Episode 15: We Were Lucky: A Parent’s Story of Supporting Their Child to Recovery

If your family is “good on paper” how can substance use disorder and dependency happen to you and/or your child? What if you are doing “all the right things''? In today’s episode Chrissie speaks with our guest, Cynthia Black, about this and more. Cynthia is the former CTC of Greater Downingtown Board President, a Downingtown parent, and parent to three children including her youngest son who has been in recovery for substance use disorder for almost a decade–and it all started with marijuana. Cynthia shares her family’s story about her son’s use, the roles each family member played, how and when they sought out professional help, and what she would have done differently. She also shares advice for parents who may be going through this right now with their kids, and prevention advice for parents of younger children. This honest, authentic conversation demonstrates that dependency can happen to anyone and how a family can learn and heal–with a little luck mixed in. Join us!

Listen on: Spotify Listen on: Amazon Listen on: Apple Podcasts Listen on: Iheart radio

Things we mentioned during our conversation:

Cynthia mentioned dopamine and Chrissie talked about reward pathways in brain–learn more about dopamine response HERE (short video).

Cythia mentions the book The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey.

Chrissie mentions the book Codependent No More by Melanie Beatty.

Chrissie mentioned typical family roles family members will take on to cope with a family member’s substance use disorder. 

To learn more about marijuana you can listen to our Episode 7: All Things Marijuana: Everything Parents Need to Know with Gretchen Hagenbuch from Caron Treatment Centers. 

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Find the episode webpage and previous episodes HERE.