Why Intervention Podcast

This podcast episode features Certified Professional Coach Mary Ann Palmer who shares her struggles with denial about the severity of her son’s addiction and how she overcame it. She addresses misconceptions about addiction and stresses the importance of family support in the recovery process. Mary Ann emphasizes the need for patience and persistence due to the long-term nature of recovery. She also provides insights on managing a child's cravings, identifying triggers, and the benefits of community support. She advises working with a professional coach and continuous self-education. Chris and Mary Ann challenge the idea of waiting for a loved one to reach their lowest point before considering stepping in to help.   Episode Highlights The story of her mother's addiction and her brother suffering from alcohol use disorder and eventually passing sober The notable moment when she found her son's backpack full of empty beer bottles and had her first acceptance of the fact that there was something wrong The assum

Chris and Danny provide a walkthrough of what to expect during a professionally led family intervention process. Episode Highlights Danny shares a recent case of a concerned mother and father whose adult son is facing alcoholism The need to have professionally guided conversations when talking about issues of addiction or treatment The methodology of leading with love and concern in interventions How a problematic behavior is caused by addiction or alcoholism The issue of families confronting addiction on a surface level, rather than a deeper, more meaningful level Reinforcing the importance of seeking professional guidance in conducting interventions How interventions are not about ambushing or deceiving the person suffering from addiction, but are aimed at creating a directed, loving, and caring conversation to encourage them to agree to get help Common beliefs families endure, like waiting for their loved one to hit rock bottom before they can get help Links and Resources from this Episode https://whyi

Chris had guest Brinn Flagg to discuss her personal and professional experience with handling other people's addictions. She shares her knowledge on addiction and codependency. She suggests clear communication and boundary setting and stresses the need for individual recovery work. The decision to leave an addicted partner is complex and personal, and continuing personal growth after leaving is crucial to prevent repeating toxic patterns.    Episode Highlights How Brinn Flagg got into the field Her experience dating someone with an active addiction to prescription drugs which differed from her sister's heroin addiction The importance of learning about addiction to navigate its challenges and lend compassion towards loved ones in the throes of addiction Her relationship experience as a codependent partner to someone addicted to substances The nature of her partner’s addiction The benefits of recovering on her own and how seeking a coach led her to recognize harmful tendencies in relationships The complexities

Chris and Danny talk about the mindset and perspective shift families gain by applying separation, empathy and compassion to their loved one's addiction. Episode Highlights The concept of separating loved ones from their addiction Seeking information about addiction and recovery Separation, empathy, and compassion as tools to understand and handle addiction The hardships families face dealing with an addicted loved one The importance of separating the person from their addiction Substance abuse not being a moral failing, countering the stigma that people with substance use issues are inherently flawed or have made poor choices Who may be the most empathetic towards addiction? How to address a loved one in a situation like jail due to addiction Remember to “Take a S.E.C.” when you approach your addicted loved one Letting them off the hook: Understanding that they're 'hooked' on their addiction and can't unhook themselves without intervention Links and Resources from this Episode https://whyintervention.com

Chris and Danny discuss the action steps you can expect to see your loved one taking when starting out in a 12-step program and what you can do to be helpful in their recovery journey. Episode Highlights The importance of helping families understand the journey of the individual who is recovering How, as a loved one in recovery, attending 90 meetings in 90 days (a meeting everyday) can be essential along with the family supporting the individual Getting a sponsor and listening to suggestions The essential advice for loved ones returning home after treatment The sense of commitment and responsibility that being part of a home group can promote Importance of feeling good about oneself as a motivation to keep away from destructive, addictive behavior Using the 12-step recovery journey as a way to model recovery and provide support Behavioral changes that can take place through this process, helping the individual to become more truthful, reliable, and focused on helping others The concept of being 'restored to

Chris and Danny discuss personal experiences, parenthood, combating addiction, and interventions. They use the story of Chris’ recent trip to a gun range to relate to the process of addressing addiction, emphasizing the need for expert guidance and building new frames of reference. They discourage a lone wolf approach to dealing with addiction and urge listeners to seek professional help instead, based on personal experiences and observations with different families struggling with addiction. They narrate the importance of a robust support network and sharing experiences and problems with others. Episode Highlights Christopher shares about his first trip to a gun range He draws parallels between the gun shooting lesson and interventions, emphasizing on the importance of expert guidance and trusting the process They compare a family's skepticism at the beginning of an intervention process to their disbelief  when it works out The importance of having a clear outcome in mind while dealing with a loved one suf

Chris and Danny discuss the various similarities between fighting addiction and fighting a fire since Chris recently retired from the FDNY. They also discuss the importance of leverage, how intervention makes the once seemingly impossible now routine. Episode Highlights The importance of not being discouraged by an initial "no" from an addicted loved one when suggesting rehab/treatment Does an addicted person need to be "ready" for treatment, or is it more like a game of hide and seek? How addicted individuals often want to stop their substance use, but struggle to act on it due to the nature of addiction Emphasizing the need to separate an addicted loved one from the substance and not believing any promises they make while still using How an individual's spirituality and clarity can be wiped out when using substances again The importance of setting constraints or boundaries for the family members in coping with their loved one's addiction Understanding the value of having the necessary skills to deal with

Chris and Danny discuss the crucial role of effective communication and support for families dealing with a loved one's addiction. They emphasize building resilience through facing adversity and failures. A new six-week closed group intensive is announced, aiming to teach families how to communicate effectively and support their loved ones in achieving lasting sobriety. The program offers tools, guidance, and peer support to participants. Episode Highlights Initial family outreach and the complexity of cases How cases can resolve before an intervention is needed Introduction of the closed group intensive and its goals The importance of developing skills to help loved ones get sober Creating a recovery contract for future concerns Case success: wife's attentiveness gets husband back in treatment within 5 days of relapse The challenge of discussing suspicions without causing conflict The hesitation in discussing suspicions due to fear of worsening the situation The impact of past experiences on family members

Chris and Danny discuss the value of having supportive people in your corner while dealing with a loved one's addiction. They cover the concept of "bring someone in" from the "DEBBIE Method" in multiple ways. They also discuss the crucial roles of family and professional intervention in the journey from addiction to sobriety and highlight the difference between merely getting sober and staying sober, emphasizing the importance of seeking help, letting go of shame, and changing one's environment. Additionally, Chris and Danny critique the traditional therapy and 12-step meetings for providing limited support, advocating for combined professional interventions for better results. Episode Highlights The importance of help accessibility for families dealing with addiction What is The DEBBIE Method? Bringing an interventionist into the situation as the most helpful level of involvement Trusting influential people with addicted loved ones and letting them know some facts as a form of support Breaking the family's

Chris and Danny discuss overcoming the feeling of helplessness when dealing with addiction, for both addicts and their family members. They emphasize the importance of separating the addiction from the person and recognizing it as an illness rather than a personal issue. Taking small steps such as learning about addiction and seeking help from experienced individuals, can help people regain control and work towards recovery. Effective communication and mindset shifts play a significant role in addressing addiction, and it is crucial to believe change is possible.  Episode Highlights Relating the freeze response to family members struggling with a loved one's addiction and their feeling of being stuck The story of Danny dealing with his mother's attempts to manage his addiction and how her eventual withdrawal ultimately led to his treatment The concept of Learned Helplessness and its roots in a 1967 study involving dogs and electric shocks The discovery that the original Learned Helplessness theory actually

Chris and Danny discuss the Stop D.R.E.A.M.I.N.G. Framework, an essential tool designed specifically for families who are courageously grappling with the complex challenges of a loved one's addiction. This transformative approach not only promises to reshape the way families interact with their addicted members but also increases the likelihood of guiding them towards seeking help, embracing change, and eventually starting their recovery journey. Utilizing these principles, families will discover the skills required to establish and maintain firm boundaries while renouncing the enabling behaviors that often plague these difficult situations. The hosts shed light on the significance of sidestepping unproductive and repetitive pitfalls such as arguments, misinterpretation, or guessing games. In their stead, a more fruitful alternative is presented: Supporting and motivating the addicted individual to take advantage of the professional help and resources required to gradually regain control of their life. Epis

In this episode, Chris and Danny discuss some of the benefits of 12-step recovery, including their effectiveness and common resistance to them. They emphasize the importance of having an open mind and committing to the program, even in the face of setbacks and relapses. The hosts also share personal stories and anecdotes to illustrate their points, and provide resources for loved ones looking to intervene and help their struggling family members. Overall, they stress the importance of seeking help and support, and not giving up on the potential for recovery. Episode Highlights How even in the midst of addiction, some people still have a sense of caring for others How people often make excuses for why A.A. didn't work for them They point out that these excuses often have a pro, but there is usually something underlying that makes a person resistant to receiving help Encouraging loved ones to separate the addiction from the person and not to carry the addict's negative words with them The language of addictio

In this episode, Chris and Danny discuss a few case studies that highlight some simple things families can do that they wouldn’t necessarily think to do on their own.  Connection makes the difference. They discuss the 4-part connection formula families can use to get their addicted loved ones the help they need. Chris and Danny also highlight the importance of recognizing when an emergency situation arises and acting quickly in order to ensure the safety of those involved. Episode Highlights Intervention strategies for an addicted loved one Prioritizing the safety of children Dealing with an emergency situation involving children Emergency situations and treatment plans The benefits of family intervention for substance abuse recovery Dealing with emotional outbursts Intervention planning and its success rate The benefits of having an intervention for someone suffering from substance abuse Having a family intervention and discussion on treatment facilities and recovery Recognizing addiction and taking action

If you are a family member with a loved one who needs help, it is important to get support before you offer support. In this episode, Chris and Danny discuss the importance and benefits that come when you Model Recovery, both for your addicted loved one and yourself. They talk about the importance of family members getting involved in recovery programs when their loved one is going through treatment. Chris and Danny share how it can help give the family member a leg up and increase the success rate of their loved one's recovery. Additionally, they enumerate the problems that arise when family members don't get involved in their own recovery program. Episode Highlights Model recovery: Immediately talking to family members with addicted loved ones Benefits of a recovery program before your loved one returns home from treatment Having a game plan for addiction recovery Why family members need to adopt a program of recovery Dealing with family anxiety and recovery programs Urgency and intervention for addiction

According to the 2021 National Home Survey on Drug Use and Health, 44 million American adults ages 18+ have a substance use disorder. This means the possibility of having a family member or a loved one needing help is high. If you are seeking treatment for a loved one, you are not alone. In this episode, Chris and Danny share their first experiences with drugs and alcohol, the distinction between heavy drinkers and alcoholics, and the physical craving for more once they start drinking or using drugs. Together, they discussed the different resources that can help someone in need to better understand their situation and how to help.  Episode Highlights Resource guide for supporting a loved one who needs treatment Advocacy for addiction treatment Understanding the need for intervention in addiction and mental health Reflections on intervention training and efficiency Effects of family beliefs on the effects of intervention Story of their first time drinking and using Introduction to opioids and alcohol use The

It is challenging to help a loved one struggling with any type of addiction. Sometimes, a direct conversation can spearhead the road to recovery. However, when it comes to addiction, the person struggling with the problem won’t be able to see it and acknowledge it. This is why a more focused approach is needed. Shifting your mindset can help get them into treatment. For today’s episode, Chris and Danny reference the concept of positive leverage, which is another way to get someone with an addiction to doing something beneficial that they don’t want to. They discuss the need for discipline when dealing with addiction and why intervention is the easiest and fastest way to get a loved one to accept help for their addiction. Intervention is important for an addicted loved one because they may be subconsciously waiting for it. The family must intervene to remove them from their current environment and put them in a healthy and safe environment. This allows the addicted loved one to move from denial to acceptance a

A good number of people with active addiction are unfortunately in a lot of pain during the months of January and February. As a loved one, should you just watch them succumb to their addictions? Is there something that you can do to solve the problem? For today’s episode, Chris and Danny talk about the various misconceptions that society and families have about helping people with addictions. These misconceptions can lead to addiction getting worse, in families' homes and for society as a whole. They also discuss how to help an addicted loved one, including professional interventions, attending support groups, and modeling recovery. They emphasize the importance of external constraints to help keep an addict on the straight and narrow and to help them realize the value of sobriety. Episode Highlights Effects of the holidays on people who are struggling The perfect time to talk to your loved ones to seek help Dangers of winter to those in active addiction Why human contact is necessary to promote interventi

Substance and alcohol use can ruin not only your addicted loved one’s lives.. but also yours. If you’ve reached the end of your rope and you can’t take it anymore, should you deliver an ultimatum? Can ultimatums really solve the problem? For today’s episode, Chris and Danny discuss the differences between ultimatums, consequences, and healthy boundaries. They describe how ineffective ultimatums are because the person giving the ultimatum is not always committed to following through on it. If a parent tells a child that they will be kicked out if they continue to use substances or drink, but if the parent is not actually willing to follow through, then the child will learn that they can continue their addiction without consequence. Chris and Danny also argue that ultimatums and consequences are usually ineffective because they are reactionary and not well thought out. Setting healthy boundaries is a better choice because it requires more insight and planning. Links and Resources from this Episode https://why

How often do family members deal with a drunk relative during the holidays? Amidst the glitter, the glamor, and the fun of the holidays, it can be frustrating to deal with family members who drink or misuse substances. These situations can be funny or horrific, depending on the outcome, but as a family member, you don’t have to suffer alone. For today’s episode, Chris and Danny talk about the difference between how a family would respond to an accident if it was alcohol or drug-induced versus if it’s not. The family would be much more likely to minimize and shake off the incident if it was drug or alcohol related. This is especially true during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. These situations can be a very painful thing for the family to address. Chris and Danny also highlight the importance of having resources and help available during the family’s trying times. They also discussed how families can be affected by these events, and how thankful they are when everyone is safe. Links and Resources from

January is often a time when people realize they need help with their addicted loved ones, and we encourage anyone in need of assistance to reach out for help. For today’s episode, Chris and Danny discuss the importance of raising awareness about interventions, especially during the busy holiday season. They note that addiction is a progressive disease and that holding off on treatment can be dangerous. They talk about interventions as a possible solution for families struggling with addiction and emphasize that it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Chris and Danny also mentioned the benefits of having a professional interventionist involved when a family is trying to help a loved one with addiction problems. It can be overwhelming for a family to try to coordinate everything on their own, and having someone with experience can make a big difference. Links and Resources from this Episode https://whyintervention.com/ https://twitter.com/whyintervention https://www.facebook.com/whyintervention/?re