EP32: Why 'Tough Love' and 'Rock Bottom' Don’t Work in Substance Abuse Disorder Recovery

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Is cutting your child off really the best path to recovery—or could it be deepening the disconnect?

Many parents are told to wait for their child to “hit rock bottom” or to apply “tough love,” but this episode challenges those outdated and often harmful approaches. If you’ve been struggling with whether to stay connected or step back, this conversation will give you a compassionate, research-backed perspective.

• Understand why connection and attachment—not isolation—are the keys to meaningful recovery.
• Learn how to set healthy boundaries while continuing to show love and support for your child.
• Discover how your own emotional healing and stability can positively impact your child’s recovery journey.

Listen now to hear expert insight from Mary Crocker Cook and find a more hopeful, heart-centered way to support your child through addiction.

Dive deeper into Mary Crocker Cook’s transformative work on addiction, attachment, and family healing by exploring her books at marycrockercook.com/books.

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Family Hope Support offers one-to-one support sessions grounded in real lived experience.  Finally get the care & help you need to navigate a loved one's addiction. 

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This podcast provides practical guidance and support for families navigating the challenges of substance abuse disorder, offering insights from addiction recovery experts, family therapy, and support groups like Al-Anon and Family Drug Support, with a focus on understanding how to help and support loved ones dealing with addiction, including heroin addiction, through counselling and treatment options.

DISCLAIMER 

Every family is different — if you’re supporting someone through addiction, please make decisions that are right for you, ideally in consultation with qualified professionals and appropriate support networks.