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

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Resources: brandimac.com

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