Welcome back to The Real Dope! In this heartfelt episode, sisters Meridith Elliott Powell and Beth Brand share a deeply personal and important topic: what to do when your child is struggling with addiction. They've seen it firsthand in their own families, so they understand how overwhelming, confusing, and heartbreaking it can be.

They’re here to be real with you, talking about how to recognize the signs (is it just a phase or something more serious?), the importance of learning about addiction, and most importantly, not trying to navigate this alone. Whether it’s reaching out to professionals, support groups like Al-Anon, or trusted family members and coaches who can connect with your child, they offer practical advice and heartfelt honesty.
They openly discuss how difficult it is to set boundaries, avoid enabling, or face frightening new risks like fentanyl. And they want you to know that sometimes, loving your child means letting them face the consequences, even when it’s incredibly tough. The sisters conclude with encouraging reminders that surviving this isn’t about perfection—it’s about keeping your child safe and well, while also taking good care of yourself.

If you’re going through this or just need honest support from people who truly understand, this episode is here for you. Stay tuned for helpful tips, encouragement, and a little hope.

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Hey there, and welcome back to The Real Dope! In today’s episode, sisters Beth Brand and Meridith Elliott Powell get real about something that often gets overlooked when you love an addict: protecting yourself. Whether you’re married to, related to, or caring for someone battling addiction, this episode is packed with down-to-earth advice and honest stories about why it’s so important to look out for your own legal, financial, and physical safety.

Beth and Meridith talk openly about the confusion, fear, and responsibility that comes with loving an addict. From credit card debt traps to sleeping with your bedroom door locked, they share the practical steps you can take right now, no matter where you are in your journey. Expect tips on everything from keeping a journal and stashing a go-bag to figuring out what the heck your legal rights are and remembering to confide in someone you trust.

Above all, this episode is a reminder that it’s okay to think about yourself, and sometimes protecting yourself is the bravest and best way you can support someone struggling with addiction. Tune in for a candid conversation, real talk, and a few laughs along the way—because you’re not alone, and together, we can turn surviving into thriving.

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Hey there, and welcome back to The Real Dope! If you’re someone who loves, lives with, or supports a person struggling with addiction, this episode is definitely for you. Based on real stories from sisters Elizabeth Brand and Meredith Elliot Powell, who’ve been through it all themselves, today's chat is all about what happens when you start to lose your belief in yourself while dealing with the chaos of addiction.

Meredith and Elizabeth get super honest about how easy it is to forget who you are and what you even like anymore. From planning your whole day around someone else’s needs to feeling like you have to ask permission just to pick an ice cream flavor or what shirt to wear, they’ve been there. They talk about how society, and addiction itself, can wear you down until you’re not sure what you want or if you even matter.

But here’s the good news: In this episode, you’ll get some real, practical advice on how to slowly start finding yourself again. The sisters share what helped them, like taking quiet moments for themselves, tapping into their gut feelings, finding a support system (even if it’s just one person), and giving themselves some grace along the way.

If you’re feeling lost, guilty, or just worn out, you’re not alone. Believe it or not, there is a way to regain your confidence and start believing in yourself again. So grab your coffee, take a breath, and join us for a raw, relatable conversation about turning survival into strength. Let’s get started!

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