Real Recovery Talk

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Schedule a FREE consultation call! https://calendly.com/realrecoverytalk/free-consultation-with-real-recovery-talk-team Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addicDo you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Schedule a FREE consultation call! https://calendly.com/realrecoverytalk... She overdosed at the airport before she ever made it to treatment. Her face turned blue. The plane had to pull away from the gate so the ambulance could reach her. Her sister stood there thinking she was dead.  That's how close it got — and she still wasn't ready to get sober. Katie has 14 years of sobriety, works in addiction treatment overseeing family services, and knows this world from every angle — as the addict who nearly died, as the professional who works with families daily, and as a wife who watched her own husband relapse and felt the exact same terror she once caused. Her message to families is direct: the most loving thing you can do is stop rescuing them. Letting things get messy isn't giving up — it's the only real path forward Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Want continued support/guidence for you and your loved one? Consider joining our FAMILY RECONNECT FAMILY! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Kratom is being sold at every gas station and vape shop in America. People are ending up in comas. People are dying. And nobody is officially tracking it. In this episode, Tom, Ben, and Destiny break down three of the biggest issues hitting the addiction and recovery world right now — and what families and loved ones need to know. What's covered in this episode: Why Kratom 70x extract is sending people to the hospital and killing them Why law enforcement knows it's illegal and isn't doing anything about it Why Kratom withdrawal is being described as worse than heroin and fentanyl Why overdose deaths from opiates are declining — and what's really behind it The dangerous rise of performance-enhancing drugs among young people Why so many addicts are being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder and ADHD What happens when you put someone on psych meds without testing for drug use first Why 24/7 eyes on a client beats a 30-minute psychiatrist appointment every time If your loved one is struggling with addiction and you don't know where to turn, this episode is for you. Want continued support/guidence for you and your loved one? Consider joining our FAMILY RECONNECT FAMILY! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Get a FREE Conultation Call!  Schedule Your Call  Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page 🔗 Join our Family Reconnect Program: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect 📅 Free Family Webinar — Every Monday at 6:30PM Eastern: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Cliff is 49 years old. Nine months ago he was living in a friend's garage in California, knocking on death's door from end-stage alcoholism. He had cirrhosis, esophageal varices, acute pancreatitis, and a doctor who told him he had a year, maybe two. He had lost everything — his home, his health, his hope. He was having seizures so severe he punched through a window just to get outside. He was done. Then something shifted. He heard a Mind Pump podcast, called a number he didn't think would lead anywhere, and ended up on a plane to South Florida — alone, sick, and with almost nothing to his name. Today Cliff is sober, working, painting, surfing, and helping other people in recovery find their footing. This episode covers his full story — growing up as a military kid moving from country to country, how drinking took hold early and never let go, the years of relapses and hospitalizations, a parasitic infection that left him paralyzed for three months, smoking meth in the final stretch, and what finally brought him to the point of real surrender. This is what recovery actually looks like. Not a clean story. Not a straight line. But proof that no matter how far down the scale you've gone, there is a way back. 🔗 Join our Family Reconnect Program: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect 📅 Free Family Webinar — Every Monday at 6:30PM Eastern: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page If you want to get sober and STAY sober there are certain areas that we needs to focus on! In this episode I break these down into very achievable steps and hope that you can start to empliment these today! 🔗 Join our Family Reconnect Program: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect 📅 Free Family Webinar — Every Monday at 6:30PM Eastern: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page If you're living with an addict or alcoholic, you already know the lying, the cheating, the stealing, and the manipulation. But what nobody talks about is what all of that is actually doing to you. In this episode, Tom sits down with Steve — who runs the family program at Rock Recovery Center — to break down the real symptoms families experience when a loved one is deep in addiction. Not the addict's behavior. Yours. What you'll learn in this episode: Why your trust doesn't just break — it erodes slowly over time How addiction makes you question your identity as a parent, spouse, or loved one Why families isolate themselves just as much as the addict does The dangerous cycle of internalized shame that keeps families stuck How the victim mentality sneaks in — and why it's keeping you from the solution Why stop absorbing the chaos may be the most powerful thing you can do You don't have to keep living this way. There are answers, and there is freedom on the other side of this. 🔗 Join our Family Reconnect Program: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect 📅 Free Family Webinar — Every Monday at 6:30PM Eastern: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page After meeting each other at a liquor store three Sundays in a row waiting for it to open, Don and Nan spent years drowning in addiction together — and somehow got sober at the exact same moment. In this episode, Tom sits down with Don and Nan to talk about what actually worked, why tough love isn't always the answer, and how one father's compassion (instead of consequences) may have been the thing that saved his son's life. If you have a loved one struggling with addiction, this episode will challenge everything you've been told about what it takes to get someone sober. 🔗 Join our Family Reconnect Program: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect 📅 Free Family Webinar — Every Monday at 6:30PM Eastern: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page In this episode, we break down why romantic and sexual relationships are one of the top drivers of relapse in early recovery — and what families need to watch for. They cover the four core reasons relationships derail recovery, share real stories from years of working with clients, and talk about what actually needs to be in place before someone in recovery is ready to date. Whether you're a family member trying to understand what's happening with your loved one, or you're in recovery yourself, this episode is a must-watch. 🔗 Join our Family Reconnect Program: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect 📅 Free Family Webinar — Every Monday at 6:30PM Eastern: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Am I an alcoholic? If you're asking that question — or asking it about someone you love — this video is for you. I breaks down 10 real warning signs of alcoholism from personal experience in recovery. Not textbook symptoms. Real signs that real people miss every day. 🔗 Join our Family Reconnect Program: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect 📅 Free Family Webinar — Every Monday at 6:30PM Eastern: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Is kratom really a safe alternative — or just another addiction in disguise? In this video, I'm giving you my honest, real-world take on kratom based on working with addicts every single day. This isn't theory. This is what I actually see happening to people who use kratom thinking it's going to help their recovery. We're talking about kratom effects, kratom addiction, and why I don't believe kratom belongs in anyone's recovery plan. If you or someone you love is using kratom or thinking about starting, watch this first. 🔗 Join our Family Reconnect Program: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect 📅 Free Family Webinar — Every Monday at 6:30PM Eastern: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page 📞 SAMHSA National Helpline (free, 24/7): 1-800-662-4357 Don't miss our FREE WEBINAR to learn more about patient care and avoiding common mistakes families make. https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Does it seem no matter how hard you try, your addict loved one never seems to listen to you?  This is totally normal.  There are a few stratagies that you need to master before you can get anywhere with them.  The main this is, dont get frustrated.  In this episode i am going to breakdown 3 things that you can work on to have more influence over your addict loved ones. 🔗 Join our Family Reconnect Program: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect 📅 Free Family Webinar — Every Monday at 6:30PM Eastern: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page 📞 SAMHSA National Helpline (free, 24/7): 1-800-662-4357 Don't miss our FREE WEBINAR to learn more about patient care and avoiding common mistakes families make. https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Want continued support/guidence for you and your loved one? Consider joining our FAMILY RECONNECT FAMILY! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page She got sober at 18 years old — before she ever had a legal drink. In this episode, I sit down with Anna, a 19-year-old who went through multiple treatment attempts, residential, PHP, IOP — the whole process — and came out the other side with a year and a half of sobriety, a job in treatment, and a life she's actually proud of. We talk about what finally made it click, what her parents did right (and what they struggled with), and why waiting for someone to "hit rock bottom" might not mean what you think it means. If you're a parent watching this wondering what you could have done differently — this episode is for you. And if you're young and think you're too young to have a real problem — this one's for you too.   🔗 Join our Family Reconnect Program: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect 📅 Free Family Webinar — Every Monday at 6:30PM Eastern: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page 📞 SAMHSA National Helpline (free, 24/7): 1-800-662-4357 Don't miss our FREE WEBINAR to learn more about patient care and avoiding common mistakes families make. https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Want continued support/guidence for you and your loved one? Consider joining our FAMILY RECONNECT FAMILY! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Is your husband's alcoholism affecting your family? You're not alone — and you're not overreacting. In this video I'm going to give you three things: clarity on what you're actually dealing with, a real strategy based on who your husband is, and permission to start taking care of yourself. We cover the difference between problem drinking and alcohol use disorder, the 11 clinical signs from the DSM-5 in plain language, what actually works when talking to your husband (and what makes things worse), and how to protect yourself and your kids regardless of what he decides to do.  Whether you just started noticing something is wrong or you've been living this for years — this video is for you. 🔗 Join our Family Reconnect Program: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect 📅 Free Family Webinar — Every Monday at 6:30PM Eastern: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page 📞 SAMHSA National Helpline (free, 24/7): 1-800-662-4357 Don't miss our FREE WEBINAR to learn more about patient care and avoiding common mistakes families make. https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Want continued support/guidence for you and your loved one? Consider joining our FAMILY RECONNECT FAMILY! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Don't miss our FREE WEBINAR to learn more about patient care and avoiding common mistakes families make. https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Want continued support/guidence for you and your loved one? Consider joining our FAMILY RECONNECT FAMILY! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect  

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBCLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page If your loved one agrees to seek help for their addiction, do you have a plan ready? This video addresses the critical need for families to be prepared for those moments when a loved one is ready for addiction recovery. With over 15 years in recovery, I explain how to build an effective plan for drug addiction so you can act immediately. Don't miss our FREE WEBINAR to learn more about patient care and avoiding common mistakes families make. https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Want continued support/guidence for you and your loved one? Consider joining our FAMILY RECONNECT FAMILY! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect 0:00 - Introduction — Are You Ready? 0:52 - Why You Need a Plan 1:19 - How Addiction Works Against You 2:16 - Step 1: Research Treatment Centers 4:00 - Step 2: Understand the Logistics 6:17 - Step 3: Build Your Support Team 8:14 - Workshop Invite 8:47 - Step 4: Understand Your Finances 13:22 - Step 5: Mentally Prepare for the Conversation 15:27 - Recap & Final Workshop Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEB CLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page    If your loved one explodes in anger every time you try to help them with their addiction, this video will change how you understand what's really happening. After 15 years of sobriety, I can finally explain what was going through my head when I raged at the people trying to save my life. Their anger isn't about you - it's about shame, fear, and survival. Once you understand this, everything changes about how you approach them.   In this video, I break down: Why your offer of help triggers their rage (the shame bomb) What they're actually protecting when they push you away The real translation of "leave me alone" and "you don't understand" Specific phrases that work better than "you need help" How to stay present without enabling The person you love is still in there. Your job isn't to make them ready - it's to be there when they are. 0:00 - Why they attack when you offer help 0:45 - The shame trigger 3:30 - You're threatening their survival tool 6:00 - Anger keeps you away 8:30 - What they're really saying 10:30 - What actually works 13:00 - Final message for families     Consider our FAMILY RECONNECT PROGRAM! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEB CLASS! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page If someone you love is struggling with alcohol and drugs, the words you choose matter more than you think. In this video, I break down the 4 phrases that push addicts deeper into their addiction — and what you should say instead. These are the exact things my dad said to me when I was using, and I'll show you why they don't work and how to communicate in a way that actually moves the needle toward recovery. 0:00 Intro: Words That Push Addicts Away  1:15 Phrase #1: "If you loved us, you would quit" 3:45 Why conditional love destroys trust 5:20 What to say instead of questioning their love 6:30 Free Monday Workshop (Register Now) 8:10 Phrase #2: "You're weak - why can't you stop?" 11:40 Why willpower isn't the answer 13:25 What to say instead of calling them weak 15:50 Phrase #3: Bargaining - "If you do this, I'll do this" 18:30 Why rewards backfire in recovery 20:15 What to say instead of negotiating 22:40 Phrase #4: "I don't care anymore" 25:10 Why detachment works but verbalizing doesn't 27:00 What to say when you're at your breaking point 29:30 Final thoughts: Being strategic with your words 31:45 How to get support for your situation Join my free Monday workshop: https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page 5 Mistakes Every Family Makes When Helping a Loved One with Addiction 📅 Every Monday at 6:30 PM ET Need more? Want continued support and guidence for your situation? Consider our FAMILY RECONNECT PROGRAM! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/family-reconnect Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR!  https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Does your new sober life seem to be boring and mundane? Are you having a hard time finding purpose?  This is an episode that you dont want to miss! Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR!  https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page What does it actually take to stay sober for the first 90 days? In this episode, we break down a simple, practical framework for alcoholics and drug addicts who want real stability — not just white-knuckling it. We also speak directly to families and loved ones, sharing clear benchmarks that help you tell the difference between real progress and empty promises. If you or someone you love is early in recovery, this episode gives you tangible actions you can start today and clarity on what healthy sobriety actually looks like. Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling guilty, confused, or responsible for someone else's choices? You're not imagining it — and you're not weak. In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, I break down 4 manipulation tactics addicts commonly use against the people who love them most. These patterns are subtle, emotionally charged, and incredibly effective — especially on parents, spouses, and family members who just want to help. I've been on both sides of this. I used these tactics when I was in active addiction, and today I help families recognize them so they can stop enabling and start healing. Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page As we head into a brand new year, many family members and loved ones are carrying a mix of hope, exhaustion, and uncertainty — especially when someone they love is struggling with addiction. This video is not about resolutions. It's not about fixing anyone. And it's not about doing more. In this episode, I share a few simple intentions you can carry into 2026 — practical, grounded ways to protect your own well-being, strengthen connection, and walk into the new year with clarity instead of fear.  Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page If it's Christmas Eve and you're lying awake right now, worried about your child, this episode is for you. While the rest of the world seems to be celebrating, many parents are quietly carrying fear, guilt, and exhaustion—wondering where their son or daughter is, if they're safe, or if things will ever change.  In this solo episode, I speak directly to parents who are struggling tonight. We talk about why Christmas Eve can feel heavier than any other night, the lies fear tells us when things get quiet, and what actually helps when you're feeling powerless. This isn't about fixing anything or having all the answers.  It's about getting through tonight—with a little more peace, perspective, and hope. If you love a child who is struggling with addiction or destructive behavior, you are not alone. And this story isn't over.  Merry Christmas.  Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Have someone in your life struggling with addiction? DO NOT MISS THIS! Free webclass: 5 MISTAKES FAMILIES MAKE WHEN TRYING TO HELP A LOVED ONE STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page In this powerful episode of Real Recovery Talk, we sit down with Ricki Santiago, a licensed clinician who opens up about his own experience growing up with an alcoholic mother—and how that trauma shaped his entire life. Before he was a therapist helping others heal… he was a kid watching his mom drink herself into the grave. Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Have someone in your life struggling with addiction? DO NOT MISS THIS! Free webclass: 5 MISTAKES FAMILIES MAKE WHEN TRYING TO HELP A LOVED ONE STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION https://familyreconnectprogram.com/optin-page In today's episode, we break down the difference between true narcissism and the narcissistic behaviors that show up during addiction. These can look identical — manipulation, gaslighting, lack of empathy, emotional abuse — but the root cause is often very different. Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar  In today's conversation, Hilary shares one of the most powerful trauma stories we've ever had on the podcast. Before addiction ever entered her life, trauma did. From growing up in chaos… to being pushed into acting at five years old… to living in fear, shame, and survival mode — her story explains EXACTLY why so many addicts and alcoholics struggle the way they do. Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  I wanted to come on and share my gratitude for ALL OF YOU! Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar Getting into a relationship in early recovery can feel amazing… until it quietly becomes the thing that takes you out. In this episode, we talk honestly about why early-recovery relationships are so intense, why they so often end badly, and what actually makes a relationship healthy in long-term sobriety. And we finally share something big with the Real Recovery Talk family: Ben and Destiny are in a committed relationship now. 🎙❤️ We use their story as a real-life example of what can work in recovery—and why most people in early sobriety probably aren't ready yet Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar Learn how you can stop focusing on your addict loved one and RECLAIM your life back! Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 MindPump Media: https://www.youtube.com/@UCq0hKkwnW5Cw1wQqu455WrA Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? J oin Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar A lot of people think if they haven't gotten sober by 40, it's too late. That the damage is done. The truth? It's not too late — but it is different. In this episode, we break down what it really takes to get sober after 40. From rebuilding your health and relationships to rediscovering your purpose, this conversation is raw, practical, and full of hope. We talk about how to stop comparing your journey to everyone else's, how to get your body and mind back after years of neglect, and how faith and community play a massive role in long-term recovery. Whether you're just realizing you need help or you've been trying for years — it's not over. You can rebuild. You can recover. And your best years can still be ahead of you. Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar When your own dad struggles with addiction, it changes everything. In this episode, Omar shares the painful truth about growing up with an alcoholic father — the fear, the confusion, and the faith that eventually brought healing. We talk about what addiction does to families, how faith can transform even the darkest situations, and why true recovery goes far beyond just "getting sober." Omar opens up about his father's alcoholism, his mother's strength, and how God used all of it to shape his purpose and calling. Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar When Rachel was adopted as a baby, she didn't understand why she felt so different. By age 12, she was already using drugs — searching for a sense of belonging she never felt. For the next 26 years, addiction took everything from her — her health, her peace, her identity. But through it all, she discovered a truth that changed everything In this episode, Rachel shares her powerful story of addiction, adoption, and redemption — from childhood confusion and rebellion to finally finding purpose, peace, and freedom in sobriety. Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar You've probably heard the promises: "I swear I'll change." "You don't trust me?" "If you loved me, you'd help me." These are phrases many families hear over and over again — and it's exhausting. In this video, we break down how addicts manipulate the ones who love them most, why it happens, and what you can do to stop getting caught in the emotional trap. This isn't about blaming or shaming — it's about understanding the psychology behind addict manipulation so you can finally respond with strength, clarity, and peace of mind. Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

🥃 Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar Why do we keep going back to drugs or alcohol — even when we swear we're done? In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, Tom, Ben, and Jeff dive deep into the uncomfortable truth: for many, addiction becomes worship. It's not just about the substances — it's about what we're running from, what we're trying to fill, and the void that only a higher power or spiritual awakening can heal. Jeff, from Reprieve Treatment Center, shares his personal story of overdose, survival, and discovering true freedom in recovery. The guys discuss detox myths, the emotional and spiritual roots of addiction, and how to finally find peace without drugs. 😊 Join our SKOOL Group: https://www.skool.com/realrecoverytalk/about?ref=80971acc3d9f4e91bd9070fe6810e639 📖 Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy 🔴 Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ 🔴 Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ 🔴 RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join our next FREE webinar! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/webinar We are discussing alcohol treatment. What to know and how to MAKE SURE you get what you need. Contact me: [email protected]  Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides

Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling with addiction? https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling with addiction? https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc Fifteen years. Zero drinks. Thousands of days in recovery. In this special episode of Real Recovery Talk, Tom reflects on what it takes to reach a milestone few ever see: 15 years of continuous sobriety.  Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling with addiction? https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc Most people think alcoholism is easy to spot — heavy drinking, blackouts, or DUIs. But the truth is, some of the most dangerous signs are the subtle ones you're probably missing. In this video, I break down five hidden signs of alcoholism that don't always get talked about but can completely change the way you view addiction. These are the red flags I've seen over and over again working with individuals and families for years in the recovery field — and you may even recognize one of them in yourself or someone you love. 👤 I'm Tom Conrad — 15 years sober and co-host of the Real Recovery Talk podcast. I've spent my career helping people and families understand addiction, get treatment, and rebuild their lives. 📌 In this video, you'll learn: The subtle behaviors that reveal hidden alcoholism Why these signs are often missed until it's too late What to do if you recognize them in yourself or a loved one 👉 Don't ignore these warning signs — they could be the difference between awareness and disaster. Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling with addiction? https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we sit down with Mattie Johnson, a firefighter who was told he would never ride a fire truck again. Why? Because alcohol nearly killed him. For years, Mattie lived fast — drinking hard, partying, and pushing his limits while working in the fire service. He ignored repeated warnings from doctors: "If you don't stop drinking, you're going to die." The wake-up calls came in the form of multiple ICU visits, coughing up blood, and finally stage 4 liver failure. At one point, Maddie accepted that he would drink himself to death. But then, against all odds, he received a life-saving liver transplant, and chose recovery. This is a raw, unfiltered story of: 🚒 Fire service culture & alcoholism 💉 Near-death experiences from alcohol abuse 🩸 Facing liver failure & a transplant 🙏 Finding purpose, sobriety, and a second chance If you or someone you love is battling alcoholism, Maddie's story proves that even from the edge of death, recovery is possible. 👉 Subscribe to the channel for new episodes every Wednesday at 5 AM. 📩 Need help or guidance? Email us: 👉 Don't forget to subscribe and share this with someone who needs to hear it. Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling with addiction? https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, Tom and Ben sit down with Franchesca, who shares her powerful story of getting clean without traditional addiction treatment. After multiple failed attempts at rehab, Franchesca found recovery in the rooms of a 12-step fellowship — and she's been clean for 13 years. This conversation dives into her early struggles, being a teen mom, losing and regaining custody of her son, detoxing without medical help, and how community, surrender, and honesty saved her life. Whether you're in recovery yourself or walking alongside a loved one, this story is a reminder that there isn't just one way to get sober. 👉 Don't forget to subscribe and share this with someone who needs to hear it. Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc In today's episode, Erik takes us through A Vision For You from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have someone in your life that struggles with addiction and you feel lost or alone? Join us here! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc We are excited for this new adventure, and freaked out a little bit too! 👉 Don't forget to subscribe for more real conversations about addiction, recovery, and hope. 📩 Questions or need help?  Reach out: [email protected]

Do you have someone in your life that struggles with addiction and you feel lost or alone? Join us here! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc What happens when a woman struggling with addiction becomes pregnant — and discovers there are little to no resources to help her? In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, Tom and Ben sit down with Heather, a researcher and advocate, to unpack the hidden struggles women face when battling addiction, especially during pregnancy. From stigma and lack of support to how treatment centers and families can respond, this conversation pulls back the curtain on an issue most people never talk about. Why pregnant women are one of the most stigmatized groups in addiction. The uphill battle mothers face when seeking treatment. How stigma and lack of resources often keep women from asking for help. Stories of hope and what real recovery can look like for women and families. This is one of our most eye-opening conversations yet — whether you're in recovery yourself, love someone who is, or simply want to understand this issue better. 👉 Don't forget to subscribe for more real conversations about addiction, recovery, and hope. 📩 Questions or need help?  Reach out: [email protected]

Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc In today's episode, Erik takes us through Working with Others: Part 2 from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling with addiction? https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc I was listening to a guy on a podcast talk about what it really takes to build a successful business. He said most entrepreneurs spend the first few years working seven days a week, sixteen hours a day, pouring absolutely everything into it. And I thought—man, that's exactly what early sobriety should look like. You get out what you put in. If you treat your recovery like it's part-time, you're going to get part-time results. But if you go all-in, the payoff is massive. So today, we are breaking down three specific things you can start doing right now to make sure you're building your sobriety the right way from day one.   Have questions or need support? Email us anytime at [email protected]. ➡️ Learn more about our Family Reconnect Program: www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling with addiction? https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, we sit down with George, who recently graduated with not one — but two master's degrees. His story is a powerful reminder that getting clean and sober isn't the end of the road — it's the start of an entirely new life. George opens up about his journey through addiction, the turning points that led him to sobriety, and how he's used his recovery as a launching pad for personal and professional transformation. From rebuilding his self-worth to achieving academic excellence, George's story proves that recovery can unlock possibilities you never thought were within reach. If you've ever wondered what's truly possible in sobriety, this episode will leave you inspired and motivated to see the opportunities waiting on the other side of addiction. 📩 Have questions or need support? Email us anytime at [email protected]. ➡️ Learn more about our Family Reconnect Program: www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/  

Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc In today's episode, Erik takes us through Working with Others from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling with addiction? https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc Why is Florida the #1 place in the U.S. for addiction treatment? In this episode, we reveal how Palm Beach County became the model for recovery programs nationwide — and why other states are trying to copy it. From the huge recovery community to world-class sober living, here's why so many people come here to get sober… and stay sober. 📩 Have questions or need support? Email us anytime at [email protected]. ➡️ Learn more about our Family Reconnect Program: www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one srtuggling with addiction? https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc If you love someone struggling with addiction, you probably know the constant fear of "waiting for the call." The call that something terrible has happened. The call you've been dreading. In this episode, we have an honest conversation about what it's like for parents and loved ones living with that constant anxiety. We talk about: Why addiction creates so much fear for families The emotional toll of "waiting for the other shoe to drop" Practical steps you can take to regain peace and protect your own well-being How to set boundaries without abandoning your loved one If you're a parent, spouse, or sibling of someone battling addiction, this episode is for you. You are not alone. There is hope. 📩 Have questions or need support? Email us anytime at [email protected]. ➡️ Learn more about our Family Reconnect Program: www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/

Do you have a family member/loved one who struggles with addiction?: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/frc In today's episode, Erik takes us through  Step 8,9,10 from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous Treatment Prep Guide: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/treatmentprep SoberLink: https://www.soberlink.com/partners-family-and-friends/rrt Join our Big Book Study! https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/bigbookstudy Join our FREE FB Support group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realrecoverytalk Download our free guides!: https://www.realrecoverytalk.com/guides Tom IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalktom/ Ben IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkben/ RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/