The Recovery Couch

251 - Christina Daley: A Mother’s Journey Through Addiction, Mental Illness & Losing Her Son to Fentanyl | Part 1

What happens when a mother watches her son slowly lose himself to addiction—and ultimately loses him to fentanyl poisoning? In Part 1 of this emotional conversation, Brandon Couch welcomes Christina Daley to The Recovery Couch to share the story of her son Blake's battle with addiction, mental illness, alcohol abuse, and recovery attempts before his tragic overdose death. Christina provides a rare and honest perspective from the family side of addiction. She discusses emergency room visits, repeated relapses, jail time, probation, treatment efforts, Narcotics Anonymous meetings, suicidal thoughts, and the emotional toll addiction takes on parents who never stop loving their children. She also shares the final memories she has with Blake, including one of their last conversations about his dreams for the future and the devastating phone call informing her that he had died after using cocaine contaminated with fentanyl. Throughout the episode, listeners gain valuable insight into the intersection of addiction, trauma, mental health, family systems, and grief. Topics discussed include: • Parenting a child struggling with addiction • Mental illness and substance use disorder • Fentanyl overdose awareness • Alcohol addiction and relapse • The criminal justice system and recovery • Residential treatment and incarceration • Family dynamics during addiction • Grief after overdose loss • The importance of peer support communities • Hope and healing after unimaginable tragedy Christina also explains how connecting with other families experiencing similar losses became an essential part of her own healing journey and encourages others to seek community rather than suffer in isolation. If you or someone you love has been impacted by addiction or overdose loss, this episode serves as a reminder that you are not alone. Hosted by Brandon Couch, author of Step 4: A Journey Through Addiction and founder of The Recovery Couch. Because no matter where you've been or what you've been through… You always have a seat right here on The Recovery Couch.

250: He Was Everybody's Person | A Mother's Story of Losing Blake to Addiction (Part 1)

In Episode 250 of The Recovery Couch, Brandon sits down with Christina Daley — a mother  who lost her son Blake to a fentanyl-laced cocaine overdose.  Blake was funny, charming, and loved by everyone around him. But behind that smile was  a teenager battling self-harm, anxiety, and addiction that a broken mental health system  repeatedly failed to treat. In Part 1, Christina shares: ✔️ The warning signs she saw starting at age 14 ✔️ What it's like to parent a child through substance abuse disorder ✔️ How the mental health system failed Blake — repeatedly ✔️ The impossible decisions parents of addicts have to make ✔️ What dual diagnosis means and why it matters This episode is for every parent who has ever loved someone through addiction — and  every person who has ever felt like the system let them down. 🔔 Subscribe so you don't miss Part 2. 🌐 www.recoverycouch.com 📖 Get Brandon's book "Step Forward: Journey Through Addiction" at www.brandoncouch.com #addiction #recovery #overdose #mentalhealth #faith

249 - Unlocking the Mind: The Separation Model for Addiction Recovery with Chris Hill

In this inspiring interview, Chris Hill shares his transformative journey from addiction to recovery, emphasizing the importance of understanding the mind-body connection, mental health, and spiritual growth. Discover practical tools, mental models, and hope for those struggling with addiction or seeking personal transformation.   Keywords: addiction recovery, mental health, mind-body connection, spiritual growth, self-management, addiction tools, personal transformation, hope, mental health charity, coaching program   Key topics * The separation model of mind and body * Tools for self-management and inner dialogue * The impact of societal norms and addiction * The role of spirituality and faith in recovery * Practical steps for starting over after incarceration

248 - Divine Encounters: How God's Love Transformed Jeff Greene

In this inspiring interview, Jeff Greene shares his journey from a rebellious, drug-filled past to a faith-filled life dedicated to spreading God's love. Discover how divine encounters, unconditional love, and scripture transformed his life, offering hope and practical advice for those seeking recovery and spiritual renewal.   Keywords - faith, recovery, Jesus, love, transformation, scripture, peace, Holy Spirit, addiction, forgiveness   Key topics * Jeff Greene's personal journey from addiction to faith * The role of unconditional love and scripture in recovery * The importance of peace and Holy Spirit in spiritual renewal

247 - From Lies to Identity: Spiritual Renewal, Purpose, and Walking in Truth with Renee Swasey

In this powerful, faith-filled conversation, Brandon Couch sits down with Renee Swasey, author of Refined for Revival: Your Purpose in God’s Plan, to explore what it truly means to live in alignment with God—not performance, not religion, but real relationship. Renee shares how identity is often shaped by the world, addiction, and past experiences—and how true transformation begins when we separate who we are from what we’ve done. Together, they unpack the concept of the “dominion mandate,” the dangers of living in self-reliance, and why so many people remain stuck in cycles of addiction, shame, and spiritual stagnation. This episode dives deep into: How the enemy distorts identity through lies and conditioning Why renewing your mind is critical for recovery and spiritual growth The difference between living for yourself vs. co-laboring with God Breaking free from addiction by replacing false fulfillment with truth The importance of obedience, stepping off the sidelines, and living with purpose Practical encouragement for anyone starting over with nothing but a desire for change Renee also speaks directly to those coming out of addiction, prison, or broken circumstances—offering a clear path forward rooted in Scripture, surrender, and daily relationship with God. This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a call to step out of the old patterns, renew your mind, and walk in the identity God already gave you.   Keywords: Faith, Addiction Recovery, Identity in Christ, Spiritual Growth, Mental Health, Purpose, Renewal, Obedience, Christian Living, Transformation   Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all major platforms. Be sure to share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that their past does not define their purpose.   Guest Info: Renee Swasey is the author of Refined for Revival: Your Purpose in God’s Plan, a book designed to stir the Holy Spirit and deepen your relationship with God through truth, Scripture, and spiritual alignment.