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In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we sit down with Tyler, who shares his incredible journey of sobriety and how he has maintained it up to this point. Tyler opens up about his battle with addiction while growing up in the Philadelphia area and the struggles he faced along the way. Now, Tyler is making an impact in the addiction community, helping others find their way to sobriety.

Tyler talks about his decision to not pursue a high-pressure career but instead take a job at Starbucks, a choice that allowed him to focus on his recovery and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. This experience, he explains, set him up for long-term success. We also dive into the importance of avoiding relationships in early sobriety, and how getting involved too soon can derail progress. Tyler’s story is full of valuable lessons on patience, perspective, and the importance of building a strong foundation in recovery.

In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, Ben and I address an important topic for families and loved ones supporting someone in recovery: holding boundaries and understanding that it’s okay if your loved one isn't reaching out as much.

We explain how, oftentimes, when someone in recovery goes silent, it can mean they are in a growth phase, focusing on their personal journey. Silence from a loved one in recovery can indicate a period of personal growth. Less communication doesn’t necessarily mean they’re struggling—it might mean they’re focused on their own healing.

The Importance of Boundaries:

Why setting and holding healthy boundaries is crucial for both you and your loved one. How boundaries encourage independence and self-reliance in recovery.

Offering Love and Support Without Enabling:

The balance between providing emotional support and avoiding enabling behaviors. Understanding that sometimes love means stepping back.

Investing in Yourself:

Use this time to focus on your own self-care and well-being. The importance of building your own support network and finding healthy outlets for stress.

The Long-Term Benefits:

How maintaining boundaries can lead to a healthier relationship with your loved one.

The role of patience in supporting long-term recovery and mutual growth. We dive into why it’s crucial to maintain boundaries, offering only love and support without enabling, and why this can actually encourage independence in your loved one. It’s also a reminder to take this time to invest in yourself and prioritize your own well-being. Join us as we offer insights and practical advice for families navigating these delicate dynamics.

5 steps to helping your loved one: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guide

Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services

In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we sit down with Mike Harper as he shares his candid story of battling addiction and the hard-earned lessons that came with his journey to sobriety. Mike opens up about his years of on-and-off relapse, often justifying that smoking marijuana was acceptable, only to realize that it led him to the same emotional and mental rock bottom as harder drugs.

Mike dives deep into the work he’s had to do to maintain his sobriety, explaining why being completely abstinent from all mood and mind-altering substances is the only path that works for him. Join us as we discuss the importance of full commitment to recovery, and why finding what works for you—whether it’s total abstinence or another method—is crucial for long-term success.

5 steps to helping your loved one: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guide

Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services

In this inspiring episode of Real Recovery Talk, we sit down with Destiny, whose life has transformed dramatically after years of battling addiction and spending 10 months in jail. After facing multiple overdoses and reaching a turning point, Destiny made the courageous decision to get clean and sober, completely turning her life around.

Today, Destiny is thriving in nursing school, working toward her dream of becoming a registered nurse. Not only is she focused on her own future, but she’s also giving back by working in the field of addiction, helping others who are struggling just as she once did. Join us as Destiny shares her powerful story of resilience, recovery, and her passion for helping others find the same hope she discovered on her path to sobriety.

In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we explore the intricate dynamics of codependency with guests Ben Harrison and licensed mental health counselor Nicole Montgomery. Together, we take a deep dive into the roots of codependency, how it impacts relationships, and why it’s crucial to address for both individuals in recovery and their loved ones.

1. Recognize and Acknowledge Codependent Behaviors
   The first step in overcoming codependency is identifying it. Be honest with yourself about patterns such as prioritizing others' needs over your own, feeling responsible for others' happiness, or struggling to set boundaries.

2. Set Healthy Boundaries
   Start establishing clear and healthy boundaries in your relationships. Learn to say “no” without guilt, and prioritize your emotional and physical well-being. Boundaries allow you to maintain your sense of self and prevent burnout.

3. Practice Self-Care and Self-Compassion
   Focus on taking care of your own needs, both emotionally and physically. Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you reconnect with yourself. Developing self-compassion is essential for breaking free from the need for external validation.

4. Seek Professional Support
   Working with a therapist, especially one experienced in codependency, can be incredibly helpful. A licensed professional can help you uncover the root causes of your codependency and guide you toward healthier relational patterns.

5. Develop Independent Interests and Relationships
   Pursue hobbies, goals, and friendships outside of your codependent relationships. Cultivating a sense of independence allows you to rely less on others for validation and fosters personal growth.

These tips can guide you toward breaking the cycle of codependency and creating healthier, more balanced relationships.

Nicole provides her professional insights into how codependency manifests, while Ben shares his personal experiences with it. We also offer practical tips and strategies to help you recognize codependent behaviors in yourself or your relationships and actionable steps to break free from the cycle. Whether you’re directly struggling with codependency or supporting a loved one, this episode is packed with valuable tools to guide you toward healthier, more independent relationships.

5 steps to helping your loved one: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guide

Chat with us! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/services

In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we are joined by Zach B. who shares his powerful story of sobriety and the transformative journey that led him there. Zach opens up about his upbringing in Palm Beach County and the pivotal moments that compelled him to put down the drink and drugs. He discusses how his addictions held him back from growing his businesses and how achieving sobriety became the key to unlocking success in every aspect of his life.

• Zach Brady’s Sobriety Journey:

  • His upbringing in Palm Beach County and the pivotal moments that led to sobriety.
  • The impact of addiction on his personal and professional life.

• Addiction and Business:

  • How addiction held Zach back from growing his businesses.
  • The positive changes and success that followed his commitment to sobriety.

• Faith and Sobriety:

  • Zach’s deep relationship with God and how it has guided him through tough times.
  • The importance of putting God first in his life and decision-making.

• Androgenix and HRT Therapy:

  • Overview of Zach’s business, Androgenix, and its focus on HRT therapy.
  • Discussion on testosterone replacement therapy, Ozempic, and other related topics.

• Insights and Inspiration:

  • Lessons learned from Zach’s journey and how faith and sobriety intersect.
  • Tips for integrating spirituality, business, and recovery in a balanced, fulfilling life.

Zach also delves into his deep relationship with God and how his faith has carried him through the toughest times in his sobriety. By putting God first in everything he does, Zach has found strength and purpose that guide him daily. Additionally, we explore his business, Androgenix, and his expertise in HRT therapy, discussing topics such as testosterone replacement therapy, Ozempic, and more. This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of faith, business, and recovery, offering insights and inspiration for anyone on the path to sobriety.