Supporting a Loved One in Addiction: Boundaries and Recovery with Kathy Wrenn

In this episode, host KL Wells speaks with Kathy Wrenn, a former health education teacher and current coach with BALM Family Recovery.

With over 20 years of experience in education, Kathy shares her personal journey of navigating her son Tucker's substance use disorder. As the executive director of ILUME Family Recovery, she discusses the importance of family education, understanding risk factors, and finding peace while supporting loved ones through addiction. Kathy also previews her upcoming documentary focused on family recovery, which aims to provide hope and practical resources for families affected by addiction.

Key Discussion Points

• The importance of understanding risk factors in substance use disorder
• The role of protective factors in prevention and recovery
• The transition from crisis to peace in family recovery - The power of mindfulness and self-care practices
• The significance of family education in addiction recovery
• The development of healthy boundaries and communication
• The upcoming documentary on family recovery

Some Questions I Ask

• What was your initial reaction when you began to realize your son was struggling with addiction?
• How did you help yourself sleep at night during difficult times?
• What was your biggest challenge as a mom going through this journey?
• How did you navigate the relationship with your husband during this process?
• What inspired the documentary project?

In This Episode, You Will Learn

• How to identify and understand substance use disorder risk factors
• The importance of practicing self-care and mindfulness techniques
• Ways to set healthy boundaries while maintaining loving relationships
• The value of family education in supporting recovery
• How to transition from enabling to supporting recovery
• The power of changing family dynamics in promoting healing
• The importance of finding the right support resources

Resources

• Book: Five Acts of Courage
• ILUME Family Recovery website: www.ilumefamilyrecovery.com
• BALM Family Recovery Program: https://balmfamilyrecovery.com/
• BALM 'On Demand Program' for Leaders
• Upcoming Documentary on Family Recovery (available late spring/early summer)

Links to Tools Mentioned in this Episode

• Risk Factors List for Substance Use Disorder
• Cycle of Change Diagram
• DSM-5 Substance Use Disorder Criteria