Bookends of Recovery
I share tools & support so others don’t learn the hard way like I did. | Clean from my DOC for 30+ years | Healed from betrayal trauma after husband’s PA disclosure. | You’re not alone. Recovery is possible. I believe in you 🌻
Episodes
You may be asking yourself, “Is my partner an addict, or does he enjoy a lot of pornography and Instagram models?” It’s a valid question to ask, and it can be challenging to answer without talking to a professional, particularly because pornography and sex addiction aren’t in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) as this goes live. Here's Carne's POTHOS test.
Today’s episode is a little different. It’s a guided reflection and workbook session designed to support loved ones of those struggling with addiction. It's a companion to last week's episode.
If you haven’t already, grab a journal, some paper, or open a blank doc on your phone—whatever works. You might want to find a quiet space where you can reflect without interruption.
If you have any questions, please let...
Ever find yourself Googling "How to recover from someone else’s addiction" at 2 a.m. while eating handfuls of Goldfish? Yeah, me too. I didn’t quite give up the Goldfish, but I did give up the Googling. Eventually. Today we're talking about hypervigilance, the emotions you may experience as the loved one of an addict, and the early signs of relational trauma. This post isn’t just for the loved ones thou...
This guided workbook will help you identify warning signs, manage setbacks, and build a strong support system to keep your recovery on track. Use it as a personal guide to strengthen your awareness and develop a proactive relapse prevention plan. It is the exercise portion to today's podcast.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Sending everyone happy and healthy vibes,
Laura
Please n...
Relapse isn’t a failure. It’s a reminder that you’re human and still growing. Whether you’re newly sober or have been rockin' your recovery for years, relapse prevention is a lifelong practice. In today’s episode, we’re diving into real-world strategies, building solid support systems, spotting red flags before they flare up, handling setbacks with resilience, and staying on track no matter what.
If you’re in recovery, you already know that communication is crucial. If you’re the loved one of someone in recovery, you know how important communication is for healing—not just for them but for you, too. Today I share about communicating in a healthy way, using HEAL check-in conversations, and ask you questions to get you thinking.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Sending everyone happy and h...
In this bonus episode, I share a quick meditation for moments you feel angry or overwhelmed. It perfectly complements my previous podcast, Managing Triggers When You're Angry.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Sending everyone happy and healthy vibes,
Laura
Please note: This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. I suggest you seek the help of a trained professional for yo...
What do you do when anger flares up? How do you keep it from dragging you down a path you’ve worked so hard to leave behind? That’s what we’re talking about today: real, practical ways to manage anger and its triggers, whether you're in recovery or supporting someone who is.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Sending everyone happy and healthy vibes,
Laura
Please note: This podcast is for education onl...
It’s easy to forget how you're actually feeling until your emotions are like adding Mentos to a bottle of Coke—they explode. That’s where an emotional check-in comes in—it’s like hitting “pause” on life to see what’s really going on inside. Listen to learn how to self-check in and for thought-provoking questions at the end.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Sending everyone happy and healthy vibes,
La...
Core beliefs are like a little puppeteer pulling the strings behind the scenes. When someone gives you a funny look, and your brain translates it to “They think I’m worthless,” it’s not the look making you feel that way; it’s your core belief that you’re not good enough. And here’s the kicker: these core beliefs? They’re usually garbage. Just because you’ve thought something your whole life doesn’t make it true. Let&a...
Let’s continue to talk about triggers. No, not the kind that set off alarm bells—though some days, urges and stress can feel just as explosive. I mean the sneaky dudes that can send you down a rabbit hole of old habits. (Here are the first, second, third and fourth blog posts in my series about triggers.)
The good news? You’ve got a secret weapon in your arsenal: self-care. I mean the real, nitty-gritty self-care th...
You’ve been through the wringer—relational trauma, betrayal, addiction, and the emotional equivalent of walking barefoot on broken glass while swallowing fire. Healing isn’t just a straight path; it’s a zigzag of breakthroughs, setbacks, and the occasional “WHAT THE F IS HAPPENING?” moment. Let’s walk through the key healing tips—minus the sugarcoating but with a bit of humor to keep us sane. This is the first in the ...
Addiction—whether it involves substances, behaviors, or habits—can feel like an uphill battle. The cravings, the triggers, the relentless pull to give in... it’s overwhelming, like trying to diet while trapped in a bakery.
But understanding the mechanics of addiction, specifically recognizing and managing urges, can empower you on the road to recovery.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Sending everyone ha...
Let’s be real: boundaries are no fun to set, but if you’re navigating recovery from addiction and healing, boundaries aren’t just helpful—they’re essential. Think of them as your GPS, steering you away from the potholes and speedbumps and toward a healthier, happier life that calms the chaos we sometimes feel in our brains.
Today, in another installment of my series on triggers, I focus on one of my topics: boundaries!...
If talking about your feelings gives you a knot in your stomach, worry not my Superstars, I’ve got a solution for you: use a color exercise instead.
Your emotions have a whole rainbow of colors of their own, and tapping into them can be a powerful way to check in with yourself without overthinking. So, grab some paper, colored pencils (or, whatever you can find in your junk drawer), and let’s get expressive. If colors...
Have you ever felt blindsided by an emotion that takes you back to a dark place?
I’m here to tell you something important: there’s a way through. Today, I’m thrilled to dive into another installment of my series on triggers. This time, we’re focusing on emotional and outside triggers—two big players in the recovery process. Understanding them can be a total game-changer, helping you maintain sobriety and build str...
Sobriety and healing are achievable, and you can make it happen. I’ve done it, and so can you. In my podcast, I share the tools and knowledge you need to attain lasting sobriety and healing for those struggling and their loved ones. I've been clean for 30+ years, and my journey wasn't easy, but it was worth it. I'm an ICF ACC certified life coach but no longer practice coaching due to my health issues. ...
This is a bonus episode and a perfect companion to yesterday’s podcast. I'll guide you through a quick yet powerful meditation to help you center yourself, release tension, and navigate emotional triggers.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Sending everyone happy and healthy vibes,
Laura
Please note: This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. I suggest you seek the help o...
Triggers. They’re those sneaky emotional responses that come out of nowhere, right? You think you’re doing okay, and then wham—a feeling hits you like a ton of bricks. But here’s the good news: you can manage them. In fact, you must manage them, and today, we’re going to explore how. Plus, I'll share tools to add to your toolkit and a free worksheet.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Sending everyone ...
Deciding that you're going to quit using your DOC -drug of choice - is a major life decision. It can feel overwhelming and scary, but it's also one full of hope and promise too. Knowing the first steps to take can help lay a solid foundation for your recovery. In this episode, I'll discuss different recovery approaches. Stay tuned for part two coming up in a few minutes!
If you have any questions, please...
Popular Podcasts
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.