Hopestream for parenting kids through drug use and addiction Podcast By Brenda Zane cover art

Hopestream for parenting kids through drug use and addiction

Hopestream for parenting kids through drug use and addiction

By: Brenda Zane
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Hopestream is the defacto resource for parents who have a teen or young adult child who's misusing drugs or alcohol, hosted by Brenda Zane. Brenda is a Mayo Clinic Certified health & wellness coach, CRAFT-trained Parent Coach, and mom of a son who nearly lost his life to addiction. Guests include addiction, prevention, and treatment experts, family members impacted by their loved one's substance use, and wellness and self-care specialists. You'll also hear heartfelt messages from me, your host. It's a safe, nurturing respite from the chaos and confusion you live with. We gather in our private communities between the episodes in The Stream community for moms. Learn more at www.hopestreamcommunity.org/the-stream/.

© 2025 Hopestream for parenting kids through drug use and addiction Hygiene & Healthy Living Parenting & Families Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships
Episodes
  • Breaking Through Broken Communication: A Simple CRAFT Tool for Parents of Struggling Kids, with Brenda Zane

    Breaking Through Broken Communication: A Simple CRAFT Tool for Parents of Struggling Kids, with Brenda Zane
    Jul 24 2025

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION:

    Need a way to better navigate even the most challenging conversations?

    Over time, I've learned that making a request of someone can go south quickly when you don't know how to set it up properly. In this "from-the-vault" episode from my 2021 archives (perfect for our summer slowdown while I recharge between recording sessions), I share one of my absolute favorite communication frameworks that you can learn in 30 minutes and start using within hours.

    The SURF technique—known in traditional CRAFT terminology as "positive communication" provides a practical conversation framework for those moments when you need to make a request of your child, especially during tense or emotionally charged situations. Whether you're asking them to apply for jobs, respect curfew, follow through on treatment commitments, or just empty the dishwasher, this approach helps you move from power struggles to problem-solving...together.

    If you're the type of parent who can solve any problem or crisis but feels completely powerless when your child yells back at you or slams the door on you mid-sentence, this episode is for you.

    I'll break down each element of the SURF framework with real examples, plus I give you five concrete tips for implementation that acknowledge the messy reality of family life.

    This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community
    Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms
    Find us on Instagram here
    Find us on YouTube here
    Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol

    Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.
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    22 mins
  • Four Counterintuitive Parenting Moves If Your Child Has Substance Use and Mental Health Challenges, with Brenda Zane

    Four Counterintuitive Parenting Moves If Your Child Has Substance Use and Mental Health Challenges, with Brenda Zane
    Jul 17 2025

    ABOUT THE EPISODE:

    In this episode from the vault, I draw from my own experiences to share four counterintuitive strategies that can transform relationships and encourage healing when you're parenting a young person struggling with substance use and mental health.

    I emphasize the importance of asking questions instead of giving commands, focusing on self-reflection rather than solely on your child, trusting a higher power, and broadening your perspective to see the bigger picture.

    I've also included recommendations for books, podcasts, and exercises to support you on this challenging journey, promising hope and community support along the way.

    EPISODE RESOURCES:

    • Episode 22 with Krissy Pozatek
    • Dr. Brad Reedy's podcast, services & books
    • Beyond Addiction book and workbook
    • Episode 3 & 136 with Carrie Wilkens Ph.D.

    This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community
    Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms
    Find us on Instagram here
    Find us on YouTube here
    Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol

    Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.
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    32 mins
  • What You May Not Want To Hear: Ten Hard Truths Parents Need To Know If Your Child Is Misusing Substances, with Brenda Zane

    What You May Not Want To Hear: Ten Hard Truths Parents Need To Know If Your Child Is Misusing Substances, with Brenda Zane
    Jul 10 2025

    ABOUT THE EPISODE:

    This week I’m bringing back an episode from 2020 that is just as relevant today as it was then. The episode covers ten hard truths parents need to face when you recognize potential substance use, or if you know you’re dealing with an addiction.

    It’s a great episode for those who are new to the experience of having your child dabble in or become dependent on substances, and there are also truths that apply to the seasoned parent who’s been at this for a while.

    This is a straight-forward, lay-it-all-out-there episode that I hope will bring a sense of urgency if you’ve been floundering with what to do, and encourage you to share it with a friend if someone you know is in the early stages of, “what do I do!?” with their child or children.

    EPISODE RESOURCES:

    • Download the show PDF resource doc here

    This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community
    Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms
    Find us on Instagram here
    Find us on YouTube here
    Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol

    Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.
    Show more Show less
    37 mins
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My daughter has been severely addicted to drugs for at least 6 years. She’s been in and out of dozens of rehabs and I’ve drained my retirement account and borrowed $6,000 from each of my family members to pay for it all. Then I lost my job because I used the wrong word on-air in between phone calls with the rehab facility and the insurance company that was kicking her out of treatment just as she was getting better. Then she crashed my car. So, now I’m living in Tijuana teetering on bankruptcy and homelessness and she needs a place to stay while she recovers from Covid. The only rule they have here is no smoking inside. I had to warn her about seven times that she couldn’t smoke marijuana inside the house today IN MEXICO where weed is still highly illegal. Finally, I had to ask her to leave. I’m not going to end up homeless on the streets of Tijuana because she can’t control herself enough not smoke marijuana inside. I’m sorry. I guess what I should have said is “how great you woke up early” but I listened to this podcast after the fact. I have nothing left to lose or give and I can’t do this anymore. She’s 18 now and it’s time she starts to lose instead of me. I’m really sad though. She’s safe back on the U.S. side with her drug dealer’s mother. But it’s really sad. I haven’t seen a whole lot of podcasts or online resources aimed at this devastating problem.

Thank you

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