Red Roof Recovery show

S3E10: Models of Recovery - Do They Work?

S3E10:  In the world of addiction recovery, there are "models" of recovery like the 12-step programs of AA (alcoholic's anonymous) and NA (narcotics anonymous), and more evidence-based models of recovery like SMART (self management and recovery training).
"AA saved my life, and SMART gave me my life back."  It's something I say often!  
I was indoctrinated with the 12-step program model of recovery when I checked myself into a rehab facility in 2009.  For the next 8 years, I attended AA and NA meetings on a weekly basis and relapsed into my drug and alcohol addictions every year or two.  I found SMART in 2018 and haven't relapsed since.  The evidence for me is that the SMART model of recovery is more effective.  However, we're all different animals, so it's important to keep looking for something that works for you.
 

S3E9: Managing Self Talk

S3E9:  How do you talk to yourself?
 
You spend more time talking to yourself, inside our own head, than you talk to anyone - so it's worth the effort to make it a nice place to be!
 
Self talk is powerful. That inner dialogue can often push us into substance and behavioural addictions that are harmful. Cognitive therapies have taught me how to "Catch It, Check It, and Change It!"
 
On this week's episode, Lance and Tanya discuss ways to silence, or at least intercept, this inner dialogue so it doesn't sabotage your recovery.

S3E8: How to Maintain Motivation

S3E8:  How do you maintain motivation to abstain from addictions? It's a question that comes up a lot in recovery meetings.
Lance and Tanya talk about the definition of motivation, the dopamine deficit that makes people biologically vulnerable to addictions, and how you can tap into the feel-good pharmacy that lives inside of you.

S3E7: The Key to Accept Acceptance

S3E7:  Tanya shares why the concept of "acceptance" was unacceptable to her for a long time in her recovery from drug & alcohol addictions, and what she did to finally accept herself, her recovery, and her life on life's terms.
 
Lance and Tanya do this episode of the Red Roof Recovery show on zoom for the first time!  We’ll keep working on the sound quality. Thanks for your patience.

S3E6: How to Build Your Resilience

S3E6:  On this week's episode of Red Roof Recovery, I'm joined by my best friend and business partner, Lance (I can him my Sir Lancelot).  Lance lived with me through my alcohol and drug addictions for more than 20 years.
Together, we'll be unfolding the struggles that can arise from abstaining, and living with someone who is abstaining, from addictions - and sharing some helpful strategies to build your resilience.
 
 
 
 

S3E5: What is the Best Recovery Method?

S3E5:  Being a certified addictions counsellor in both Canada and Michigan, Psychologist Doug Pryor shares his experience and observances from each side of the border when it comes to the models of recovery that work best for addiction recovery.

S3E4: Denial is More than a Big River in Egypt!

S3E4:  "Denial is more than a big river in Egypt!"  It's a common saying in recovery circles, because people challenged with AUD/SUD (alcohol/substance use disorders) spend a loooonnnnngggggg time in denial.
On this episode, Lance and I chat about my years of denial and what finally pushed me to seek recovery from my drug and alcohol addictions.

S3E3: Helping Yourself First is KEY

S3E3:  Lance is back on this episode to offer some perspective to family members who are living with someone who's addicted.
Most of the inquiries we receive are from family members who are trying to help their loved one.  The sad reality is that there is very little you can do, except help yourself.
On this episode, you'll earn how the PIUS tool can help hone your communication skills to help rather than hinder.

S3E2: Become an Effective Communicator

S3E2:  Communication is a challenge for many of us, especially when we're dealing with heightened emotions.  
On this episode of the Red Roof Recovery show, Lance and Tanya share how they resolve some of their communication challenges -- using the tools of SMART and other cognitive behaviour therapies. 

S3E1: What is a Balanced Life?

S3E1:  In order for me to maintain my motivation to abstain from harmful substances and behaviours, I've had to learn to develop my self worth and my 'value' independent from outside circumstances, perceived realities, and society's opinions of me. 
This hasn't been an easy task.  We live in a culture that values "achievements,"... specifically financial and professional achievements.
On this episode of the Red Roof Recovery show, we explore the solutions to living a balanced life in an unbalanced world.