89| Rebuilding Relationships After Addiction: Janice Johnson Dowd on Motherhood, Sobriety and Healing

This week Amy Grace talks with Janice Johnson Dowd, a licensed social worker, mother of four, and author, to talk about the intersection of motherhood, alcohol use, and recovery. Janice opens up about the early messages she received about “doing it all,” the stress of raising kids while her husband frequently traveled, and the mom-guilt that came with shortcuts like fast food dinners.

She shares how drinking, which didn’t begin until her forties, gradually became her way of managing stress, boredom, and grief—especially while caring for her aging parents. Janice describes how what started as “just a glass of wine” eventually led to secret drinking, blackouts, and her children stepping in as caretakers.

Through honesty, intervention, and treatment, Janice found her way to sobriety and has now been sober for 12 years. She speaks passionately about the need for family-focused recovery programs, the importance of accountability, and the hope that broken relationships can be repaired with time and persistence.

Key Takeaways

• Addiction is often subtle and progressive. It can start with “just one glass” and quietly become a coping pattern.

• Kids notice more than we think. Even when parents believe they’re hiding struggles, children sense and internalize the effects.

• Accountability matters. Long-term treatment, recovery programs, and support systems dramatically increase chances of sobriety.

• Recovery is a family process. Healing requires not only the individual, but also repairing relationships with children and loved ones.

• Hope is possible. Even after years of pain and distance, reconciliation and healthy connection can be rebuilt.

• “We think we’re better at masking it than we really are. But our kids are always paying attention.” – Janice Johnson Dowd

Key Quotes

• “Addiction is not just a me disease—it’s a family disease.” – Janice Johnson Dowd

• “My motivation for recovery was my kids. I couldn’t stand the thought of losing them.” – Janice Johnson Dowd

• “We’ve normalized drinking so much that moms don’t even realize how harmful it can be.” – Janice Johnson Dowd

• “It took persistence and patience, but my kids and I are closer than ever today.” – Janice Johnson Dowd

• Janice’s Website: janicejohnsondowd.com

• Instagram: @parenting_in_recovery

• Book: Rebuilding Relationships in Recovery by Janice Johnson Dowd

Janice Johnson Dowd is a licensed social worker, speaker, and author passionate about supporting families impacted by addiction. A mom of four and 12 years sober, she combines her professional background in family therapy with her personal story of recovery to bring hope and tools for healing. Her book, Rebuilding Relationships in Recovery, offers practical guidance for families navigating the difficult but transformative process of recovery together.

• Janice’s Website: ⁠janicejohnsondowd.com⁠

• Instagram: ⁠@parenting_in_recovery⁠

• Book: Rebuilding Relationships in Recovery by Janice Johnson Dowd

About Your Host

Amy Grace is the heart behind Everyday Supermoms, a podcast that inspires and empowers mothers by sharing diverse stories of resilience and connection. As a licensed therapist, she supports moms through all stages of motherhood with transformative therapy intensives and signature courses like The Motherhood Mindset Reset and Create Your Own Motherhood. A mom of six, Amy draws from her own journey—from single parenting to blended families—to create a community where mothers can embrace their unique paths with confidence and grace.

👉 For more info and your FREE Embracing Your Inner Supermom Workbook, visit www.everydaysupermoms.com.