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When a loved one struggles with addiction, it doesn’t just impact them—it shakes the entire family to its core. In this powerful episode of The Get Unhooked Podcast, Jason Coombs sits down with the real experts: mothers who have lived through the chaos, grief, and heartbreak of a child’s addiction journey.

In their own honest, unfiltered words, these courageous mothers reveal what they wish they had known sooner—the mistakes they made, the boundaries they finally learned to set, and the powerful shift from enabling to true support.

You'll hear raw reflections on:

• Facing the pain of "losing" the child they once knew
• Overcoming the guilt and shame that addiction brings to families
• Learning that real love sometimes means stepping back, not stepping in
• Finding peace even when their loved one’s path remains uncertain
• The practical tools and mindset shifts that changed everything

If you’re a parent, family member, or someone who loves an addict, this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and empowered.
You’re not alone. There’s a way forward—and it doesn’t require sacrificing your own sanity or happiness.

🎯 Subscribe to the channel for more real conversations, practical strategies, and inspiration for families navigating addiction recovery.

🔔 Join our community and access weekly coaching calls, resources, and Jason’s book Unhooked at BrickHouseRecovery.com.

Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction
4:06 - Facing painful questions about your child
6:33 - Counterintuitive parenting strategies
11:31 - Grieving the child you once knew
14:16 - When pride turns into painful honesty
19:49 - Emotional depletion and finding renewal
21:32 - What families truly wish for most
25:07 - How to connect with a support community

For more information check out brickhouserecovery.com

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In this illuminating episode of The Get Unhooked Podcast, Jason Combs interviews his mentor and "book whisperer" Bridget Cook-Burch about transforming personal experiences into powerful published works. As a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Bridget reveals the process of creating transformational books—from initial concept to final publication—while Jason shares insights from his own journey writing "Unhooked."

Episode Highlights

[04:01] Jason reflects on the various motivations behind writing a book, from professional credibility to changing lives

[08:05] Bridget explains that great storytelling requires vulnerability: "In the darkness often lies the seeds of your greatest glory"

[13:27] The critical importance of creating a timeline to see patterns and meaning in your life experiences

[15:31] The powerful shift from writing for yourself to writing specifically for your readers

[19:11] Bridget shares how author Melissa Moore wrote for one specific "avatar" yet reached countless others

[32:05] Winston Churchill's quote about writing being a journey from "toy" to "tyrant" that you eventually "fling to the public"

[44:01] Jason reveals how his book "Unhooked" helped parents who lost their son to an overdose find peace

[51:33] The origin story behind Bridget's Inspired Writers Retreat and her promise to help others tell their stories

Writing for Your Avatar: The One Person Who Needs

Your Message

A critical shift occurs when writers move beyond self-expression to focus on serving readers. Jason describes his own breakthrough when reading "Millionaire Messenger" by Brendan Burchard:

The Hero's Journey Framework

Both Jason and Bridget reference Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey as an essential structure for transformation stories.

The Writing Timeline: A Churchill-Worthy Warning

For those expecting a quick process, Winston Churchill's quote offers sobering perspective:

"To begin with, it's a toy, then an amusement, then it becomes a mistress, then it becomes a master, and then it becomes a tyrant. And in the last stage, just as you were about to be reconciled to your servitude, you kill the monster and fling him to the public."

Jason candidly shares that his book appeared on his vision board for ten consecutive years before publication. Rather than being discouraging, this timeline allowed for deeper insights and experiences to inform the work.

Action Steps for Writers

Create a personal timeline to identify patterns and meaning in your experiences

Identify your specific "avatar"—the one person who needs your message most

Watch "Finding Joe" documentary to understand the hero's journey framework

Consider reading "Aspire" by Kevin Hall for an example of layered storytelling

Start with vulnerability rather than trying to appear perfect

Begin writing sessions with intention (meditation, prayer, or reflection)

Recognize that significant books often take longer than expected to complete

Resources Mentioned

"Unhooked" by Jason Combs

"Finding Joe" documentary about Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey

"Aspire: Discovering Your Purpose Through The Power of Words" by Kevin Hall

"The Witness Wore Red" by Rebecca Musser and Bridget Cook-Burch

"The Shack" by William Paul Young

YourInspiredStory.com - Bridget's website with various writing programs

This episode offers both practical guidance and inspiring examples for those seeking to transform personal experiences into published works. As Bridget emphasizes, "Stories can change the world"—and with the right approach, yours might b

For more information check out brickhouserecovery.com

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In a compelling episode of The Get Unhooked Podcast, Jason Coombs celebrates 16 years of sobriety while revealing his proven three-step process for making critical decisions when supporting addicted loved ones. Through candid conversations with coaching session participants and reflections from his book "Unhooked," Jason provides a roadmap for families struggling with the complex terrain of addiction recovery.

Episode Highlights

• Jason outlines his three-step decision-making process: research thoroughly, make the best decision possible, and seek spiritual guidance
• Jason emphasizes keeping a "personal revelation journal" to document insights and breakthroughs
• Important reminder that addiction is a mental illness requiring treatment - "they're sick needing to get well, not bad needing to get good"
• Jason reflects on his 16-year sobriety journey that began March 19, 2009
• "Instead of looking for God's hand in our lives, look for his fingerprints" - finding guidance in seemingly small moments

The Decision-Making Framework That Changes Everything

Jason outlines a straightforward yet profound approach to making decisions when helping someone battling addiction:

1. Research thoroughly – Weigh the costs, benefits, risks, and rewards of each option
2. Make the best decision possible with the information available
3. Seek spiritual guidance through prayer, asking for discernment if the chosen path aligns with divine will

The final key? Follow through on the course of action once determined.

The Overlooked Power of Journaling Personal Revelations

Jason emphasizes an essential practice for lasting recovery: maintaining a "personal revelation journal" to capture insights during moments of clarity.

"These calls aren't just a one hour of, 'okay, I feel better now. Now what?' Think of these calls as opening up the channels of light and love to heaven and to your higher power," Jason explains.

He recommends:

• Writing "PR" (personal revelation) in margins to mark significant insights
• Reviewing past journals regularly to recognize patterns and growth
• Recording "aha moments" to reference during difficult times

From Selling Hot Dogs to Saving Lives: Jason's Journey

March 19, 2009 marks the beginning of Jason's sobriety journey. His path from selling hot dogs outside Home Depot to founding Brick House Recovery illustrates the unexpected ways recovery unfolds.

"At the time I was like, my whole life squandered and I'm starting over," Jason recalls of his early sobriety at 31. "I was comparing myself to others that I'd gone to school with that were on their fourth kid and were vice presidents in their companies."

A pivotal moment came through an unexpected sign – literally. While contemplating educational directions, Jason noticed a utility box marked "communications" – the exact program he'd researched the night before. This led him to meet his future wife and ultimately establish his treatment center.

The Fingerprints of Guidance

Jason introduces a perspective shift for those seeking direction: "Instead of looking for God's hand in our lives, look for his fingerprints."

This approach transforms seemingly minor decisions into meaningful turning points:

• Moving in with parents to save money while

For more information check out brickhouserecovery.com