A Mother's Heart: Navigating Addiction and Recovery with Kristine Frederickson Ph.D.
Drugs, sexual abuse, all of those things. Well, so let's give them some painkillers. And I, you know, this is what the doctor said. They're very helpful in managing pain and actually allowing the body sometimes to do the healing it needs to do. But the problem, I think the real problem with medicine, and particularly these kinds of medicines, is we didn't realize their addictive potential or proportions.
Imagine the heartache of watching your child battle addiction. In this heartfelt episode of The Recovering Reality Podcast, host Erik Frederickson sits down with his mother, Kristine Frederickson Ph.D., to share their deeply personal journey through addiction and recovery. Kristine offers a raw and honest look at her experience as a mother witnessing her son's struggle, shedding light on the emotional toll it took and the strength she found in faith and family support.
Kristine opens up about the rollercoaster of emotions she faced, from fear and helplessness to hope and resilience. She discusses how crucial it was to find ways to stay encouraged, even when things seemed bleak. Her story isn't just about her son's addiction; she candidly shares her own battle with prescription painkillers, highlighting the often-overlooked danger of these medications. The episode delves into the vital role of family support in recovery.
Kristine emphasizes how her family's unwavering support helped her stay strong and how she learned to accept that she couldn't control her son's addiction but could be there when he was ready for help. This conversation also touches on the importance of life skills and tools in managing emotions and pain, both for those struggling with addiction and their loved ones. Faith plays a significant role in both Kristine's and Erik's recovery journeys.
Kristine talks about how her faith provided a foundation of compassion and empathy, while Erik shares how his relationship with God has been a cornerstone in his path to sobriety. This episode is a poignant reminder that recovery is possible, no matter how challenging the journey. Whether you're personally affected by addiction or supporting someone who is, Kristine and Erik's story offers hope, practical advice, and a testament to the power of faith and family.