We want to hear from you! Send us a question or comment.

Matt shares findings from a comprehensive National Institutes of Health study revealing why doctors struggle to treat addiction effectively and the alarming gap between those who need help and those who receive it.

• 81% of doctors cite lack of institutional support as the main barrier to treating addiction
• 74% of physicians acknowledge insufficient skill sets for addiction treatment
• 66% of studies identified negative social stigma as a significant deterrent
• 56% of doctors fear damaging patient relationships by addressing addiction
• In 2022, 49 million Americans had substance use disorders, but only 13 million received treatment
• Of 9 million people with opioid use disorder, only 25% received medication-assisted treatment
• Treatment demand significantly exceeds available capacity across the country
• Political solutions and policy changes have often fallen short of addressing core issues

If you or someone you know needs help with addiction, call or text 988, visit findtreatment.gov, or call 800-662-4357. Join our free family support meetings Mondays and Thursdays at 8pm Eastern, and our new trauma-focused family meetings Wednesdays at 8pm Eastern. Register at interventiononcall.com or contact Matt directly at matt@partywreckers.com.

Support the show

Join us Every Thursday Night at 8:00 EST/5:00PST for a FREE family support group. Register at the following link to get the zoom information sent to you: Family Support Meeting

About our sponsor(s):

Intervention on Call is on online platform that allows families and support systems to get immediate coaching and direction from a professional interventionist. While a professional intervention can be a powerful experience for change, not every family needs a professionally led intervention. For families who either don't need or can't afford a professional intervention, we can help. Hour sessions are $150.

Therapy is a very important way to take care of your mental health. This can happen from the comfort of your own home or office. If you need therapy and want to get a discount on your first month of services please try Better Help.

If you want to know more about the host's private practice please visit:
Matt Brown: Freedom Interventions

Follow the host on TikTok
Matt: @mattbrowninterventionist


If you have a question that we can answer on the show, please email us at matt@partywreckers.com

We want to hear from you! Send us a question or comment.

Some of the information in this episode was taken from my good friend Ben Cort, author of "Weed, Inc." If you want to learn more from him, please reference his Ted Talks:

https://www.ted.com/talks/ben_cort_what_commercialization_is_doing_to_cannabis

The modern marijuana landscape has undergone a radical transformation that few people fully understand. What was once a relatively mild substance with THC concentrations of 0.5-1% has evolved into a highly potent drug containing 15-30% THC in plant form and up to a staggering 90% in concentrates. This isn't your grandparents' weed - it's a completely different substance with serious health implications.

As competition drives dispensaries to create increasingly potent products, we're witnessing a marketplace-driven acceleration of THC delivery with minimal regulation. Unlike alcohol, which faces strict concentration limits and ingredient oversight, marijuana cultivation practices often include concerning chemicals and pesticides that would never be permitted in other consumable products. The result? A substance that's potentially more dangerous than many realize.

The health consequences are troubling. Recovery from marijuana addiction now takes longer than recovery from substances like methamphetamine or fentanyl, with normal cognitive and memory function potentially impaired for 60-90 days after cessation. Young chronic users face significantly higher risks of psychiatric issues including THC-induced psychosis. Perhaps most alarming is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), a painful condition causing violent vomiting that affects up to 30% of chronic users and can only be treated through complete abstinence.

What makes marijuana addiction particularly challenging is its gradual progression, allowing users to easily deny the connection between their use and life problems. If you're concerned about a loved one who uses marijuana heavily, especially if they began at a young age, understanding these modern realities is crucial. Reach out to me at matt@partywreckers.com or interventiononcall.com if you need guidance navigating this complex issue.

Support the show

Join us Every Thursday Night at 8:00 EST/5:00PST for a FREE family support group. Register at the following link to get the zoom information sent to you: Family Support Meeting

About our sponsor(s):

Intervention on Call is on online platform that allows families and support systems to get immediate coaching and direction from a professional interventionist. While a professional intervention can be a powerful experience for change, not every family needs a professionally led intervention. For families who either don't need or can't afford a professional intervention, we can help. Hour sessions are $150.

Therapy is a very important way to take care of your mental health. This can happen from the comfort of your own home or office. If you need therapy and want to get a discount on your first month of services please try Better Help.

If you want to know more about the host's private practice please visit:
Matt Brown: Freedom Interventions

Follow the host on TikTok
Matt: @mattbrowninterventionist


If you have a question that we can answer on the show, please email us at matt@partywreckers.com

We want to hear from you! Send us a question or comment.

The question Matt Brown hears most frequently in his work as an addiction interventionist is deceptively simple yet profoundly challenging: "How do I get my loved one to accept help?" In this powerful return episode of the Party Wreckers podcast, Brown draws from decades of experience to provide families with practical, compassionate strategies for breaking through resistance and creating pathways to recovery.

Matt begins by dismantling the myth that addiction is a choice, comparing it to the overwhelming urge to scratch a chickenpox itch despite knowing the consequences. "Nobody wakes up and decides, 'Hey, I think I'm going to burn my life to the ground today,'" he explains. Rather, addiction functions as a desperate attempt to self-medicate against underlying trauma, mental health issues, or emotional pain that feels unbearable without chemical assistance.

At the heart of this episode is the powerful parallel between the addict's struggle and the family's enabling patterns. Matt reveals how both sides operate from the same emotional avoidance - the addict using substances to escape feelings, while family members enable to avoid guilt, conflict, and discomfort. "Addiction can't survive for any length of time without enabling," Brown states, comparing the relationship to oxygen feeding a fire. By examining three primary forms of enabling - financial support, emotional coddling, and silence - families can begin identifying their contributions to the cycle.

Matt provides transformative guidance on establishing and communicating boundaries, emphasizing language that signals true resolve: replacing "I can't do this anymore" with "I will no longer do this." He explains why family unity proves crucial in intervention success, noting that the 10-15% of people who initially refuse help often do so because they don't believe boundaries are real. When families stand firm while continuing to express love, the message becomes clear: "We're no longer going to let your addiction dictate the rules and hold this family hostage."

For families feeling afraid of potential consequences - from homelessness to incarceration or worse - Brown offers balanced perspective and hope. "Those things aren't as catastrophic as what waits if addiction continues," he acknowledges, whil

Support the show

Join us Every Thursday Night at 8:00 EST/5:00PST for a FREE family support group. Register at the following link to get the zoom information sent to you: Family Support Meeting

About our sponsor(s):

Intervention on Call is on online platform that allows families and support systems to get immediate coaching and direction from a professional interventionist. While a professional intervention can be a powerful experience for change, not every family needs a professionally led intervention. For families who either don't need or can't afford a professional intervention, we can help. Hour sessions are $150.

Therapy is a very important way to take care of your mental health. This can happen from the comfort of your own home or office. If you need therapy and want to get a discount on your first month of services please try Better Help.

If you want to know more about the host's private practice please visit:
Matt Brown: Freedom Interventions

Follow the host on TikTok
Matt: @mattbrowninterventionist


If you have a question that we can answer on the show, please email us at matt@partywreckers.com

We want to hear from you! Send us a question or comment.

Layne LoMaglio's journey from addiction to recovery is as inspiring as it is cautionary, and his story begins with a box of wine at age 12. This episode promises to unravel the complexities of mental health struggles and the winding path to sobriety. Join us as Layne shares his personal battle with clinical depression and self-harm, alongside his early experiences with alcohol. Host Matt Brown adds a heartfelt dimension by recounting his daughter's struggles with anxiety, underscoring the necessity of compassion and understanding when supporting young people. Through these shared experiences, we explore the vital role of family and therapy in healing.

Layne's story takes us through the challenges of relapse, the impact of a rigid recovery mindset, and the ultimate redemption found in flexibility and community support. From the initial failure of a sober apartment plan in Austin to success in Kerrville, Layne's narrative is one of resilience and adaptability. His evolution from operations to founding Helm Recovery highlights the importance of lived experience in intervention and coaching roles. Together, Lane and Matt discuss the intertwined nature of substance use and mental health, offering insights into how thoughtful interventions can pave the way for lasting change.

Contact Layne at Helm Recovery or book a private coaching session with him at Intervention on Call.

Support the show

Join us Every Thursday Night at 8:00 EST/5:00PST for a FREE family support group. Register at the following link to get the zoom information sent to you: Family Support Meeting

About our sponsor(s):

Intervention on Call is on online platform that allows families and support systems to get immediate coaching and direction from a professional interventionist. While a professional intervention can be a powerful experience for change, not every family needs a professionally led intervention. For families who either don't need or can't afford a professional intervention, we can help. Hour sessions are $150.

Therapy is a very important way to take care of your mental health. This can happen from the comfort of your own home or office. If you need therapy and want to get a discount on your first month of services please try Better Help.

If you want to know more about the host's private practice please visit:
Matt Brown: Freedom Interventions

Follow the host on TikTok
Matt: @mattbrowninterventionist


If you have a question that we can answer on the show, please email us at matt@partywreckers.com

We want to hear from you! Send us a question or comment.

Can the holiday season be a catalyst for change? Discover a perspective that challenges the conventional wisdom of delaying recovery efforts for loved ones struggling with addiction. This episode sheds light on the misconception that suicide rates skyrocket during the holidays—while depression does increase, suicides do not. You'll learn why prioritizing recovery over traditional holiday gatherings could be the gift that keeps on giving, turning this festive time into an opportunity for positive transformation. We invite you to explore the emotional and psychological benefits that can far outweigh the temporary loss of family moments.

As families face the daunting decision of choosing health over holiday traditions, overcoming fear and codependency becomes essential. We talk about the delicate balance needed to support a loved one's journey to sobriety. Therapists, often more equipped with specialized training than physicians, offer a viable route for families seeking help. You'll gain insights into the systemic barriers doctors face, such as the lack of institutional support despite addiction being a recognized medical disease.

As 2024 approaches, we emphasize the urgency of seeking timely intervention amidst a critical shortage of treatment options. With 49 million Americans meeting criteria for a substance use disorder diagnosis and only 13 million receiving help, timely action is crucial. We explore the unmet promises of state-funded programs like Oregon's Medicaid system, urging families to act now. Let this holiday season be a time of renewal and potential, setting the stage for a brighter 2025. Thank you for your continued support—your ratings and reviews help us spread this vital message far and wide.

Support the show

Join us Every Thursday Night at 8:00 EST/5:00PST for a FREE family support group. Register at the following link to get the zoom information sent to you: Family Support Meeting

About our sponsor(s):

Intervention on Call is on online platform that allows families and support systems to get immediate coaching and direction from a professional interventionist. While a professional intervention can be a powerful experience for change, not every family needs a professionally led intervention. For families who either don't need or can't afford a professional intervention, we can help. Hour sessions are $150.

Therapy is a very important way to take care of your mental health. This can happen from the comfort of your own home or office. If you need therapy and want to get a discount on your first month of services please try Better Help.

If you want to know more about the host's private practice please visit:
Matt Brown: Freedom Interventions

Follow the host on TikTok
Matt: @mattbrowninterventionist


If you have a question that we can answer on the show, please email us at matt@partywreckers.com

We want to hear from you! Send us a question or comment.

Denise Klein, co-owner and executive director of Milestones Ranch in Malibu, CA reveals her transformative career switch and her personal recovery from codependency. With over 35 years of social work experience, Denise passionately discusses the importance of addressing family systems and underlying dynamics to foster lasting recovery. Her unique approach involves a systemic, holistic focus on family-centered solutions, offering a refreshing perspective on tackling addiction and mental health challenges.

Discover the innovative methodologies at Milestones Ranch, where Denise and her team prioritize individual and family therapy to heal relationships affected by addiction. Understand why learning to love differently, setting boundaries, and processing regrets are crucial elements in recovery. Denise shares insights into the impact of the pandemic on treatment services and emphasizes the necessity of trauma-informed care. By maintaining a limited number of patients, Milestones ensures high-quality, personalized care, highlighting the immense dedication and teamwork essential for successful recovery journeys.

Navigate the complexities of selecting the right addiction treatment program with expert guidance from Denise and her co-authors. Gain valuable tips on evaluating recovery centers, understanding the significance of visiting facilities, and verifying their credentials to avoid overpromised solutions. Emphasize the importance of persistence in recovery, debunking the myth of a quick fix, and learn about the critical role of aftercare plans. This episode empowers families to recognize addiction, choose effective treatment options, and align efforts with first responders for a supportive, unified approach to recovery.

For more information regarding Milestones Ranch or to order "The Truth About Treatment" please visit: Milestones Ranch or call 1-866-874-9774

Support the show

Join us Every Thursday Night at 8:00 EST/5:00PST for a FREE family support group. Register at the following link to get the zoom information sent to you: Family Support Meeting

About our sponsor(s):

Intervention on Call is on online platform that allows families and support systems to get immediate coaching and direction from a professional interventionist. While a professional intervention can be a powerful experience for change, not every family needs a professionally led intervention. For families who either don't need or can't afford a professional intervention, we can help. Hour sessions are $150.

Therapy is a very important way to take care of your mental health. This can happen from the comfort of your own home or office. If you need therapy and want to get a discount on your first month of services please try Better Help.

If you want to know more about the host's private practice please visit:
Matt Brown: Freedom Interventions

Follow the host on TikTok
Matt: @mattbrowninterventionist


If you have a question that we can answer on the show, please email us at matt@partywreckers.com

We want to hear from you! Send us a question or comment.

Tune into this episode of the Party Wreckers podcast, where we promise you'll gain invaluable insights into the multifaceted world of interventionist training. We're giving you an exclusive preview of our upcoming event in Birmingham, Alabama, and sharing practical tips on blending various intervention models to cater to unique family dynamics. Plus, we dive into the importance of social media and personal branding to help you expand your practice. With our own experiences spotlighting the challenges faced by new interventionists, this episode sets the stage for a toolkit full of knowledge and expertise.

We also sit down with Dr. John Dyben from the Hanley Recovery Center to discuss the pivotal intersection of addiction treatment and mental health care. Discover why a solely 12-step immersion program might not be enough and the necessity of integrating professional healthcare providers, especially for complex cases. We underline the ethical obligation of treatment centers to continually improve through research and patient feedback, advocating for a balanced approach that addresses medical, psychological, and spiritual needs. This conversation is a clarion call for a more holistic healing journey.

Lastly, we explore the transformative power of spirituality in recovery. Understand how healthy spirituality can reconnect and celebrate life, whereas unhealthy practices lead to disconnection. The 12 steps are revealed as a powerful method for fostering spiritual health, and we discuss maintaining spiritual fitness and recognizing signs of spiritual unhealthiness. This episode not only offers profound insights into the spiritual aspect of recovery but also provides resources for those seeking further guidance and support. Join us for a rich discussion that promises to enlighten and empower your journey in the field of intervention.

Support the show

Join us Every Thursday Night at 8:00 EST/5:00PST for a FREE family support group. Register at the following link to get the zoom information sent to you: Family Support Meeting

About our sponsor(s):

Intervention on Call is on online platform that allows families and support systems to get immediate coaching and direction from a professional interventionist. While a professional intervention can be a powerful experience for change, not every family needs a professionally led intervention. For families who either don't need or can't afford a professional intervention, we can help. Hour sessions are $150.

Therapy is a very important way to take care of your mental health. This can happen from the comfort of your own home or office. If you need therapy and want to get a discount on your first month of services please try Better Help.

If you want to know more about the host's private practice please visit:
Matt Brown: Freedom Interventions

Follow the host on TikTok
Matt: @mattbrowninterventionist


If you have a question that we can answer on the show, please email us at matt@partywreckers.com

We want to hear from you! Send us a question or comment.

Join Matt Brown and Sam Davis as they dive into an inspiring interview with Carrie Bates, a three-time gold medalist from the 1984 Summer Olympics. Carrie shares how her older brother's passion for swimming ignited her Olympic dreams and recounts the pivotal moments that shaped her journey toward international success. This intimate conversation offers a glimpse into the dedication and resilience required to compete on the world stage.

We'll hear a powerful story of someone who battled alcoholism for years, experiencing multiple treatment attempts before a transformative stay at the Betty Ford Center in 2012 changed everything. This raw and honest discussion underscores the importance of total commitment and facing one's deepest issues, offering insight into the hard-earned triumphs and ongoing challenges of living a sober life. With twelve and a half years of sobriety, Carrie's journey highlights the often-overlooked strength needed to confront addiction head-on.

The conversation continues with a heartfelt exploration of how addiction and recovery reshape personal and professional lives. We hear from a courageous mother who opens up about the impact of alcoholism on her career and relationships, and from Sam, who shares the emotional journey of losing and regaining his parental rights. The episode concludes with a significant discussion on empowering women in recovery, spotlighting the role of organizations like Hazelden Betty Ford in making treatment accessible. With words of hope and encouragement, this episode is a testament to resilience and the possibility of recovery for anyone struggling with addiction.

If you or someone you know needs help please contact Hazelden Betty Ford and see if they are a good fit for your loved one.

Support the show

Join us Every Thursday Night at 8:00 EST/5:00PST for a FREE family support group. Register at the following link to get the zoom information sent to you: Family Support Meeting

About our sponsor(s):

Intervention on Call is on online platform that allows families and support systems to get immediate coaching and direction from a professional interventionist. While a professional intervention can be a powerful experience for change, not every family needs a professionally led intervention. For families who either don't need or can't afford a professional intervention, we can help. Hour sessions are $150.

Therapy is a very important way to take care of your mental health. This can happen from the comfort of your own home or office. If you need therapy and want to get a discount on your first month of services please try Better Help.

If you want to know more about the host's private practice please visit:
Matt Brown: Freedom Interventions

Follow the host on TikTok
Matt: @mattbrowninterventionist


If you have a question that we can answer on the show, please email us at matt@partywreckers.com