Denial isn't just the addict's problem. It's yours too. In this episode, Meridith and Beth unpack what denial really looks like for the enabler, why it protects you at first, and why it ultimately costs you everything. From unconscious cover-ups at dinner parties to displaced anger and physical illness, they trace the quiet, dangerous ways denial takes hold, and what it finally takes to break free.

Tiger Woods' DUI arrest becomes the lens for a much deeper conversation about addiction's hidden victims: the children, the family members, the people left picking up the wreckage. Meridith and Beth also respond to a New York Times Ethicist letter about a bride whose recovering-alcoholic fiance wants to invite his active-alcoholic mother to the wedding. Boundaries, loyalty, and where to draw the line.

Welcome to another episode of The Real Dope! This time, sisters Meridith and Beth are exploring a topic that often doesn't get enough attention: why your own recovery is so important when you're living with or loving someone facing addiction.

Drawing on their personal experiences—ranging from family ups and downs to candid discussions about enabling—Meridith and Beth open up about what it truly takes to break free from those old, unhealthy habits. They discuss why it's completely okay to prioritize yourself, highlight the importance of focusing on your own growth, and even share some laughs along with some tough truths about spending money on yourself instead of always bailing out your loved one.

If you've ever wondered if it's okay to start caring for yourself again, why setting boundaries can feel so challenging, or how to let go of guilt about not "fixing" everything, this episode is for you. Grab your coffee, get comfortable, and get ready for some honest conversations, supportive advice, and practical strategies from two sisters who truly understand. Let's turn this chaos into something stronger—together!

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Welcome to another episode of The Real Dope, the podcast for anyone walking alongside someone battling addiction. Today, sisters and co-hosts Meredith Elliot Powell and Beth Brand warmly explore the topic of trauma—especially the often overlooked complex trauma experienced by those living with or caring for someone struggling with addiction. Through personal stories and the latest research, Beth and Meredith gently distinguish between one-time trauma and the persistent, shaping effects of complex trauma that influence your perspective, body, and relationships.

They openly share how trauma shows up in daily life—from physical reactions at social gatherings to controlling tendencies at home—and delve into the lasting impact of addiction across generations. This episode offers heartfelt advice on recognizing trauma, embarking on the healing process, and the importance of setting boundaries and practicing kindness toward yourself during recovery. Whether you're after practical coping tips or seeking validation and understanding, this episode provides honest conversations, support, and a touch of humor for anyone touched by addiction.
Let's turn survival into strength, together.

Welcome to another episode of The Real Dope, a warm and welcoming podcast for anyone supporting loved ones through addiction. Hosted by the caring sisters Meredith Elliot Powell and Beth Brand—two compassionate women with personal experience loving and supporting addicts—this show isn't just for the addict, but for all of us trying to navigate the challenges that addiction can bring into our lives.

In this episode, "Recovery Done Differently," Meredith and Beth are delighted to be joined by Shirley Wantland, CEO of Recovery Consultants, a thoughtful company dedicated to creating personalized recovery plans for individuals and families facing addiction and mental health challenges. Together, they explore why many traditional models of addiction recovery might not always be the best fit, what it truly means to support—not enable—a loved one, and how family dynamics can sometimes unknowingly contribute to the cycle of addiction.

Through heartfelt stories, open conversations, and practical advice, this episode gently challenges old ideas about recovery, introduces the inspiring approach of harm reduction, and emphasizes the importance of honesty and self-awareness for everyone involved. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, resentful, or uncertain when dealing with a loved one struggling with addiction, this discussion offers fresh perspectives and helpful steps to help you find your own strength and begin to rebuild your life.

So, make yourself comfortable with a warm cup of coffee and join us—because this is recovery, done differently. Addiction recovery might not always be the best fit, what it really means to support—not enable—a loved one, and how family dynamics can sometimes unknowingly keep the cycle of addiction spinning.

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Welcome to another episode of The Real Dope, the podcast dedicated to those who walk alongside someone battling addiction. Hosted by sisters Meredith Elliot Powell and Beth Brand, this show is a real, no-nonsense space for enablers, supporters, and loved ones of people with an addiction—created by people who have truly lived it.

In today's episode, "The Power of Information," Meredith and Beth dive into the vital importance of educating yourself about addiction—not just for understanding the addict's experience, but for seeing and shifting your own patterns, too. They'll discuss the confusion that comes with it. Join us for another heartfelt episode of The Real Dope, a warm and supportive podcast for everyone walking alongside someone facing addiction. Hosted by sisters Meredith Elliot Powell and Beth Brand, this show creates a genuine, no-nonsense space where enablers, supporters, and loved ones of addicts can find comfort and understanding—by sharing stories from those who genuinely know what it's like.
In today's episode, "The Power of Information," Meredith and Beth warmly explore how important it is to educate yourself about addiction. It's not just about understanding the experiences of the addict, but also about recognizing and changing your own patterns. They chat about the confusion that often comes with addiction, how to sift through the many and sometimes confusing resources out there, and why there's no single "magic bullet" solution. The sisters share heartfelt stories, recommend their favorite books and documentaries, and offer practical, easy-to-follow advice on finding trustworthy information about addiction, supporting loved ones, and caring for one's mental health.
Whether you're just beginning this journey or have been walking it for years, this episode aims to empower you with helpful knowledge, help you distinguish facts from scams, ease your worries, and start feeling more in control of a situation that can often feel overwhelming. Let's turn survival into strength—together. Addiction, how to sort through the overwhelming and sometimes misleading resources out there, and why there's no "magic bullet" solution. The sisters share personal stories, recommend favorite books and documentaries, and offer practical advice for finding credible information about addiction, enabling, and the ways both impact your mental health and life.

Whether you're just starting this journey or you've been on it for years, this episode is all about arming yourself with knowledge, sorting facts from scams, calming your anxiety, and beginning to regain some control in a situation that often feels anything but. Let's turn survival into strength—together.

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Welcome back to The Real Dope! In this episode, hosts Meredith Elliott Powell and Beth Brand dive deep into the vital topic of getting help—not for the person with an addiction in your life, but for you, the person loving and supporting them. Drawing from their own powerful experiences as sisters who have spent years navigating relationships with people with an addiction, Meredith and Beth lay out the different kinds of support available, from Al-Anon meetings (and how finding the right one can take some searching) to open AA groups, therapy, and more.

They get honest about the fears, judgments, and resistance you might feel when seeking help, and share truthful stories about their first attempts at reaching out. Along the way, they highlight why prioritizing your well-being isn't selfish—it's the best way to help everyone involved. With trademark candor and compassion, Meredith and Beth remind listeners that this is a personal journey, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or just starting to question if you could use a little extra support, this episode is packed with insights, practical advice, and hope for finding stability amidst the chaos of loving a person with an addiction.

So grab a coffee, take a breath, and tune in as Meredith and Beth walk you through what's out there—because you don't have to figure this out alone.

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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