Join host Dan Hauser on a journey through the shadows of addiction into the light of recovery and hope with guest Nikki O'Donnell of Words of Hope 4 Life. In this compelling episode of the Addiction Help Podcast, Nikki, a veteran child psychologist and a fervent advocate for mental health, unravels her personal and professional battles against addiction. Through her resilience, innovation, and community activism, discover the transformative power of support and empathy in overcoming life's most daunting challenges.

Who is Nikki O'DonnellNikki is a prominent mental health advocacy and community support figure, recognized for her dedication and innovative approach. She boasts over 20 years of experience as a licensed child psychologist and co-founder and Executive Director of Words of Hope 4 Life, a mental health ACTION non-profit that empowers individuals and families to navigate life's challenges with resilience and hope. She also has a private practice offering therapy, speaking engagements, and consulting. Discussion Points

Nikki O'Donnell’s Background and Work: Introduction to Nikki O'Donnell, her roles as a licensed child psychologist, the co-founder and executive director of Words of Hope for Life, and her dedication to mental health advocacy and community support.

The Impact of Family and Personal History on Mental Health: Nikki’s personal journey growing up in a household affected by addiction and how her family's struggle with opiate addiction influenced her career in mental health and advocacy.

The Concept of "Secret Keepers" and Its Effect on Families: Discussion on how families often hide struggles with addiction or mental health issues, leading to a lack of open communication and support for those affected.

Community Support and Creating Safe Spaces: The importance of having a supportive community ("the third place") where individuals can find refuge and understanding outside of home and work/school environments.

Mental Health Outreach and Education Initiatives: This is an overview of Nikki's work in the community, including outreach to children whose parents struggle with addiction and the mental health action nonprofit Words of Hope 4 Life.

Challenges and Realities of Dealing with Addiction and Mental Health: Insights into the complexities of addiction and mental health, including the challenges of addressing these issues in both individuals and their families.

Innovative Approaches to Mental Health and Therapy: Nikki's unique methods in her private practice and community work, including her focus on connecting with people through various initiatives and the role of innovative therapy methods.

The Importance of Community in Mental Health Recovery: How building a network of support and creating community-focused events and spaces can significantly impact individuals' recovery and mental health well-being.

Future Directions in Mental Health Advocacy: Nikki’s vision for expanding her efforts and the potential for new projects and collaborations to further support individuals and families dealing with addiction and mental health challenges.

Produced by Chris Carberg & Michael Moesch Copyright 2024. AddictionHelp.com. All Rights Reserved.

Check out this episode of The Addiction Help Podcast, where Dan Hauser talks with AddictionHelp.com Founder Chris Carberg about his 19-year sobriety journey. Chris gets real about the highs and lows of staying sober, tackling other addictions, and how he's continually working on himself. This episode is a raw look at the realities of addiction recovery and the strength it takes to maintain it. Listen to Chris's story of determination and growth. #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #RealStories Copyright 2024. AddictionHelp.com. All Rights Reserved.

Description: In this profound episode of the Addiction Help Podcast (AHP), we delve into the intersection of sobriety and parenthood with our guest, Leah Numbers. Leah's story is not just about overcoming addiction; it's a tale of strength, resilience, and the transformative journey of parenting through the lens of sobriety.

Episode Overview: Parenting is a challenging journey, even more so for those navigating the path of recovery. Leah Numbers, a single parent, shares her inspiring story with our host, Dan Hauser. Leah's journey is unique, encompassing the trials and triumphs of raising her son while maintaining her sobriety. This episode offers a raw, unfiltered look into how sobriety impacts parenting styles, the dynamics within the family, and the broader implications on mental health.

Key Highlights:

• The Dual Challenge of Sobriety and Parenting: Leah opens up about the early days of her recovery journey, juggling the responsibilities of a single parent and staying sober. She discusses the complexities and emotional toll of this dual role.

• Honesty and Open Communication: One of Leah's key strategies in parenting is maintaining an open line of communication with her son about her past struggles with addiction. She emphasizes the importance of honesty in building trust and fostering a healthy parent-child relationship.

• Self-Care and Support Systems: Leah shares her approach to self-care, which has been critical in her recovery. She talks about creating a support system that includes not just traditional methods like therapy and support groups, but also finding strength and support in her role as a mother.

• Transformative Effects of Recovery on Family Dynamics: The episode delves into how Leah's sobriety has positively influenced her family dynamics, bringing about a deeper understanding and stronger bond with her son.

• Advice for Parents in Recovery: Leah offers advice and encouragement to other parents in similar situations. She stresses the importance of seeking help, being patient with oneself, and the power of setting a positive example for their children.

Closing Thoughts: Leah's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the positive impact of sobriety on family life. Her story is not just about the struggles; it's a narrative of hope, healing, and the joy of rediscovering oneself through the eyes of a child.

Produced by Chris Carberg & Michael Moesch

Copyright 2024. AddictionHelp.com. All Rights Reserved.