Parent-to-Parent Podcast Reaches Nearly 250,000 Downloads: Families Seek Support Amid Growing Addiction Epidemic

John Driscoll, CEO of Caron Treatment Centers, joins the latest episode of the Parent Support Group to talk about “Hope”

WERNERSVILLE, Pa., June 4, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Parents whose children struggle with substance use disorders and other mental illnesses can find support from like-minded people – other moms, dads and caregivers – who understand the cycle of fear, anxiety and hope that comes with the disease of addiction on the “My Child & ADDICTION: Parent-to-Parent” podcast. Launched as a virtual parent support group meeting, the “My Child & ADDICTION” series has become one of the most popular parenting podcasts amid the worsening addiction epidemic. The latest parent support group meeting, approaching the 250,000 downloads milestone, explores the theme of “hope” and seeks to remain hopeful during the most difficult times for families.

“Addiction is a family disease that affects more than one in three families,” said John Driscoll, president and CEO of Caron Treatment Centers, a leading, internationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals and families through addiction and behavioral treatment, research, prevention and addiction medicine education. Driscoll attended the recent gathering of moms and dads and noted, “Many parents and caregivers struggle with this disease alone, feeling shame and fear. They desperately need support and hope – and that is exactly the wonderful gift of the My Child & ADDICTION podcast – community and hope.”

The groundbreaking podcast, My Child & ADDICTION, features a rotating group of parents, some in recovery themselves, with adolescent to adult children, who meet each month for a Parent Support Group meeting to share compassion and love and address the most painful issues faced by parents trying to better understand their child's illness and treatment, as well as their own personal recovery journey. More than 60 episodes are available. The courageous, open, and always heartfelt topics discussed in the podcast include “Why Me? Why Us,” “Forgiveness,” and “Trauma & Drama,” with a focus on the resilience of participating parents. Parents also welcome a rotating group of treatment professionals who join the conversation to offer clinical perspectives and educational support. Each meeting is followed by a short accompanying Q&A session with the guest, which is also posted.

In a recent email, a My Child & ADDICTION listener wrote, “I am and will be forever grateful to each of you for unwittingly supporting this parent and helping them to not only better understand and appreciate the extent and depth of this illness, but also to realize at least some of the potential value/benefit and self-healing that comes from simply being open about one’s experiences.”

The story goes on

The podcast was developed by three dads: Steve, Stephen and Jay. While navigating the challenges of raising their own children, these “Three Dads” seek to help other parents who feel scared, lonely and more isolated than ever. My Child & ADDICTION offers an audible gathering of parents who come together in a safe, non-judgmental space for shared experiences and loving support in dealing with the family disease of addiction.

“I was told my child was sick and needed treatment, and the rest of my family felt the same way,” explained Steve, one of the founders of My Child & ADDICTION. “I wanted him to get better and didn't know what to do. My parent support group educated me about addiction and recovery, and just hearing other parents' stories eased my fears. I hope this podcast is another valuable resource for parent survival.”

“The brave parents who participate in the 'My Child & ADDICTION' podcast have created an incredible community through their open discussions and provided other parents with an important resource, showing them that they are not alone and that they, too, can get through this,” said Driscoll.

The podcast “My Child and Addiction: From Parent to Parent” is available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and most other platforms.

About my child and ADDICTION

My Child and ADDICTION: Parent to Parent Podcast was conceived and developed by three fathers of children with substance use disorders. Along with several other parent support group participants, they hope that by sharing their stories, they will offer encouragement and heartfelt support to other parents and family members as they walk this difficult path together.

To listen visit: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-child-addiction/id1233772510

Caron Treatment Centers

Caron Treatment Centers is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to changing lives through addiction and behavioral health treatment, research, prevention, and addiction medicine education. In our nearly 70 years of operation, Caron has helped thousands of people with behavioral health disorders, including substance abuse, manage these brain diseases and find hope. Caron has two medical centers at our Pennsylvania and Florida locations and is headquartered in Wernersville, Pennsylvania. The company offers a full spectrum of treatment that includes medical stabilization and detoxification, inpatient and day-care treatment, intensive outpatient and community programs, and recovery support, and family and alumni services. Caron also offers specialized concierge treatment for executives, healthcare professionals, and older adults, and provides neurorestorative healthcare at our Keele Medical Center in Palm Beach County, Florida. In addition to our Pennsylvania and Florida locations, Caron offers services in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Atlanta, and New York City. Caron accepts several major insurance plans and offers financial assistance for those who qualify. For more information, visit caron.org or @CaronTreatment.

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contacts

Kristin Campbell-Salamone
Corporate Director of PR and Communications, Caron Treatment Centers
[email protected]
215-292-5526

Katie Kennedy
Senior Vice President, Gregory FCA
[email protected]
610-731-1045