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The hardest truth for families to hear often becomes the most freeing: you can’t fix your loved one’s addiction—and you don’t have to. We sat down with clinical leader Dr. Brian Samford and admissions director Zack Plyler from The Arbor, alongside interventionist Brian Schultz, to map out a path that replaces control with connection and panic with a plan. If you’ve been acting as the banker and the janitor—funding chaos and cleaning up every mess—this conversation shows how to step back into your real role: parent, partner, sibling.

We unpack why codependency mirrors addiction, how enabling is really feelings‑avoidance, and why surrender is as essential for families as it is for those who use. You’ll hear what healthy boundaries look like in practice, how to shift phone calls from progress‑policing to simple human connection, and why long‑term care matters more than a quick 30‑day stay. We also demystify the mental health vs. addiction debate, explaining how substance use disorder itself is a mental illness and why medicating symptoms without changing systems keeps everyone stuck.

Looking for a real way to evaluate treatment? We share what to look for beyond glossy websites: staff presence versus office huddles, alumni working on campus, peers greeting newcomers by name, and support at 2 a.m. when it counts. Most of all, we return to the heart of lasting change: therapeutic alliance, community, and the kind of spiritual growth that shifts identity from shame to belonging. There is hope, and there is a path—Al‑Anon, ACA, CoDA for families; meetings, mentorship, and service for those seeking sobriety. Everyone has a part, and when each person does theirs, recovery becomes possible and sustainable.

If this resonates, follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review to help more families find practical hope. Your next right step might be closer than you think.

Support the show

Join us Every Sunday at 8:00 PM PST and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Night at 8:00 PM EST/5:00PST for a FREE family support group. Register at the following link to get the zoom information sent to you: Family Support Meeting

About our sponsor(s):

Intervention on Call is on online platform that allows families and support systems to get immediate coaching and direction from a professional interventionist. While a professional intervention can be a powerful experience for change, not every family needs a professionally led intervention. For families who either don't need or can't afford a professional intervention, we can help. Hour sessions are $150.

Therapy is a very important way to take care of your mental health. This can happen from the comfort of your own home or office. If you need therapy and want to get a discount on your first month of services please try Better Help.

If you want to know more about the host's private practice please visit:
Matt Brown: Freedom Interventions

Follow the host on TikTok
Matt: @mattbrowninterventionist


If you have a question that we can answer on the show, please email us at matt@partywreckers.com