ATE #19.5 | After the Episode: Recapping Episode 19 - Stigma, Loss, Grief and Honoring Pat Bresnahan

The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast

ATE #19.5: Episode 19 with Melissa Bresnahan was such an incredibly special episode. Ashley and Christiana decided to recap Episode 19 by itself, and Melissa wrote in with some additional thoughts highlighting some deeper topics from what she originally shared.

Join Ashley & Christiana in this deep dive into Melissa's episode where they uncover insights into the stigma of addiction, loss, grief and as they also honor the memory of Pat Bresnahan, Melissa's beloved son.

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Show Notes:

Show Notes:

2:15 - A note from Melissa Bresnahan of Episode 19

3:20 - Referencing the informational video that Melissa did for International Overdose Awareness Day (see video here: https://youtu.be/N9vQzjHgzyo)

5:06 - The stigma of addiction in society

8:46 - The background to producing Melissa’s podcast

12:40 - Maintaining the image of “okay” when in the midst of addiction

17:08 - How do you know the difference between just “partying" and using?

22:15 - Seek expert advice

22:45 - More from Melissa - how she found out about Pat’s passing

27:35 - How to parent a child who is in recovery

30:24 - The family portion - how they play a role in a chid’s recovery, and Ashley gives examples from her journey to sobriety

36:50 - Comparing diabetes to addiction

38:24 - What you can do as a family member of a loved one struggling with addiction

43:50 - Where to get help:

Lionrock Recovery Family Matters Group:

https://www.lionrockrecovery.com/programs/family-matters-support-groups

Recommended Books:

Healing the Addicted Brain: The Revolutionary, Science-Based Alcoholism and Addiction Recovery Program:

https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Addicted-Brain-Revolutionary-Science-Based/dp/1402218443

The Body Keeps the Score:

https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748/ref=sr_1_3?crid=YEC2DAL7VJMX&keywords=the+body+keeps+the+score&qid=1568259716&s=books&sprefix=the+body+k%2Cstripbooks%2C186&sr=1-3

Codependent No More:

https://www.amazon.com/Codependent-No-More-Controlling-Yourself/dp/0894864025/ref=sr_1_3?crid=28106HWL7RQSX&keywords=codependent+no+more&qid=1568259828&s=books&sprefix=codependen%2Cstripbooks%2C189&sr=1-3

The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous:

https://www.amazon.com/Big-Book-Alcoholics-Dr-Smith/dp/1483907252/ref=sr_1_4?crid=18NL15ABY0UIE&keywords=the+big+book+of+alcoholics+anonymous&qid=1568259861&s=books&sprefix=the+big+book+of+%2Cstripbooks%2C190&sr=1-4

Living Sober:

https://www.amazon.com/Living-Sober/dp/0916856046/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1YZZBSU1860RH&keywords=living+sober&qid=1568259964&s=books&sprefix=living+sober%2Cstripbooks%2C196&sr=1-3

A New Pair of Glasses:

https://www.amazon.com/New-Pair-Glasses-Chuck-C/dp/0916733009/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=a+new+pair+of+glasses&qid=1568259900&s=books&sr=1-1

My Fair Junkie: A Memoir of Getting Dirty and Staying Clean:

https://www.amazon.com/My-Fair-Junkie-Getting-Staying/dp/0316430935/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2CW4SNBCBXP1I&keywords=my+fair+junkie+a+memoir+of+getting+dirty+and+staying+clean&qid=1568260011&s=books&sprefix=my+fair+junk%2Cstripbooks%2C193&sr=1-3

You Are Not Alone:

https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Not-Alone-alcohol-ebook/dp/B07TV96KHR/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=you+are+not+alone+by+ashley+loeb+blassingame&qid=1568260073&s=books&sr=1-2