Brook McKenzie’s personal story of addiction and recovery Brook McKenzie’s journey into addiction began around age 13 or 14. By 15 he needed treatment, and he went through three adolescent treatment programs between 15 and 17. His brother took a very different path — college, career, marriage — while Brook’s life looked nothing like that
When you discover your child is struggling with substance use, every instinct tells you to do more, try harder, and never give up. But sometimes, the very things we do out of love can unintentionally prolong the struggle. This episode explores ten common patterns that may be contributing to your child’s continued substance use—and what
When your child struggles with substance misuse, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to help. The good news is that parents have more influence than they realize, and there are proven approaches that don’t cost a penny but can create powerful conditions for change. Understanding the Crisis and Your Influence The statistics
When your child struggles with substances or difficult behaviors, the first instinct is often to ask what you did wrong. Dr. Gabor Maté, a physician who has spent decades working with addiction and trauma, offers a different perspective—one that’s both compassionate and clarifying. Why Addiction Is About Pain, Not Genetics The prevailing narrative about addiction
Dr. Gabor Maté on The Myth of Normal: Understanding the Roots of Your Kid’s Struggles Read More »
Growing Up: Family Trauma and Early Warning Signs Pattie Vargas raised her three children in a small Arizona town of 3,500 people, where faith and family were central to their lives. Steven was born in 1980, Joel in 1981, and Rebecca (Bekah) in 1985. The family’s stability shattered when Bekah was nine years old and
When your child is misusing drugs or alcohol, it’s easy to fall into dangerous thinking patterns that make everything harder. These mental traps can leave you feeling stuck, exhausted, and unable to help your child effectively. Understanding these patterns and learning what to do instead can dramatically improve your wellbeing and your relationship with your
Milestone episodes offer a unique opportunity for reflection, and episode 100 of Hopestream is no exception. Host Brenda Zane takes listeners on a journey through the most valuable lessons learned after recording 99 episodes about parenting children who struggle with substance use and addiction. The Journey Begins Brenda launched the first episode on January 8,
When your child is struggling with substance use or emotional challenges, the experience can feel devastating. Parents commonly report three intense feelings that dominate their daily lives: fear, complete overwhelm, and exhaustion — not just mild versions of these emotions, but crippling levels that impact every aspect of life. ‘It’s this kind of crazy panicked
