Do What You Can Live With: Navigating Through Addiction and Recovery

Brandi Mac
  • 4.7 (47)
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Do what you can live with: Navigating Through Addiction and Recovery is a podcast that shares the struggles of loving someone with substance use disorder, and explores harm reduction and the lived experiences of those in recovery. Hosted by Brandi Mac, a critical care nurse practitioner, and mother of an adult daughter with substance use disorder. Each episode provides raw and real lived experience and the struggles we face as loved ones of people who use drugs, the stigma surrounding addiction, harm reduction and the impact generational trauma has on each of us.

  1. SEP 3

    Rebuilding Lives: The Journey of Recovery

    In this episode, Brandi Mac discusses the complexities of addiction and recovery, emphasizing the broken treatment system, the importance of sober homes, and the need for medicated assisted treatment. She shares personal experiences related to her daughter's recovery from addiction and highlights the significance of hope, compassion, and community support in the recovery process. Brandi advocates for better treatment options and the necessity of addressing housing and employment challenges faced by those in recovery. Takeaways The treatment system for addiction is fundamentally flawed. Sober homes often lack proper regulation and oversight. Medicated assisted treatment is crucial for recovery success. Housing stability is essential for individuals in recovery. Compassion and empathy are vital in supporting those struggling with addiction. There is a significant divide between harm reduction and abstinence-based models. Hope is a critical component of recovery. Community support programs are necessary for successful reintegration. Families need to be educated on alternative recovery methods. Ending conversations with love can provide peace in difficult situations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Addiction and Recovery 05:20 The Role of Sober Homes in Recovery 11:12 Medicated Assisted Treatment and Its Importance 17:00 The Need for Employment and Housing Support 22:32 Hope and Compassion in Recovery 28:35 Conclusion and Call to Action Here is the book link for Rehab: An American Scandal Brandi Mac's book is available Here Resources: brandimac.com Follow Brandi Mac on social media: Instagram the_original_brandi_mac TikTok the_original_brandi_mac YouTube

    26 min

  2. AUG 22

    When Boundaries Feel Impossible: What Families Deserve to Hear

    Summary In this episode, Brandi Mac discusses the complexities of loving someone struggling with addiction, focusing on the importance of setting and adjusting boundaries. She shares personal experiences and insights on how to navigate toxic relationships, the evolution of boundaries over time, and the significance of self-reflection and communication. Brandi emphasizes that while tough love is often advocated, it is not the only approach to support a loved one in recovery. The conversation highlights the need for protective boundaries, the role of love in setting limits, and practical ways to show care without compromising one's own well-being. Takeaways Loving someone with addiction is a painful journey. Boundaries are essential for protecting mental health. It's okay to adjust boundaries as situations change. Tough love can sometimes do more harm than good. Self-reflection is crucial in navigating relationships. You can show love without enabling harmful behaviors. Communicating boundaries clearly is vital. Consequences for violating boundaries must be established. Creating a safe space is a priority for families. Everyone deserves compassion, even those struggling with addiction.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Boundaries in Family Dynamics 02:19 Understanding Boundaries in Addiction 05:06 Types of Boundaries: Controlling vs. Protective 07:50 The Pain of Setting Boundaries 10:28 Navigating Toxic Relationships 13:04 Consequences of Violating Boundaries 15:14 Creating Healthy Boundaries 17:38 The Role of Love in Setting Boundaries 20:31 Communicating Boundaries Effectively 23:05 Supporting Loved Ones in Addiction 25:19 The Impact of Addiction on Family Dynamics 28:02 Finding Peace Through Boundaries 30:20 Conclusion and Future Directions Purchase Book Here: Do What You Can Live: A Survival Guide for Families Navigating Addiction, Grief and Impossible Choices Resources: Here

    46 min

  3. AUG 7

    When I Let Go of "Tough Love"...I Found Peace

    In this raw and personal episode, Brandi Mac shares what happened when she stopped following the “tough love” narrative and started doing what she could actually live with. From the heartbreak of watching her daughter struggle with addiction to the moment she shaved her head as an act of surrender, Brandi reflects on how peace came not from control, but from radical acceptance. This episode is for every parent, partner, or family member who’s ever been told to let go with love... and then been left drowning in grief and guilt. She also introduces her new book, Doing What You Can Live With: A Survival Guide for Families Navigating Addiction, Grief, and Impossible Choices. A no-shame, deeply compassionate resource for families who need something real, not rehearsed. If you’ve ever loved someone in addiction and didn’t know what to do… this one’s for you.   🎧 Get the Book: 👉 *Doing What You Can Live With: A Survival Guide for Families Navigating Addiction* https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FKNF7G2N 🌐 More Resources + Free Tools: Website: https://brandimac.com   📬 Subscribe for support, resources, and real talk: Substack: https://ogbrandimac.substack.com   📱 Follow Brandi: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_original_brandi_mac Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_original_brandi_mac/ 🛠️ For professionals, bulk orders, or speaking inquiries: brandi@brandimac.com

    32 min

  4. MAR 9

    15 Months Sober: A Raw Mother-Daughter Conversation About Recovery

    Summary: In this episode, Brandi Mac discusses her daughter Brooke's journey to sobriety, reflecting on the challenges of addiction, the impact on family relationships, and the importance of appropriate treatment. They explore the nuances of drug use, the effectiveness of medicated assisted treatment, and the experiences within treatment facilities. The conversation emphasizes personal growth, healing, and the complexities of recovery. Takeaways Brooke is now 15 months sober, showcasing significant growth since her last podcast appearance. The pain of addiction affects both the individual and their loved ones. Fentanyl addiction can lead to severe physical and mental health issues. Medicated assisted treatment, like Suboxone, can be effective if dosed appropriately. Treatment facilities can vary greatly in their approach and effectiveness. Family dynamics are deeply impacted by addiction and recovery processes. Healing is possible, but it requires effort and alignment between individuals. The importance of understanding the dangers of drug use, especially with substances like fentanyl. Communication and support from family are crucial during recovery. Personal growth often comes from facing and overcoming past challenges.     55:52 Supporting Loved Ones Struggling with Addiction Prescribed Chaos Substack: https://ogbrandimac.substack.com Family Resources and More: https://www.brandimac.com Book Brandi Mac to Speak: https://www.brandimac.com/contact-brandi

    57 min

  5. 08/02/2024

    Breaking Stigma: The Importance of Harm Reduction with Taylor Nichols, MD

    Summary: In this conversation, Dr. Taylor Nichols discusses his journey from emergency medicine to addiction medicine, emphasizing the importance of harm reduction and addressing stigma in healthcare. He shares insights on pain management, medication-assisted treatment options like Sublocade and Brixadi, and the significance of patient autonomy. The discussion also touches on the challenges families face when dealing with substance use disorder and the need for supportive resources. Takeaways Dr. Nichols transitioned from ER to addiction medicine to address systemic issues in healthcare. Harm reduction is essential in treating individuals with substance use disorders. Stigma against drug users negatively impacts pain management and treatment options. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a valid and effective approach for opioid use disorder. Sublicade and Brixadi are innovative treatments that offer alternatives to traditional MAT. Patient autonomy should be respected in treatment decisions. Families need support and resources to navigate substance use disorders. Understanding the pharmacology of buprenorphine is crucial for effective treatment. Healthcare providers must be educated on the complexities of pain management in patients with substance use disorders. Open discussions about tapering off MAT should be encouraged. Dr. Nichols TikTok: Click Here Dr. Nichols Website: Click Here Recovery Reform Podcast by Dr. Nichols and McCauley Sexton: Click Here Recovery Reform YouTube Channel: Click Here Article: Naloxone to Buprenorphine

    1h 16m

  6. 07/27/2024

    The impact of Sobriety On Family Dynamics

    Summary Brandi Mac discusses her journey as a mother of a child with substance use disorder and her own healing process. She talks about the challenges of navigating her daughter's recovery and the impact it has had on their relationship. Brandi also shares her experience with perimenopause and the importance of addressing hormonal imbalances. She emphasizes the need for families to take ownership of their role in addiction and the importance of therapy and self-care. Takeaways Loving someone with substance use disorder is incredibly challenging and requires ongoing support and understanding. Healing and rebuilding trust in the family after addiction takes time and effort from all members. Addressing hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during perimenopause, can have a significant impact on mental health and overall well-being. Families need to take ownership of their role in addiction and work on their own healing and growth. Therapy and self-care are essential for both individuals struggling with addiction and their loved ones.   Resources are available on my website : Resources Here TikTok: The_original_brandi_mac Email: Collateraldamagesucks@gmail.com

    20 min

  7. 01/01/2024

    Happy New Year! Meet Brooke Part 2

    Happy New Year everyone! Brooke and I figured we would start 2024 off with part 2 of her interview. This episode goes more into what happened in Maryland especially concerning her medicated assisted treatment and much more. All of the questions came from followers on social media. The next episode we will be discussing sex trafficking.  Email us @ collateraldamagesucks@gmail.com Resources and website https://www.brandimac.com/

    35 min

  8. 12/23/2023

    Meet My Daughter Brooke...Interview Part 1

    This podcast is raw and real. My daughter came home one week ago to detox and together we made the decision to restart her medicated assisted treatment. This will likely be several parts and a great way to end 2023. Brooke and I want to wish each of you and your family's a very Happy Holiday.  Thank you for sticking around.    https://www.brandimac.com/

    1 hr
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4.7
out of 5
47 Ratings

About

Do what you can live with: Navigating Through Addiction and Recovery is a podcast that shares the struggles of loving someone with substance use disorder, and explores harm reduction and the lived experiences of those in recovery. Hosted by Brandi Mac, a critical care nurse practitioner, and mother of an adult daughter with substance use disorder. Each episode provides raw and real lived experience and the struggles we face as loved ones of people who use drugs, the stigma surrounding addiction, harm reduction and the impact generational trauma has on each of us.

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