Do What You Can Live With: Navigating Through Addiction and Recovery

Summary In this episode of the Do What You Can Live With podcast, host Brandi Mac and her daughter Brooke discuss their journey through addiction and recovery. They explore the challenges of aftercare, the importance of support systems, and the personal struggles they faced during recovery. The conversation delves into family dynamics, healing, and the growth they have experienced together. They emphasize the need for accountability and the importance of looking inward to foster better relationships. The episode concludes with reflections on their journey and the hope for future conversations. Takeaways Brooke has been in recovery for over two years. The lack of aftercare support is a significant issue. Community support is essential for recovery. Personal struggles can complicate the recovery process. Family dynamics play a crucial role in healing. Healing takes time and effort from all parties involved. Accountability is important in recovery and relationships. Looking inward can help improve communication. It's possible to rebuild relationships after addiction. Gratitude for progress is essential in the recovery journey. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Recovery Journey 05:58 Personal Struggles and Relationships 12:06 Reflections on Growth and Accountability Contact Brandi: brandi@brandimac.com Social Media: the_original_brandi_mac Subscribe to Brandi's Substack: Prescribed Chaos Purchase Brandi's Book " Do What You Can Live With: A Survivial Guide for Navigating Addiction, Grief and Impossible Choices Here

In this episode of the Do What You Can Live With podcast, Brandi Mac shares her personal health struggles, the importance of real human connections, and her experiences in the recovery space. She discusses the ethical responsibilities of advocates, the challenges within the treatment industry, and her reluctance to charge families for help. Brandi emphasizes the need for genuine support and the complexities of navigating the advocacy landscape while remaining true to oneself. Takeaways Brandi has been dealing with health issues Burnout is a significant concern for those in advocacy work. Real human connections are vital for mental health and support. Brandi emphasizes the importance of protecting her mental health. She has been cautious about connecting deeply with others in the recovery space. The treatment industry often prioritizes profit over patient care. Brandi is jaded about the rehab industry due to personal experiences. She believes in the ethical responsibility of advocates to prioritize families. Brandi struggles with the idea of charging families for help. She aims to create a supportive community for those affected by addiction. Chapters 00:00 Brandi's Health Journey and Burnout 05:54 Navigating the Recovery Space 12:01 The Ethical Responsibility in Advocacy 17:52 Challenges in the Treatment Industry 30:04 The Dilemma of Charging for Help 38:54 Final Thoughts and Moving Forward Website: brandimac.com Email:brandi@brandimac.com Do What You Can Live With Book is available on Amazon

Alcohol is the most normalized drug in America and one of the deadliest. In this episode of the Do What You Can Live With Podcast, critical care nurse practitioner and author Brandi Mac exposes how the trillion-dollar alcohol industry shaped the language we use around addiction, influenced federal policy, and helped keep alcohol socially acceptable while millions of families quietly suffer. Alcohol kills an average of 178,000 Americans every year, more than all drug overdoses combined. Yet it remains legal, advertised, and culturally protected. That did not happen by accident. In this episode, Brandi breaks down how corporate lobbying influenced federal agencies like the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, why alcohol was intentionally separated from the word "drug," and how terms like substance abuse were shaped by profit, not families, clinicians, or people in recovery. Backed by peer-reviewed research and decades of frontline ICU experience, this episode connects the dots between policy, stigma, and the invisible grief of loving someone with alcohol use disorder. In this episode, we cover: Why alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization How alcohol kills more people than fentanyl, heroin, meth, and cocaine combined The role of corporate lobbying in changing federal addiction language Why alcohol harm receives a fraction of the funding compared to other diseases How the separation of "alcohol and drugs" shaped stigma and shame Why families affected by alcoholism are often dismissed and minimized What boundaries, love, and clarity look like when the system fails you Brandi also explores how lobbying dollars dwarfed public health funding, how Big alcohol companies profit off the sickest drinkers, and why harm reduction has worked for drug overdoses but remains taboo when applied to alcohol. This episode is for parents, partners, siblings, clinicians, and anyone who has been told "it's just alcohol" while watching someone they love disappear. Because your pain was not imagined. Your crisis was not invisible by accident. And you are not wrong for taking it seriously. 📘 Learn more at brandimac.com 📖 Author of Do What You Can Live With

Brandi Mac sits down with fellow mom and truth-teller Steffy Bailey to talk about what it really means to love an adult child through addiction without abandoning yourself in the process. Steffy shares her decade-long journey of finding her voice, taking responsibility for her emotional and mental health, and learning how to tell the truth even when it costs comfort. Her son, is approaching six months in recovery, and this episode goes far beyond surface-level hope. Together, Brandi and Steffy unpack the realities families face when addiction enters the home: fractured marriages, strained relationships with other children, protecting grandchildren, and the exhausting pressure of carrying it all alone. They speak openly about boundaries, forgiveness, accountability, and why there is no single "right way" to love someone in recovery. What You'll Hear in This Episode What it means to speak your truth as a parent of a child with addiction The emotional cost of carrying family pain alone in marriage and motherhood How addiction impacts children and grandchildren in ways we rarely talk about Why boundaries are not abandonment, but protection and love The role of forgiveness, responsibility, and accountability in healing Breaking generational cycles instead of repeating them Ethical storytelling and sharing lived experience on social media Why there are many valid paths to recovery and family healing Holding hope without minimizing harm About the Guest Steffy Bailey is a mother, and creator who has spent years speaking openly about what it's like to love a child with substance use disorder. Known for her raw honesty and refusal to sugarcoat hard truths. Her son, Nehemiah, is currently approaching six months in recovery. You can find Steffi on TikTok at Steffi's TikTok. Her handle is steffy_u_r_not_alone About the Host Brandi Mac is a critical care nurse practitioner, author, and mother of a daughter in recovery. She is the creator of Do What You Can Live With, a trauma-informed, harm-reduction-aligned framework for families navigating addiction, grief, and impossible choices. Resource Mentioned Do What You Can Live With: A Survival Guide for Families Navigating Addiction, Grief, and Impossible Choices by Brandi Mac Available on Amazon. Link Here Brandi Mac Website

Keywords recovery, addiction, advocacy, community, personal growth, storytelling, resilience, Kensington, self-care, support Summary In this episode, Brandi Mac shares personal updates about her family, including her daughter's recovery journey and her own struggles with work-life balance. She discusses her advocacy efforts, including a recent event called Rise for Recovery, where she engaged with other advocates and learned about impactful stories of resilience. Brandi reflects on her experiences in Kensington, a community facing significant challenges due to addiction, and emphasizes the importance of community support and outreach. She concludes with a call to action for listeners to contribute to their communities and support those in need. Takeaways Brandi's daughter is nearing two years in recovery. She is focusing more on advocacy and less on hospital work. The Rise for Recovery event was a transformative experience. Storytelling is a powerful tool in advocacy. Kensington is a community deeply affected by addiction. Brandi emphasizes the importance of self-care. Community outreach is crucial in addressing addiction. Brandi's book aims to support families dealing with addiction. It's okay to find joy amidst pain and struggle. Everyone can contribute to their community in meaningful ways. Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and Personal Updates 05:27 Advocacy and Community Engagement 11:32 Storytelling and Collaboration in Advocacy 16:36 Impactful Stories from the Summit 21:14 Kensington Experience and Observations 26:03 Navigating Advocacy and Community Challenges 31:41 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Brandi's Book "Do What You Can Live With: A Survival Guide for Families Navigating Addiction, Grief and Impossible Choices" HERE Please send emails that I can share. Send anything, but I really want to know whats the craziest thing you have done as loved one through their addiction? Email: brandi@brandimac.com

Summary In this episode, Brandi Mac discusses the complexities of loving someone struggling with addiction, focusing on the importance of setting and adjusting boundaries. She shares personal experiences and insights on how to navigate toxic relationships, the evolution of boundaries over time, and the significance of self-reflection and communication. Brandi emphasizes that while tough love is often advocated, it is not the only approach to support a loved one in recovery. The conversation highlights the need for protective boundaries, the role of love in setting limits, and practical ways to show care without compromising one's own well-being. Takeaways Loving someone with addiction is a painful journey. Boundaries are essential for protecting mental health. It's okay to adjust boundaries as situations change. Tough love can sometimes do more harm than good. Self-reflection is crucial in navigating relationships. You can show love without enabling harmful behaviors. Communicating boundaries clearly is vital. Consequences for violating boundaries must be established. Creating a safe space is a priority for families. Everyone deserves compassion, even those struggling with addiction. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Boundaries in Family Dynamics 02:19 Understanding Boundaries in Addiction 05:06 Types of Boundaries: Controlling vs. Protective 07:50 The Pain of Setting Boundaries 10:28 Navigating Toxic Relationships 13:04 Consequences of Violating Boundaries 15:14 Creating Healthy Boundaries 17:38 The Role of Love in Setting Boundaries 20:31 Communicating Boundaries Effectively 23:05 Supporting Loved Ones in Addiction 25:19 The Impact of Addiction on Family Dynamics 28:02 Finding Peace Through Boundaries 30:20 Conclusion and Future Directions Purchase Book Here: Do What You Can Live: A Survival Guide for Families Navigating Addiction, Grief and Impossible Choices Resources: Here

Summary: In this episode, Brandi Mac discusses her daughter Brooke's journey to sobriety, reflecting on the challenges of addiction, the impact on family relationships, and the importance of appropriate treatment. They explore the nuances of drug use, the effectiveness of medicated assisted treatment, and the experiences within treatment facilities. The conversation emphasizes personal growth, healing, and the complexities of recovery. Takeaways Brooke is now 15 months sober, showcasing significant growth since her last podcast appearance. The pain of addiction affects both the individual and their loved ones. Fentanyl addiction can lead to severe physical and mental health issues. Medicated assisted treatment, like Suboxone, can be effective if dosed appropriately. Treatment facilities can vary greatly in their approach and effectiveness. Family dynamics are deeply impacted by addiction and recovery processes. Healing is possible, but it requires effort and alignment between individuals. The importance of understanding the dangers of drug use, especially with substances like fentanyl. Communication and support from family are crucial during recovery. Personal growth often comes from facing and overcoming past challenges. 55:52 Supporting Loved Ones Struggling with Addiction Prescribed Chaos Substack: https://ogbrandimac.substack.com Family Resources and More: https://www.brandimac.com Book Brandi Mac to Speak: https://www.brandimac.com/contact-brandi

Summary Brandi Mac discusses her journey as a mother of a child with substance use disorder and her own healing process. She talks about the challenges of navigating her daughter's recovery and the impact it has had on their relationship. Brandi also shares her experience with perimenopause and the importance of addressing hormonal imbalances. She emphasizes the need for families to take ownership of their role in addiction and the importance of therapy and self-care. Takeaways Loving someone with substance use disorder is incredibly challenging and requires ongoing support and understanding. Healing and rebuilding trust in the family after addiction takes time and effort from all members. Addressing hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during perimenopause, can have a significant impact on mental health and overall well-being. Families need to take ownership of their role in addiction and work on their own healing and growth. Therapy and self-care are essential for both individuals struggling with addiction and their loved ones. Resources are available on my website : Resources Here TikTok: The_original_brandi_mac Email: Collateraldamagesucks@gmail.com

This podcast is raw and real. My daughter came home one week ago to detox and together we made the decision to restart her medicated assisted treatment. This will likely be several parts and a great way to end 2023. Brooke and I want to wish each of you and your family's a very Happy Holiday. Thank you for sticking around. https://www.brandimac.com/

Many have seen the drama on social media when it comes to Sam and I. He not only made a 1 sided podcast but also went live last night sharing a 1 sided view. Hopefully this will answer some of the questions many of you have had. If you want to learn more about the story there is a playlist called "Sam Davis and Marc" on my Tiktok profile when this all started. Brandi Mac Tiktok TikTok Link

This episode features an interview with Dr. Stacy Murphy who owns Navigating Addiction which provides family education for treatment centers. Stacy also know what its like love a child with substance use disorder. Her daughter has 11 years of sobriety and understands the struggles that many of us go through. If you love the podcast please leave a review and follow! Dr. Stacy Murphy Navigating Addiction Dr. Stacy Murphy TikTok If you are in need of resources check out The Apathetic Journey Sign up for our newsletter and to receive notification every time a new episode drops! Newsletter Sign up You can follow all of Brandi Mac's social media accounts at Brandi Mac's Website Recovery and Awareness shirts Stop The Stigma Apparel

How we got our grandson AA/NA online meetings: https://aa-intergroup.org/meetings/ Smart Recovery: https://meetings.smartrecovery.org/meetings/ Brandi Mac TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_original_brandi_mac Interested in being on the podcast? Email us @ collateraldamagesucks@gmail.com Join email list to be notified when a new episode drops @https://collateral-damage-podcast-with-brandi-mac.ck.page/f6a9af5a50

Have you ever loved someone with substance use disorder and felt alone? Are you currently using or in recovery and feel like your family lacks understanding? Yea well welcome to my f$cking life! I'm Brandi Mac and my daughter battles addiction and her family? Well we are collateral damage and frankly it sucks. This podcast will cover all aspects of addiction with interviews of those in recovery, active use and family members. We will explore the good and bad of the treatment industry, harm reduction, medicated assisted treatment (MAT) and boundaries. Follow me on TikTok: Brandi Mac's TikTok Instagram: Brandi Mac's Instagram