFT Dr. Heide is a licensed marriage and family therapist with years of experience in the behavioral health field. He specializes in the intersection of mental health and substance abuse, advocating for deeper psychological healing in the recovery process. Don Radon | Recovered And Free As the owner of Recovered And Free, Don Radon is a dedicated advocate for those seeking freedom from addiction. His mission is built on transparency, integrity, and providing a roadmap for those who feel lost in the traditional treatment system. Connect With Us Website: https://breakingthecycletherapy.com/ Follow Us on Instagram: @BreakingFreeRecoveryRadio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577271700332 Resources & Support If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, please reach out for help. SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #TreatmentCenters #RecoveryAndFree #DrAlanHeide #SobrietyJourney #RehabIndustry

    45 min
  8. APR 3

    Is A.A. Actually a CULT? Dr. Alan Heide & Don Radon Reveal the Truth!

    In this episode of Breaking Free Recovery Radio, hosts Dr. Alan Heide, Psy.D., LMFT and Don Radon dive deep into the complexities of the family disease of addiction. The conversation gets provocative as the duo tackles a heated debate in the recovery community: Is Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) a religious cult? By responding to various creator perspectives, Alan and Don peel back the layers of spirituality vs. religion and discuss what actually makes the 12-step model effective—or controversial. Beyond the debate, we explore practical pathways to finding recovery and, most importantly, how to prioritize health and healing within the family unit when addiction has taken center stage. Inside This Episode: The "Cult" Debate: Analyzing common criticisms of A.A. and the 12 Steps. Family Systems: Understanding how addiction impacts the entire household, not just the individual. Finding Your Path: Practical advice on how to start the recovery journey today. Prioritizing Health: Tools for families to set boundaries and foster a culture of healing. About the Hosts: Dr. Alan Heide, Psy.D., LMFT: A licensed marriage and family therapist with a doctorate in psychology, bringing clinical expertise and a compassionate lens to the science of recovery. Don Radon: A dedicated advocate in the recovery space, sharing insights and experience on navigating the road to freedom. Connect With Us: 🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on new episodes and recovery insights. 💬 Join the Conversation: What’s your take on the A.A. debate? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear your perspective. 🌐 Website: Breakingthecycletherapy.com 📱 Socials: @Breakingfreerecoveryradio #Recovery #AddictionRecovery #BreakingFree #MentalHealth #FamilyHealing #12Steps #AlcoholicsAnonymous #Psychology #DrAlanHeide #DonRadon

    1h 3m

About

Breaking Free Recovery Radio: We Break The Cycle Together Welcome to Breaking Free Recovery Radio, a dedicated space for navigating the journey of addiction recovery, mental health, and spiritual renewal. Hosted by Dr. Alan Heide, PsyD., LMFT, a clinical expert in psychology, and Don Radon, owner of Recovered And Free, we bridge the gap between professional therapy and the power of lived experience. Our mission is simple: We Break The Cycle Together.

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