Listen in as we discuss the complexities of Substance Use Disorder and the resilience of individuals and families affected by it. The conversation explores the challenges and experiences of Tami and her son's journey through SUD and recovery. Tami emphasizes the importance of the whole family's support in the recovery process and acknowledges that it takes time and growth to navigate through the difficulties. She expresses her wish that no one else has to go through what they went through. The conversation also touches on the importance of setting boundaries, seeking outside help, and being open to different treatment approaches. The mother shares her own journey of learning and letting go of control, and the importance of finding what works for each individual in their recovery.

Connect with Family Recovery Out LOUD on social media:

Instagram @familyrecoveryoutloud

Facebook @familyrecoveryoutloud

Questions for Caroline or Pam? Email us at FamilyRecoveryOutLOUD@yahoo.com

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Resources:

Nar-Anon Family Groups – Find a Meeting: https://www.nar-anon.org/find-a-meeting

Al-Anon Family Groups – Find a Meeting: https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting/

Summary

Sarah Chittum shares her personal story of losing her son to fentanyl poisoning and her advocacy work in fighting against it. She emphasizes the need for awareness and education about fentanyl, as well as stricter punishments for drug dealers. Sarah also discusses the role of China and the Mexican cartel in the fentanyl crisis and calls for labeling the cartel as terrorists. She highlights the importance of closing the de minimis loophole and increasing border security to prevent the influx of fentanyl into the country. Sarah's ultimate goal is to prevent more parents from experiencing the pain of losing a child to fentanyl.

Connect with Family Recovery Out LOUD on social media:

Instagram @familyrecoveryoutloud

Facebook @familyrecoveryoutloud

Questions for Caroline or Pam? Email us at FamilyRecoveryOutLOUD@yahoo.com

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show!

Resources:

Lost Voices of Fentanyl website: https://lvof.org/

Lost Voices of Fentanyl Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/506404506985344

Texas Gulf Coast War on Fentanyl - https://www.facebook.com/groups/747791399820530

Montgomery County Overdose Prevention Endeavor (M-COPE) https://www.facebook.com/groups/mocope

In this conversation, Hope Aldred shares her personal journey with addiction and recovery, as well as her work in the field of family recovery. She emphasizes the importance of breaking the silence and stigma surrounding addiction and creating a support network. Hope also discusses the need for holding space for others and validating their feelings, rather than trying to fix or minimize their pain. The conversation highlights the messages that children and families need to hear, such as understanding addiction as a disease, knowing it's not their fault, and encouraging open communication. The conversation explores the importance of authentic connection and vulnerability when dealing with addiction. It emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding from others, especially within the recovery community. They also highlight the power of sharing their stories and breaking the stigma surrounding addiction. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the value of connection, support, and honesty in navigating the challenges of addiction. In this part of the conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of owning and sharing one's story, as well as the fear of judgment and stigma that can prevent people from opening up. They also explore ways that friends and family can support someone dealing with addiction, such as offering practical help, like cleaning a room, providing meals, or running errands. The speakers emphasize the need for intentionality and not waiting for the person to ask for help. In this final part of the conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of educating oneself about addiction and offering support to loved ones. They emphasize the need to normalize addiction and avoid judgment. They also talk about the power of asking someone how their soul is, rather than just asking how they are. The speakers highlight the importance of finding grace in people who don't understand addiction and the value of sharing personal stories to connect with others. They conclude by emphasizing that no one is alone in their struggles with addiction.

Connect with Family Recovery Out LOUD on social media:

Instagram @familyrecoveryoutloud

Facebook @familyrecoveryoutloud

Questions for Caroline or Pam? Email us at FamilyRecoveryOutLOUD@yahoo.com

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show!

Resources:

Nar-Anon Family Groups – Find a Meeting: https://www.nar-anon.org/find-a-meeting

Al-Anon Family Groups – Find a Meeting: https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting/

Hope Aldred

HopeAldred@hotmail.com

912-541-2002