592: 4 Things That Will Destroy Their Recovery (Don't Say These)
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEB CLASS! 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"...
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591: STOP playing the VICTIM: Michael Wall
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! 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! Tom IG: Ben IG: RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
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590: The 90-Day Sobriety Framework (THIS WILL WORK)
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! 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...
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589: Why I Kept Relapsing on C***aine (Until I Finally Did This)
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! Join our SKOOL Group: Join our Big Book Study! Tom IG: Ben IG: RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
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588: 4 MORE Manipulation Tactics Addicts Use Against their own FAMILY! (Be Prepared)
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE WEBINAR! 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...
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587: 3 Intentions to Help Families Start 2026 With Hope
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? 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...
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586: Why You Feel Lied To, Manipulated And Guilty (Advice For Parents Only)
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? 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...
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585: My Mom Died From Alcoholism: Here is Why...
Real Recovery Talk
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 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: Join our Big Book Study! Tom IG: Ben IG: RRT IG:...
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584: Addiction or Narcissism? How to Tell the Difference (Professional Opinion)
Real Recovery Talk
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 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: Join our Big Book Study! Tom IG: Ben IG: RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
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583: What Families Get Wrong About Addiction (It's Not Willpower)
Real Recovery Talk
Do you have a family member/loved one struggling with addiction? Join Our FREE 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: Join our Big Book Study! Tom IG: Ben IG: RRT IG: https://www.instagram.com/realrecoverytalkpodcast/
info_outline“I have a place that I was comfortable with that I was already a part of for my recovery.” -Reed
Today, Ben and I chatted with Reed, who tells his story about how his addiction started in college. Raised locally in Palm Beach Gardens, Reed had a good life growing up with loving parents who gave him many opportunities in life. However, with his parents being conservative regarding drinking, Reed didn’t get drugs and alcohol from his parents.
Experimenting with Drugs
While in high school, Reed did drink and smoke weed, but drugs and alcohol weren’t a big problem at this point in his life. However, when he went to the University of Mississippi, he started to heavily get into drugs and alcohol. In his second year at university, his roommate sold multiple forms of hard drugs.
With easy access to drugs and alcohol, it was easy for Reed to become addicted to his personality. “That opened the door of my first year of solid, heavy drug use.” When his house was raided by the DEA, and his roommate passed away from an overdose, Reed was charged, went to jail, and left school.
Talking to Your Kids About Drugs and Alcohol
Reed agrees with us when we talk about being overly strict with your kids about drugs and alcohol, especially in teen years. Instead of telling them not to do anything, be open and frank with your children and have discussions with them about the adverse effects of drugs and alcohol.
When kids aren’t allowed to do anything and have a very restrictive home life, they will generally go out and start to party hard out of control because they were too sheltered in high school.
Check out our website, where you can download episodes with helpful information for those in recovery and their families. Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review!
Show Highlights
[06:04] Starting by experimenting with drugs and alcohol during his high school years.
[09:48] Reed’s progression from college drinking and drugs to DEA raids.
[21:27] Why being a helicopter parent can persuade your kids to do drugs.
[32:19] Entering into his first treatment program.
[41:27] Needing a geographical change depends on your home life.
[50:11] We discuss the pros and cons of methadone.
[57:46] Speaking to other through AA to educate college students on drugs and alcohol.
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Ideas for a show? Email us tom@realrecoverytalk.com and ben@realrecoverytalk.com
Podcast editing and show notes by Pro Podcast Solutions