In this heartfelt episode of Circle of Chairs, I sit down with Shelly Young to explore the deeply personal and transformative journey of family recovery. Shelly shares the moving story of her son's ten-year recovery milestone, her mother's struggle with alcohol use disorder, and how these experiences led her to immerse herself in the world of addiction treatment. She speaks passionately about breaking the cycle of generational addiction through understanding, connection, and compassion. Shelly emphasizes the importance of community support, contrasting the outdated 'tough love' approach with the more nurturing 'Invitation to Change' model. Her story is a testament to the power of unconditional love and steadfast support in healing. Tune in to discover the inspiring work Shelly is doing with the Chris Atwood Foundation and her latest project— an empowering documentary on family recovery. This episode is a beacon of hope for families navigating the challenging waters of addiction, underscoring that with love and community, recovery is always possible.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:28 Shelly's Personal Journey into Recovery

01:01 Family Dynamics and Generational Addiction

02:27 The Role of Community and Collegiate Recovery

03:41 Facing Addiction and Changing Perspectives

05:06 Understanding and Addressing Stigma

10:20 Invitation to Change vs. Tough Love

16:58 The Power of Community Support

20:27 Shelly's Work and Future Projects

24:57 Conclusion and Gratitude

Caroline Beidler, MSW, is an author, speaker, and Managing Editor of Recovery.com, where she combines expert guidance with research to help people find the best path to healing and treatment. Her next book, When You Love Someone in Recovery: A Hopeful Guide for Understanding Addiction, is coming Spring 2026 with Nelson Books. Drawing from her own recovery journey through addiction, mental health challenges, and trauma, along with training as a clinical mental health provider and addiction recovery expert, Caroline is passionate about guiding you into seasons of greater healing. Learn more about her books here.