Brenda Zane
Brenda Zane, Julie Merberg
Learn From My Mistakes If Your Child Is Struggling With Substance Use, with Julie Merberg
Learn From My Mistakes If Your Child Is Struggling With Substance Use, with Julie Merberg
Learn From My Mistakes If Your Child Is Struggling With Substance Use, with Julie Merberg
Thursday 16th November 2023
Julie Merberg shares her journey of parenting through her son's substance use and recovery, offering hope and insights for parents in similar situations.
53 minutes
Hopeful
Empowering
Informative
Transformative
Supportive
About this podcast
Author:
Brenda Zane
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Challenges in Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Recovery from Trauma
Links:
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Episodes:
273 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Learning from Mistakes: Julie Merberg's Story of Parenting Through Substance Use
Episode Overview
- Recognizing the importance of seeking professional advice while trusting parental instincts
- Building a supportive community and prioritising self-care amidst parenting challenges
- Embracing empathy and fostering open communication within the family
He solved his problem that I couldn't solve. And I got angry at him. Who wouldn't become oppositional? Who wouldn't be angry at his parents for yelling at him and punishing him when he solved a problem that they couldn't solve?
Parenting a child struggling with substance use is a journey filled with challenges and emotional turmoil. In this heartfelt episode of Hopestream, host Brenda Zane sits down with Julie Merberg to discuss her experiences and the lessons she's learned along the way. Julie's story begins with a shocking discovery at home—a scale and baggies that signaled her son's deepening involvement with drugs.
This moment marked the start of a tumultuous period for her family, characterized by attempts to control and punish her son's behavior, which only led to more defiance and opposition. Three years later, Julie's son is now in recovery, and both mother and son are dedicated to sharing the wisdom they've gained. Julie's journey is a testament to resilience, highlighting the importance of trusting one's instincts when choosing therapy and recovery paths.
The episode delves into how untreated anxiety drove her son to self-medicate with substances like Xanax and marijuana, and how understanding this was key to his recovery. Brenda and Julie also emphasize the significance of building a supportive community. Julie initially found solace in a neighborhood support group she formed, which later evolved into a deeper connection with the Hopestream Community. This sense of belonging and mutual support was crucial for her family's healing process.
Throughout their conversation, they touch on the importance of self-care for parents, letting go of judgment, and fostering open communication within the family. Julie's candid reflections provide hope and guidance for other parents navigating similar struggles, reminding them that they are not alone. This episode is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of empathy, connection, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Whether you're a parent dealing with a child's substance use or seeking ways to support someone who is, Julie's story offers valuable insights and encouragement.