Opioid Dad - Family Journey Of Recovery: Recent Episodes
Opioid Dad
Outlining the family journey and sharing experiences for those with loved ones in active addiction or fighting addiction in a recovery program. The host Hank has a loved one who has battled drug addiction and uses candor, real examples, and humor to share a story that is real and hopeful - and always genuine.
Hi folks-as I outlined in this quick head podcast just about 10 minutes long, I had a event or two to go to this week that was attentionally going to be very challenging from an emotional standpoint, however ended up being really rewarding and fun with real connections
A quick wrap up on observations from prior year and the road ahead for those of us working with Recovery and Recover related issues
I’m just rocking a short podcast here as I begin to understand a little bit more about substance misuse disorder
Hi folks, this is just a morning reflections on the Week ahead and the perspective of what we can and cannot control. I also touch on the billion dollar lottery That I have zero chance of winning. Have a great day
Hi folks this is just a quick 10 minute episode letting you know about how I have dealt with my own desire to control things relating to my loved ones addiction issues. While I would never tell someone how they have to be with their own loved one, I am very aware of how little control I have had as I attempted to exert my will over their issues
Today I journey to my local big box membership warehouse-and podcast while waiting for my car to be repaired. If that doesn’t sound exciting to you, really you have to start living
in this podcast I cover three points that you as someone who loves another who has substance abuse disorder should be aware of to stay on track with your own quality of life. Additionally, I cover a trip to Pittsburgh,
On this episode Hank covers the innocence lost in the addiction and recovery process, the reality that many things do not go back as the parents would like them to, and continuing to move ahead regardless of the circumstances with a view towards celebrating recovery
A quick hit podcast covering many topics from billboards, podcasts, marc Maron, recovery’s, Rolex and other BS
A little review of my pending Memorial Day weekend and why leasing cars for me is dumb. Yes a strange combination!
Peace to you
Just a real mini on this episode as I throw out some of the countries and cities listening in on the podcast.....also a potential guest as we approach episode 50
I took a 10 minute trip to pick up my brother work and gave some rambling thoughts on my way to do that. My brother hop in the car introduced him self made a few unusual remarks and then we drove home. So a little more insight into the uniqueness of my life and peace and love and respect you and your life
Hank covers the reality of having to care for someone with substance abuse disorder. Recognizing the fight that is required as a parent or loved one and also highlighting that same ability and the person with substance abuse disorder.
In today’s podcast Hank covers some issues of self-care, making sure your own life is on track in spite of the pathway your love ones may be on. Parents of those with substance abuse disorder especially put several segments of their life on hold while they navigate and feel their way through a very confusing painful and lonely time. Hank has come up with some optionsFor his own family that will allow for them to continue moving forward with some grader goals but at the same time continuing to love and care for their entire family. While he’s not quite there yet, he and his wife are making plans.
In today’s episode I cover mom’s smoking of multiple packs a day since she’s 14 years of age, the love we have for our parents and how it is reflected as an adult, loving those with addiction, navigating substance use disorder and Boundaries we need to have in place so we can continue to forge ahead
Hank covers 420 also known as April 20 to us older people. Additionally I talk about cannabis legalization the reality of the future of America from a marijuana standpoint in my opinion. I also touch on the fact that much like alcohol being legal and a very small percentage have a problem with it we will see the same thing with marijuana, in my opinion. This is not an endorsement rather a state of reality in the United States in the 21st-century
And this podcast cover a little bit about the application for traffic known as Waze and I also talk about being able to see the future as the parent of someone with substance abuse disorder. Equally vital is my in-depth coverage of how to catch poison ivy before it’s even 70°. Also I cover a new parent support groupThat my wife and I recently visited and what we learned and took away.
This is just a quickie at less than six minutes With a few observations about our surroundings and what we give off and what we take in. Enjoy what I hope will be a wonderful weekend for all of you with some peace some love and some personal recognition that you were doing all you can for you and your loved one.
We have all heard of ONE DAY AT A TIME but how does that apply to us as parents? When are we getting ahead of ourselves? When are we out over the front of our own skis? It’s a common error for those of us who have loved ones who are in the fight to be hopeful and that is OK. However in my view and experience tempering your thoughts with that mantra of one day at a time as it applies to us as parents has been Vitally important for my own sanity checks.
In today’s podcast I touch on the serenity prayer that is very well known in society and has been adopted by many 12 step programs. The last verse of this prayer has become extremely meaningful to me personally over the past few months. Please take a quick listen and see if you can relate.
Peace and love
Hank
Weather apocalypse predictions, who will get elected, who is suing whom, government shutdowns, who was promoted ahead of you at the office etc....we all have stuff to deal with but those of us that have a loved one battling their drug and alcohol challenges are literally in a fight for our lives. I separate a little fact from disinformation and how you may put some armor on to get through the day. I do not think I state it on this particular episode BUT get into a parent/sibling/friend support group with like minded people if at all possible. We have had great direction, companionship and friendship from a few we attend and that is the ultimate self care! As we learned YOU ARE NOT ALONE....
A quick review of a few books that I have on my self help shelf mostly focused on understanding addiction and the challenges of substance abuse disorder
OK - a Little ramp to really gonna get some things off my chest things I’m upset about things I’m angry about and a recognition that this too shall pass. Thank you for indulging me on this five minutes of going off on the institutions and I’m thankful I have a listening audience or even just a tape recorder to talk into at times.
I also understand that there are proper use of medication and that proper opioid use has its place in the treatment market for severe pain. Please do not email me about this although given the title of the podcast no one has ever called me sticking up for pill manufacturers who have really stuffed the market for opioids.
Let’s be honest, there are Phrases And terminology and other bits and pieces of language that I just did not understand when I first got another world of recovery. I found them frustrating, completely baffling and really making no sense. Nearly 4 years in I seem to of obtained a full education With an understanding that resonates in my own life. If you have been frustrated with people in recovery parents whose children were in recovery or yourself in recovery were things that should make sense just did not, then take 15 minutes and listen to this.
Peace & Love
Hank
This is just an overview of how I have handled visit from my child who is struggling with substance abuse disorder. We all know about the visits when they may need something, or when they’re using, or in fact they may live with you. However for those of us that do not have loved ones living with us, Visit can be exciting and also fraught with concern. Occasionally we need to take a sabbatical from the mental awareness and constant focus on this devastating disease. We have the power to decide when and where we will spend time with those we love in all areas of life including those with substance abuse disorder. Peace and love this is Hank
Hey everybody this is just a quick overview on what I have done that has been rewarding to me psychologically in terms of thanking others.
While I’m sure experiences with counselors Varies, my exposure has been almost 100% positive.
This is just a quick story of something I did for my brother that helped me channel some of my own tension and stress about other areas of my life mainly Stemming from the opioid misuse that is going on with our child
OK this touches on alcoholism, codependency, eldercare, assisted living, parenting, and the game show Jeopardy. In no way shape or form am I Stating that I know anything about Alex Trebek for all the lawyers out there. It’s just a quick rant that when I listen to a second time I actually laughed out loud peace and love Hank
Here we have an overview of how I personally get myself up when I fall down. There are times of doubt, sadness, hopelessness and these are countered with hope, love, energy and action. I don’t hold myself up to be anything special, Rather I’m just the average dad dealing with a somewhat abnormal situation and trying to get through the day. I hope this helps. peace
I owe an apology to some family members and did it live earlier, but address it here a bit. Admitting when you are wrong is a good move. Best intentions and unasked for advice from your friends and families also addressed. The Myths of what causes addiction.
Also rambling a bit on creating opportunities for yourself in this world.
This podcast summarizes a challenging situation with user in active addiction last night. Without question brutally challenging decision and discussion with the person I love very much, however he needs to hold himself accountable. This is not advice for what to do, however this is what I chose to do and while that may be right or wrong and some people’s minds cannot make a decision-I was able.
Hank
This quick hit podcast provides an overview of an organization working diligently on southeast Pennsylvania it is called be a part of the conversation. This organization six to equip parents with the opportunity and ability to speak affectively concisely and intelligently with the developing young children with regard to drugs and alcohol. Also addressed is the reality that wall not everyone will become an addict that uses at a young age, it is in total agreement that introducing substances to a developing brain and critical points has the potential for Devastatingly negative results.
Also an endorsement of the fact that addiction is a family disease and gaining support direction and assistance on the family journey of recovery is a huge benefit. Mentioned in the podcast is Caron And most especially the counselors in the organization that work with the families.
A real quick snapshot into the NFL playoffs and a diversion for mental health. Covering the big game and the historic miracle in the meadowlands in 1978. Take no offense - it’s not heavy and a quick listen
Let’s be human.
Wow! Real moment of sadness that was productive for a friend of my child and the overview on Opioid Dad now global.
College athletes and addiction and being an NCAA athlete at ANY level is tough
Helping a young Person by giving them tools versus DOING for them and listens are happening around USA Canada and Europe
Hank meaning me rambles about crowded apartments, loving his son, being raised by a chain smoking alcoholic that he loves and crazy ass dreams. It’s all here....jump in!
New Year Reservations are not effective and there are bigger long term choices to be made. Candor and reality by Hank with a few observations that may work for you and your family
Reaching out to your loved one when they have not reached out to you and why it is sometimes important for you as a parent.
Christmas morning reflection on dealing with an addicted child plus some funny stories (we all need a little balance)
Hank shares a view on navigating the holiday while running into friends and also missing his son
This is part two of an emotional letter I wrote to my son when he initially went into a rehabilitation inpatient program. It’s real it’s raw and powerful and I must add very emotional reading it one more time.
This is not an angry letter however it does convey the impact of use that an addict has had in his/her family and is commonly shared with the user in a rehab situation after initial detox and non usage. In other words when they are no longer actively using the letters are shared or they may even read them aloud to their peer group.
An emotional Cost letter addressed to my son while he was in a recovery program...Read by the author part 1 of 2
This is not an angry letter however it does convey the impact of use that an addict has had in his/her family and is commonly shared with the user in a rehab situation after initial detox and non usage. In other words when they are no longer actively using the letters are shared or they may even read them aloud to their peer group.
A situation that could have been tragic ((but was not) has a lesson in resiliency and focus for us as parents
Overview of a few dreams/nightmares and interpretation of the same, staying focused on your mental health so you can support the rest of the family in their needs
It is entirely possible that having someone you love caught up in the web of addiction, lies, dishonesty and possibly crime will make you anxious, sad and/or depressed yourself. This is a quick overview on why acknowledging these realities is OK and justified.
If you have a loved one, especially a teenager or young adult/adult child suffering from the disease of addiction, this podcast is relatable, on point and challenging. It can be a lonely and confusing place to be if you are still absorbing the reality of the addiction and how it affects everyone connected. Please tune in as this could be impactful, relatable and also let you know that you are not alone.
peace and love
Hank
If you have a loved one, especially a teenager or young adult/adult child suffering from the disease of addiction, this podcast is relatable, on point and challenging. It can be a lonely and confusing place to be if you are still absorbing the reality of the addiction and how it affects everyone connected. Please tune in as this could be impactful, relatable and also let you know that you are not alone.
peace and love
Hank
If you have a loved one, especially a teenager or young adult/adult child suffering from the disease of addiction, this podcast is relatable, on point and challenging. It can be a lonely and confusing place to be if you are still absorbing the reality of the addiction and how it affects everyone connected. Please tune in as this could be impactful, relatable and also let you know that you are not alone.
peace and love
Hank
If you have a loved one, especially a teenager or young adult/adult child suffering from the disease of addiction, this podcast is relatable, on point and challenging. It can be a lonely and confusing place to be if you are still absorbing the reality of the addiction and how it affects everyone connected. Please tune in as this could be impactful, relatable and also let you know that you are not alone.
peace and love
Hank
What type of people become addicts....bad news ...all kinds. It must be the parents fault and the kids must have been running without rules and other myths addressed
If you have a loved one, especially a teenager or young adult/adult child suffering from the disease of addiction, this podcast is relatable, on point and challenging. It can be a lonely and confusing place to be if you are still absorbing the reality of the addiction and how it affects everyone connected. Please tune in as this could be impactful, relatable and also let you know that you are not alone.
peace and love
Hank