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:

Instagram the_original_brandi_mac

TikTok the_original_brandi_mac

YouTube