5 steps to helping your loved one: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guide

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In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we sit down with Mike Harper as he shares his candid story of battling addiction and the hard-earned lessons that came with his journey to sobriety. Mike opens up about his years of on-and-off relapse, often justifying that smoking marijuana was acceptable, only to realize that it led him to the same emotional and mental rock bottom as harder drugs.

Mike dives deep into the work he’s had to do to maintain his sobriety, explaining why being completely abstinent from all mood and mind-altering substances is the only path that works for him. Join us as we discuss the importance of full commitment to recovery, and why finding what works for you—whether it’s total abstinence or another method—is crucial for long-term success.

5 steps to helping your loved one: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guide

Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services

In this inspiring episode of Real Recovery Talk, we sit down with Destiny, whose life has transformed dramatically after years of battling addiction and spending 10 months in jail. After facing multiple overdoses and reaching a turning point, Destiny made the courageous decision to get clean and sober, completely turning her life around.

Today, Destiny is thriving in nursing school, working toward her dream of becoming a registered nurse. Not only is she focused on her own future, but she’s also giving back by working in the field of addiction, helping others who are struggling just as she once did. Join us as Destiny shares her powerful story of resilience, recovery, and her passion for helping others find the same hope she discovered on her path to sobriety.

In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we explore the intricate dynamics of codependency with guests Ben Harrison and licensed mental health counselor Nicole Montgomery. Together, we take a deep dive into the roots of codependency, how it impacts relationships, and why it’s crucial to address for both individuals in recovery and their loved ones.

1. Recognize and Acknowledge Codependent Behaviors
   The first step in overcoming codependency is identifying it. Be honest with yourself about patterns such as prioritizing others' needs over your own, feeling responsible for others' happiness, or struggling to set boundaries.

2. Set Healthy Boundaries
   Start establishing clear and healthy boundaries in your relationships. Learn to say “no” without guilt, and prioritize your emotional and physical well-being. Boundaries allow you to maintain your sense of self and prevent burnout.

3. Practice Self-Care and Self-Compassion
   Focus on taking care of your own needs, both emotionally and physically. Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you reconnect with yourself. Developing self-compassion is essential for breaking free from the need for external validation.

4. Seek Professional Support
   Working with a therapist, especially one experienced in codependency, can be incredibly helpful. A licensed professional can help you uncover the root causes of your codependency and guide you toward healthier relational patterns.

5. Develop Independent Interests and Relationships
   Pursue hobbies, goals, and friendships outside of your codependent relationships. Cultivating a sense of independence allows you to rely less on others for validation and fosters personal growth.

These tips can guide you toward breaking the cycle of codependency and creating healthier, more balanced relationships.

Nicole provides her professional insights into how codependency manifests, while Ben shares his personal experiences with it. We also offer practical tips and strategies to help you recognize codependent behaviors in yourself or your relationships and actionable steps to break free from the cycle. Whether you’re directly struggling with codependency or supporting a loved one, this episode is packed with valuable tools to guide you toward healthier, more independent relationships.