Parenting Through a Child's Substance Use With Clarity, Compassion And Your Own Therapist, with Patrick Balsley

ABOUT THE EPISODE:
Patrick Balsley's substance use began with alcohol in middle school and ended 11 years later with heroin- and cocaine-induced psychosis.  But instead of talking to Patrick about who he used to be, today I'm talking to him about the incredible things he's been doing with his life since then and what he's learned while helping so many other families in their pursuit of recovery.

Patrick founded Sana Counseling and Sana House, a recovery residence for men. He sits on the board of recovery high school Emerald School of Excellence, which began with two students and has grown to about 35 kids, most graduating and moving on to college or work programs.  He also serves on the board of the PIVOTPoint WNC therapeutic adventure program and the advisory board at the Atrium Health Foundation.  As you can tell,  his incredible range of experience - both personal and professional - makes him an incredible source for parents.

In this episode, Patrick and I discuss why many parents have the "it's just a phase" mindset during their child's experimentation, the compounding dangers of parents self-medicating to deal with their family dynamics, and the importance of early intervention for kids - and therapy for everyone.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Sana Counseling
• Sana Recovery - young men’s sober living in Charlotte, NC
• About Patrick Balsley
• Emerald School of Excellence - Charlotte, NC recovery high school
• Archway Academy, Houston, TX recovery high school
• Association of Recovery Schools
• Generation Found documentary
• CRAFT-Certified Therapist List (from Dr. Bob Meyers)
• Find CRAFT-practitioners at Helping Families Help

This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community
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Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol

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