The holiday season is here, and with it comes the joy—and challenges—of family gatherings. In this special Thanksgiving episode of The Hanley Effect, our hosts tackle a critical topic: how to navigate Thanksgiving as someone in early sobriety. From awkward dinner table moments to supportive conversations with family, we explore practical tips and heartfelt advice for fostering connection and maintaining recovery during the holidays.

Tune in for a warm, humorous, and insightful conversation that celebrates love, acceptance, and the power of open communication.

1. The Importance of Communication

• Families should communicate openly with loved ones in recovery before gatherings.
• Example conversation: "We want you here and want to support your sobriety. What can we do to help you feel comfortable?"

1. Handling Pushy Situations

• "No" is a complete sentence. Practicing this response beforehand can make saying it easier.
• If faced with a persistent host, having a supportive ally—like a friend or partner—can help deflect uncomfortable pressure.

1. Preparation is Key

• Discuss potential challenges with a sponsor, therapist, or mentor before the event.
• Role-play common scenarios to build confidence in responding to difficult moments.

1. Lean on Your Support System

• Bring a trusted person to gatherings to help navigate tricky situations.
• Sharing your struggles lightens the burden and creates a sense of community.

1. Families, Show Love and Acceptance

• The core message for families: approach conversations with love and openness, asking how to best support your loved one.

1. Recovery Tools for Success

• Have a plan for handling questions or offers of alcohol.
• Stick to your beverage of choice and set boundaries as needed.

• “No is a complete sentence.”
• “The weight of struggles lightens when shared with others.”
• “Holidays are about connection and love, not the contents of your glass.”

Takeaway for Families:

Approach your loved one with curiosity and compassion. Open conversations are rooted in love, acceptance, and a genuine desire to support their journey.

Takeaway for Individuals in Recovery:

Prepare, practice, and lean on your community. You are not alone, and with the right tools, you can thrive this Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving from The Hanley Effect!

For more insights, visit Hanley Foundation or call 844-502-4673.

In this compelling episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. Rachel Docekal and John Dyben are joined by special guests Turner Benoit, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Hanley Foundation, and Nikki T, a former patient and advocate in recovery. Nikki shares her powerful journey from addiction to becoming a successful advocate, mother, and professional in the field of forensic social work. Turner discusses the transformative programs at Hanley that are changing lives, particularly for pregnant women and mothers struggling with substance use. The episode highlights Hanley's new Casa Flores program, which provides comprehensive, family-centered support for women and their children, breaking generational cycles of addiction.

Key Points

1. Nikki’s Journey to Recovery

• Nikki shares her struggles with addiction, including the turning point of discovering she was pregnant while incarcerated.
• Her recovery began at Hanley Center, where she received treatment and support that transformed her life, helping her become a present and engaged mother.
• Now a forensic social worker and parent advocate, Nikki uses her lived experience and education to support families navigating addiction and recovery.

1. Casa Flores Program at Hanley Foundation

• Turner Benoit discusses the launch of Casa Flores, a dedicated program providing comprehensive care for pregnant women and mothers in recovery.
• The program aims to break cycles of addiction by offering a safe space for women to seek recovery without fearing judgment or losing their children.
• Casa Flores includes job training, early learning, and housing to help families achieve long-term stability.

1. The Impact of the Scholarships for Education

• Nikki shares how a scholarship from the Garwood Foundation, founded in memory of Mark Garwood, funded her educational journey.
• The Garwood Recovery Model supports individuals in recovery, helping them build a purposeful, self-sustaining life.
• Hanley Foundation’s partnership with the Garwood’s is helping to expand these life-changing services.

1. A Message of Hope for Families and Those Struggling with Addiction

• Nikki emphasizes the importance of hope and understanding for both those in active addiction and their families.
• She encourages those in addiction to reach out, knowing recovery is possible and there are people who truly understand the struggle.

Resources Mentioned

• Hanley Center Programs
• Casa Flores Program: Providing a pathway to recovery and family reunification for mothers in recovery.
• Mark Garwood Phoenix Scholarships: Scholarships and support services for individuals seeking purpose through recovery.

Contact Information For more information about Hanley Foundation’s programs or to contribute to their mission, visit Hanley Foundation or call 844-502-4673.

Tune in next time for more stories of resilience, innovation, and hope from The Hanley Effect.

Show Notes for The Hanley Effect Podcast - Episode with Joshua Love

Episode Overview:

In this insightful episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with Joshua Love, the Clinical Director of Headwaters. With warmth and humor, they explore Joshua’s journey into the addiction and mental health field, his passion for family support, and Headwaters' innovative approach to treating high-net-worth individuals dealing with addiction. Recorded on Joshua's birthday, this episode dives deep into the personal and professional dedication that drives Hanley Foundation's work.

Key Discussion Points:

• Joshua’s Journey:
• Joshua shares his journey from his early teenage years, influenced by family and community values, to his current role. He reflects on how personal experiences, such as the loss of a family member to AIDS and the role of stigma, shaped his commitment to helping those struggling with addiction.
• Headwaters Program at Hanley Foundation:
• Joshua describes Headwaters’ unique approach, which serves executives, celebrities, and other high-profile individuals in a private, supportive environment. He emphasizes the importance of confidentiality, trust, and creating spaces where patients can confront societal pressures and embrace sobriety.
• Family Support and Community Engagement:
• A cornerstone of Hanley’s treatment is its free, weekly family support groups, where family members connect, share experiences, and support each other. These groups have grown into a powerful resource that includes attendees from other states and even internationally.
• Innovative Treatment Approaches:
• Headwaters integrates advanced biometric and genetic testing, food sensitivity assessments, and personalized wellness plans. By providing real-time feedback, clients gain insights into their physical and mental health, enhancing their journey to recovery.
• Addressing Stigma Across Socioeconomic Levels:
• The discussion addresses how stigma affects people across all social classes, including those in positions of power. For patients at Headwaters, recovery includes redefining social interactions without alcohol and finding purpose outside their public identities.

Connect with Hanley Foundation:

For more information about Hanley Foundation programs, visit hanleyfoundation.org or to learn more about Headwaters visit headwatersfl.org call 844-502-4673.

Episode Highlights:

1. Joshua’s Background & Motivation – 00:03:17
2. Headwaters’ Family Programs & Community Impact – 00:04:49
3. Balancing Public Identity and Recovery – 00:13:19
4. Innovative Treatments at Headwaters – 00:19:34
5. Importance of Confidentiality – 00:27:40

Thank you for listening to The Hanley Effect! Join us next time as we continue exploring stories of resilience, hope, and recovery.