In this episode, I talk about the moment I finally let go of trying to control my daughter's addiction and what radical acceptance looked like in real life. I share how fear was running my parenting, how close I came to losing myself completely, and how surrendering shifted our entire relationship.

I also share a story from yesterday that still feels unreal: taking my daughter — almost two years in recovery — and her children to the Magic Kingdom. Watching her run around with her son, sober and present, reminded me why letting go mattered more than forcing my plans onto her.

If you are drowning right now, scared of losing your child, or feel like you can't survive another day of chaos, this episode is for you.

• Parenting from fear vs clarity

• The breaking point that forced me to surrender

• What radical acceptance actually looks like

• Why bringing up rehab every day made things worse

• How I stopped reacting and started listening

• Letting go of the fantasy timeline of recovery

• Why self-abandonment is so common in parents

• How I rebuilt trust with my daughter

• A real exercise you can do tonight to start shifting your own patterns

My book: Do What You Can Live With
Amazon link: https://a.co/d/1pnyKll

Free resources for families: brandimac.com

Share your story or ask a question:
Email: brandi@brandimac.com

YouTube video of this episode:
Here

Please leave a rating or review. It helps other families find this support when they're searching in the darkest moments.

Keywords

recovery, addiction, advocacy, community, personal growth, storytelling, resilience, Kensington, self-care, support

Summary

In this episode, Brandi Mac shares personal updates about her family, including her daughter's recovery journey and her own struggles with work-life balance. She discusses her advocacy efforts, including a recent event called Rise for Recovery, where she engaged with other advocates and learned about impactful stories of resilience. Brandi reflects on her experiences in Kensington, a community facing significant challenges due to addiction, and emphasizes the importance of community support and outreach. She concludes with a call to action for listeners to contribute to their communities and support those in need.

Takeaways

Brandi's daughter is nearing two years in recovery.
She is focusing more on advocacy and less on hospital work.
The Rise for Recovery event was a transformative experience.
Storytelling is a powerful tool in advocacy.
Kensington is a community deeply affected by addiction.
Brandi emphasizes the importance of self-care.
Community outreach is crucial in addressing addiction.
Brandi's book aims to support families dealing with addiction.
It's okay to find joy amidst pain and struggle.
Everyone can contribute to their community in meaningful ways.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and Personal Updates
05:27 Advocacy and Community Engagement
11:32 Storytelling and Collaboration in Advocacy
16:36 Impactful Stories from the Summit
21:14 Kensington Experience and Observations
26:03 Navigating Advocacy and Community Challenges
31:41 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Brandi's Book "Do What You Can Live With: A Survival Guide for Families Navigating Addiction, Grief and Impossible Choices" HERE

Please send emails that I can share. Send anything, but I really want to know whats the craziest thing you have done as loved one through their addiction?

Email: brandi@brandimac.com

In this episode, Brandi Mac discusses the complexities of addiction and recovery, emphasizing the broken treatment system, the importance of sober homes, and the need for medicated assisted treatment. She shares personal experiences related to her daughter's recovery from addiction and highlights the significance of hope, compassion, and community support in the recovery process. Brandi advocates for better treatment options and the necessity of addressing housing and employment challenges faced by those in recovery.

Takeaways

• The treatment system for addiction is fundamentally flawed.
• Sober homes often lack proper regulation and oversight.
• Medicated assisted treatment is crucial for recovery success.
• Housing stability is essential for individuals in recovery.
• Compassion and empathy are vital in supporting those struggling with addiction.
• There is a significant divide between harm reduction and abstinence-based models.
• Hope is a critical component of recovery.
• Community support programs are necessary for successful reintegration.
• Families need to be educated on alternative recovery methods.
• Ending conversations with love can provide peace in difficult situations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Addiction and Recovery
05:20 The Role of Sober Homes in Recovery
11:12 Medicated Assisted Treatment and Its Importance
17:00 The Need for Employment and Housing Support
22:32 Hope and Compassion in Recovery
28:35 Conclusion and Call to Action

Here is the book link for Rehab: An American Scandal

Brandi Mac's book is available Here

Resources: brandimac.com

Follow Brandi Mac on social media:

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TikTok the_original_brandi_mac

YouTube

Summary

In this episode, Brandi Mac discusses the complexities of loving someone struggling with addiction, focusing on the importance of setting and adjusting boundaries. She shares personal experiences and insights on how to navigate toxic relationships, the evolution of boundaries over time, and the significance of self-reflection and communication. Brandi emphasizes that while tough love is often advocated, it is not the only approach to support a loved one in recovery. The conversation highlights the need for protective boundaries, the role of love in setting limits, and practical ways to show care without compromising one's own well-being.

Takeaways

• Loving someone with addiction is a painful journey.
• Boundaries are essential for protecting mental health.
• It's okay to adjust boundaries as situations change.
• Tough love can sometimes do more harm than good.
• Self-reflection is crucial in navigating relationships.
• You can show love without enabling harmful behaviors.
• Communicating boundaries clearly is vital.
• Consequences for violating boundaries must be established.
• Creating a safe space is a priority for families.
• Everyone deserves compassion, even those struggling with addiction.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Boundaries in Family Dynamics
02:19 Understanding Boundaries in Addiction
05:06 Types of Boundaries: Controlling vs. Protective
07:50 The Pain of Setting Boundaries
10:28 Navigating Toxic Relationships
13:04 Consequences of Violating Boundaries
15:14 Creating Healthy Boundaries
17:38 The Role of Love in Setting Boundaries
20:31 Communicating Boundaries Effectively
23:05 Supporting Loved Ones in Addiction
25:19 The Impact of Addiction on Family Dynamics
28:02 Finding Peace Through Boundaries
30:20 Conclusion and Future Directions

Purchase Book Here: Do What You Can Live: A Survival Guide for Families Navigating Addiction, Grief and Impossible Choices

Resources: Here

In this raw and personal episode, Brandi Mac shares what happened when she stopped following the "tough love" narrative and started doing what she could actually live with. From the heartbreak of watching her daughter struggle with addiction to the moment she shaved her head as an act of surrender, Brandi reflects on how peace came not from control, but from radical acceptance.

This episode is for every parent, partner, or family member who's ever been told to let go with love... and then been left drowning in grief and guilt.

She also introduces her new book, Doing What You Can Live With: A Survival Guide for Families Navigating Addiction, Grief, and Impossible Choices. A no-shame, deeply compassionate resource for families who need something real, not rehearsed.

If you've ever loved someone in addiction and didn't know what to do… this one's for you.

🎧 Get the Book:
👉 *Doing What You Can Live With: A Survival Guide for Families Navigating Addiction*
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FKNF7G2N

🌐 More Resources + Free Tools:
Website: https://brandimac.com

📬 Subscribe for support, resources, and real talk:
Substack: https://ogbrandimac.substack.com

📱 Follow Brandi:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_original_brandi_mac
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_original_brandi_mac/

🛠️ For professionals, bulk orders, or speaking inquiries:
brandi@brandimac.com

• Brooke is now 15 months sober, showcasing significant growth since her last podcast appearance.
• The pain of addiction affects both the individual and their loved ones.
• Fentanyl addiction can lead to severe physical and mental health issues.
• Medicated assisted treatment, like Suboxone, can be effective if dosed appropriately.
• Treatment facilities can vary greatly in their approach and effectiveness.
• Family dynamics are deeply impacted by addiction and recovery processes.
• Healing is possible, but it requires effort and alignment between individuals.
• The importance of understanding the dangers of drug use, especially with substances like fentanyl.
• Communication and support from family are crucial during recovery.
• Personal growth often comes from facing and overcoming past challenges.

55:52 Supporting Loved Ones Struggling with Addiction

Prescribed Chaos Substack: https://ogbrandimac.substack.com

Family Resources and More: https://www.brandimac.com

Book Brandi Mac to Speak: https://www.brandimac.com/contact-brandi

• Dr. Nichols transitioned from ER to addiction medicine to address systemic issues in healthcare.
• Harm reduction is essential in treating individuals with substance use disorders.
• Stigma against drug users negatively impacts pain management and treatment options.
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a valid and effective approach for opioid use disorder.
• Sublicade and Brixadi are innovative treatments that offer alternatives to traditional MAT.
• Patient autonomy should be respected in treatment decisions.
• Families need support and resources to navigate substance use disorders.
• Understanding the pharmacology of buprenorphine is crucial for effective treatment.
• Healthcare providers must be educated on the complexities of pain management in patients with substance use disorders.
• Open discussions about tapering off MAT should be encouraged.

Dr. Nichols TikTok: Click Here

Dr. Nichols Website: Click Here

Recovery Reform Podcast by Dr. Nichols and McCauley Sexton: Click Here

Recovery Reform YouTube Channel: Click Here

Article: Naloxone to Buprenorphine

Summary

Brandi Mac discusses her journey as a mother of a child with substance use disorder and her own healing process. She talks about the challenges of navigating her daughter's recovery and the impact it has had on their relationship. Brandi also shares her experience with perimenopause and the importance of addressing hormonal imbalances. She emphasizes the need for families to take ownership of their role in addiction and the importance of therapy and self-care.

Takeaways

• Loving someone with substance use disorder is incredibly challenging and requires ongoing support and understanding.
• Healing and rebuilding trust in the family after addiction takes time and effort from all members.
• Addressing hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during perimenopause, can have a significant impact on mental health and overall well-being.
• Families need to take ownership of their role in addiction and work on their own healing and growth.
• Therapy and self-care are essential for both individuals struggling with addiction and their loved ones.

Resources are available on my website : Resources Here

TikTok: The_original_brandi_mac

Email: Collateraldamagesucks@gmail.com