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

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

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.

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

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

In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we are joined by Zach B. who shares his powerful story of sobriety and the transformative journey that led him there. Zach opens up about his upbringing in Palm Beach County and the pivotal moments that compelled him to put down the drink and drugs. He discusses how his addictions held him back from growing his businesses and how achieving sobriety became the key to unlocking success in every aspect of his life.

• Zach Brady’s Sobriety Journey:

  • His upbringing in Palm Beach County and the pivotal moments that led to sobriety.
  • The impact of addiction on his personal and professional life.

• Addiction and Business:

  • How addiction held Zach back from growing his businesses.
  • The positive changes and success that followed his commitment to sobriety.

• Faith and Sobriety:

  • Zach’s deep relationship with God and how it has guided him through tough times.
  • The importance of putting God first in his life and decision-making.

• Androgenix and HRT Therapy:

  • Overview of Zach’s business, Androgenix, and its focus on HRT therapy.
  • Discussion on testosterone replacement therapy, Ozempic, and other related topics.

• Insights and Inspiration:

  • Lessons learned from Zach’s journey and how faith and sobriety intersect.
  • Tips for integrating spirituality, business, and recovery in a balanced, fulfilling life.

Zach also delves into his deep relationship with God and how his faith has carried him through the toughest times in his sobriety. By putting God first in everything he does, Zach has found strength and purpose that guide him daily. Additionally, we explore his business, Androgenix, and his expertise in HRT therapy, discussing topics such as testosterone replacement therapy, Ozempic, and more. This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of faith, business, and recovery, offering insights and inspiration for anyone on the path to sobriety.

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

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

In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we explore the powerful role that rituals play in both addiction and recovery. When struggling with addiction, rituals often become a part of daily life—whether it’s the routine of acquiring substances or the behaviors associated with using them. We dive into these addiction-driven rituals and discuss why it’s crucial to break free from them as part of the recovery process.

We also emphasize the importance of creating new, positive rituals that support sobriety. By filling your time with activities and routines that promote well-being, you can build a strong foundation for lasting recovery. Join us as we discuss strategies for replacing old habits with new, healthy ones, and how to effectively use rituals to stay on the path to sobriety.

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

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

In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we explore the concept of balance in recovery, using the metaphor of a pie chart to illustrate where you're putting most of your efforts. We discuss the importance of dedicating sufficient time to your recovery, especially in the early stages, to build a strong and lasting foundation. However, we also emphasize the need to balance this with enjoying life’s pleasures, continuing hobbies, and having fun.

Too often, people focus so intensely on their recovery that they neglect other aspects of life, leading to burnout. We talk about strategies to make recovery sustainable, ensuring that it enhances, rather than diminishes, the joy and fulfillment life has to offer. Tune in to learn how to find the right balance between staying committed to sobriety and living a full, enjoyable life.

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

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

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

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

In this important episode of Real Recovery Talk, we address a common challenge faced by parents and loved ones of individuals struggling with addiction—spending too much time, energy, and resources on their addicted loved one at the expense of their own well-being. While it's natural to want to support your loved one’s sobriety, it’s crucial to recognize when your efforts are becoming detrimental to your own health and happiness.

We discuss the proper ways to support your loved one in recovery, focusing on healthy boundaries and balanced involvement. We also highlight key behaviors and patterns that you should stop today if they’re compromising your well-being. Tune in to learn how to effectively support your loved one without losing yourself in the process, ensuring that both you and your loved one can thrive in the journey to recovery.

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

Join our Family Re-Connect Program: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/reconnect

In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we share the story of Elizabeth, who has committed herself fully to getting and maintaining her sobriety. After a short stay in treatment, Elizabeth returned home only to find herself relapsing—a turning point that made her realize she needed a more extensive commitment to her recovery.

Elizabeth opens up about the importance of being brutally honest with herself about the challenges she was facing and the changes she needed to make. She discusses her decision to spend a significant amount of time in treatment and how that choice has been crucial to her ongoing sobriety. This episode offers a powerful reminder that sometimes, the path to recovery requires deeper honesty and a willingness to invest in long-term treatment to build a solid foundation for lasting change.