The Party Wreckers

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That uneasy feeling you can’t quite name? We’re putting words to it and a plan under it. Before addiction looks like chaos, it sounds like guarded answers, feels like walking on eggshells, and shows up as a person who still functions but isn’t really present. We share how families get stuck waiting for certainty, why “being fair” often turns into silence, and how that silence teaches the problem where the lines are.

Together we map a smarter path: stop hunting for a smok...

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Join us Every Sunday at 8:00 PM PST and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Night at 8:00 PM EST/5:00PST for a FREE family support group. Register at the following link to get the zoom information sent to you: Family Support Meeting

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SoberHelpline.com If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you do not have to navigate it alone. Sober Helpline offers confidential, family-focused...

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A single life can bend policy, culture, and the fate of families—and Harold E. Hughes is proof. We share how a farm kid from Depression-era Iowa lost his brother, survived war, and slid into alcohol-fueled chaos before a bathtub plea sparked a turnaround. That private shift led to public impact: decades of sobriety, a landslide governorship, and a U.S. Senate career that reframed alcoholism from moral failing to treatable illness.

We walk through the human beats—grief, trauma, court-martial, survivor’s guilt—...

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The call comes from jail and your heart drops. Do you race to post bond, or use the moment to steer your loved one toward real help? We walk through a practical, compassionate playbook for families facing addiction: how to turn crisis into leverage, set boundaries that actually protect your home, and keep your cool when those lines get tested.

We start with the reality check most families need: jail isn’t prison, and a short stay can be safer than the street. In...

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The hardest truth for families to hear often becomes the most freeing: you can’t fix your loved one’s addiction—and you don’t have to. We sat down with clinical leader Dr. Brian Samford and admissions director Zack Plyler from The Arbor, alongside interventionist Brian Schultz, to map out a path that replaces control with connection and panic with a plan. If you’ve been acting as the banker and the janitor—funding chaos and cleaning up every mess—this conversation shows how to step back i...

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The addiction debate has divided families for decades: Is it a disease requiring treatment or simply a choice demanding willpower? In this compassionate, straight-talking episode, interventionist Matt Brown cuts through this argument to focus on what actually helps people recover.

Drawing from personal experience and professional expertise, Matt explains why this distinction ultimately matters less than creating the conditions for healing. Using the powerful analogy of trying not to scratch chicken pox, he illustrates how addiction feels from the inside—an overwhelming internal "it...

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What happens when the soothing glow of screens becomes a dangerous escape hatch for our children's emotions? In this revealing episode, addiction interventionist Matt Brown tackles the increasingly alarming phenomenon of screen addiction sweeping through younger generations.

Drawing from groundbreaking research published in the Journal of American Medicine, Matt explores how digital dependency correlates with rising rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation among adolescents. The findings are sobering: nearly 18% of youth in the study reported suicidal thoughts, with addiction to screens—no...

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The guilt of setting boundaries. The manipulation tactics. The late-night jail calls begging for bail money. When you love someone struggling with addiction, these painful scenarios become all too familiar – and navigating them without a roadmap feels impossible.

Matt Brown, seasoned interventionist and recovering addict, pulls back the curtain on the sophisticated manipulation techniques used by those resistant to treatment. "This is a way for your son or daughter to introduce fear and doubt," Matt explains when addressing the common claim that treatment is...

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When it seems like everyone on social media is criticizing 12-step programs, where can you find the truth about what really works for addiction recovery? Matt Brown dives into groundbreaking Stanford University research that examined 35 studies involving 10,080 participants to answer a simple question: Does Alcoholics Anonymous actually work?

The science is startlingly clear. AA was found to be "nearly always more effective than psychotherapy in achieving abstinence," while significantly reducing healthcare costs. This research, led by Dr. Keith Humphreys (who initially dismissed AA...

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What happens when love becomes a shield that prevents necessary growth? In this powerful episode, Matt Brown examines the complex psychology behind enabling behaviors and offers practical strategies for breaking free from destructive patterns that keep both families and their addicted loved ones stuck.

Drawing from over two decades of experience as an interventionist, Matt compassionately challenges the notion that addiction is simply about poor choices. He reframes addiction as a survival mechanism—sometimes the only thing keeping someone emotionally afloat despite devastating lo...

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Ever wondered why addiction interventions sometimes fall apart, even when everyone wants the same outcome? In this powerful episode, addiction interventionist Matt Brown tackles the vital role of family unity when helping someone struggling with substance use.

Drawing from both professional expertise and personal recovery experience, Matt reveals how people battling addiction become masterful at detecting family division. "We as addicted individuals are going to be looking around the room looking for the weak link," he explains. "We want to know where's the...

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What if everything you thought you knew about addiction recovery was wrong? In this eye-opening episode, addiction interventionist Matt Brown tackles five crucial questions that families repeatedly ask when trying to help a loved one struggling with substance use.

The myth of "rock bottom" gets thoroughly debunked as Matt explains why waiting for someone to hit their lowest point before offering help is not only unnecessary but potentially dangerous. "Rock bottom is really wherever we want to stop digging," he shares, revealing how...

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Matt shares findings from a comprehensive National Institutes of Health study revealing why doctors struggle to treat addiction effectively and the alarming gap between those who need help and those who receive it.

• 81% of doctors cite lack of institutional support as the main barrier to treating addiction
• 74% of physicians acknowledge insufficient skill sets for addiction treatment
• 66% of studies identified negative social stigma as a significant deterrent
• 56% of doctors fear damaging patient relationships by addressing addiction
• In 2022, 49 million Americans had substance...

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Some of the information in this episode was taken from my good friend Ben Cort, author of "Weed, Inc."  If you want to learn more from him, please reference his Ted Talks:

https://www.ted.com/talks/ben_cort_what_commercialization_is_doing_to_cannabis

The modern marijuana landscape has undergone a radical transformation that few people fully understand. What was once a relatively mild substance with THC concentrations of 0.5-1% has evolved into a highly potent drug containing 15-30% THC i...

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The question Matt Brown hears most frequently in his work as an addiction interventionist is deceptively simple yet profoundly challenging: "How do I get my loved one to accept help?" In this powerful return episode of the Party Wreckers podcast, Brown draws from decades of experience to provide families with practical, compassionate strategies for breaking through resistance and creating pathways to recovery.

Matt begins by dismantling the myth that addiction is a choice, comparing it to the overwhelming urge to scratch a chickenpox...

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Layne LoMaglio's journey from addiction to recovery is as inspiring as it is cautionary, and his story begins with a box of wine at age 12. This episode promises to unravel the complexities of mental health struggles and the winding path to sobriety. Join us as Layne shares his personal battle with clinical depression and self-harm, alongside his early experiences with alcohol. Host Matt Brown adds a heartfelt dimension by recounting his daughter's struggles with anxiety, underscoring the necessity of compassion and understanding when supporting young...

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Can the holiday season be a catalyst for change? Discover a perspective that challenges the conventional wisdom of delaying recovery efforts for loved ones struggling with addiction. This episode sheds light on the misconception that suicide rates skyrocket during the holidays—while depression does increase, suicides do not. You'll learn why prioritizing recovery over traditional holiday gatherings could be the gift that keeps on giving, turning this festive time into an opportunity for positive transformation. We invite you to explore the emotional and psychological benefits th...

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Denise Klein, co-owner and executive director of Milestones Ranch in Malibu, CA reveals her transformative career switch and her personal recovery from codependency. With over 35 years of social work experience, Denise passionately discusses the importance of addressing family systems and underlying dynamics to foster lasting recovery. Her unique approach involves a systemic, holistic focus on family-centered solutions, offering a refreshing perspective on tackling addiction and mental health challenges.

Discover the innovative methodologies at Milestones Ranch, where Denise and her team prioritize individual and...

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Tune into this episode of the Party Wreckers podcast, where we promise you'll gain invaluable insights into the multifaceted world of interventionist training. We're giving you an exclusive preview of our upcoming event in Birmingham, Alabama, and sharing practical tips on blending various intervention models to cater to unique family dynamics. Plus, we dive into the importance of social media and personal branding to help you expand your practice. With our own experiences spotlighting the challenges faced by new interventionists, this episode sets the stage...

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Join Matt Brown and Sam Davis as they dive into an inspiring interview with Carrie Bates, a three-time gold medalist from the 1984 Summer Olympics. Carrie shares how her older brother's passion for swimming ignited her Olympic dreams and recounts the pivotal moments that shaped her journey toward international success. This intimate conversation offers a glimpse into the dedication and resilience required to compete on the world stage.

We'll hear a powerful story of someone who battled alcoholism for years, experiencing multiple treatment attempts...

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Do you wonder how to truly support a loved one battling addiction? This episode of the Party Wreckers podcast promises to equip you with some tools and insights you need to make a real difference. We kick things off as we dive into our newly launched virtual family support group, Intervention On Call, which offers a free, solution-focused space for families dealing with addiction. Unlike the unpredictable nature of some Al-Anon meetings, our group is designed to provide immediate, actionable solutions for both newcomers and...

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Catch our exciting announcement about the upcoming intervention and admissions training in Birmingham, Alabama this October!

Curious about the key questions to ask when seeking addiction treatment for a loved one? We discuss the importance of effective training and how families can better understand recovery and clinical modalities. Discover why being well-prepared and educated is crucial for making informed decisions, and the value of well-attended training sessions that leave participants not just satisfied but delighted.

Navigating the complexities of choosing the...

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This episode we embark on an invigorating discussion about the trials of technology, the liberation of releasing grudges, and the transformative power of gratitude. Our conversation with Adams Pritchard, one of the visionarys behind Impact Recovery, takes center stage as we explore his remarkable journey from the depths of addiction to the creation of a haven for healing. Adams's story is a beacon of hope, illuminating the importance of personalized care in addiction recovery and the profound impact of family involvement.

This episode...

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Embarking on a heartfelt journey through the world of addiction and recovery, Sam arrived in Houston to be inspired by Brené Brown's powerful dialogue on vulnerability and shame. With that energy, we bring you an episode that not only educates but also provides a guiding light for families navigating the intervention process. RuthAnn Rigby and Eric Button, two luminaries in the field, are names you might hear us mention as we recount the vibrant recovery landscape of Houston, and tease potential future dialogues with such e...

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Ever grappled with the heartache of watching a loved one struggle with addiction? We have, and this is why we're bringing our personal and professional take on intervention training live to your ears. Together, Matt Brown and Sam Davis, we're peeling back the layers on intervention techniques and real stories from the front lines of addiction recovery. We've had families reach out to us in desperation, and through our Intervention On Call platform, we've witnessed the powerful transformations that occur when guidance meets readiness for...

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As Matt approaches a personal milestone of 21 years sober, He's reminded of the early days—those tremulous first six months and the life-changing moment he learned he was going to be a father. Join Matt and Sam on a reflective odyssey from shaky beginnings to steadfast sobriety, where we tackle the misconceptions that trip up many newcomers. It's a celebration, an exploration, and perhaps most importantly, a reminder that the journey of recovery continually unfolds with every step we take.

An interventionist whose ow...

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Life's curveballs can knock us off our feet, and sometimes, the only thing to do is share the weight of the experience. Join Matt Brown and  Sam Davis, as we reconnect in an honest conversation on the Party Wreckers podcast, discussing everything from family health scares—like Matt's wife Katie's courageous fight against breast cancer—to the emotional waves of the holiday season. We also take a moment to reflect on the profound insights from Don Miguel Ruiz's "The Four Agreements," and how we apply these...

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As we journey back from a pause in our podcasting, we bring you a conversation that traverses the intricate terrains of loss, healing, and the unyielding spirit of humanity. Sobriety has reshaped our approach to life's tumultuous waves, and in this heart-to-heart, we lay bare our own stories of finding clarity and closure amidst the grief of Sam’s father's passing. The episode takes an intimate turn as he recounts moving back home, the humility in caring for my mother with Alzheimer's, and the profound im...

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Ever been stuck in a cycle of manipulation and guilt when dealing with a loved one's addiction? Let's blow the lid off of that with our latest episode of The Party Wreckers podcast. Co-hosts Matt Brown and Sam Davis dissect the well-worn concept of getting your loved ones to admit their addiction and change the narrative. It's not about admitting powerlessness but focusing on the difference your family can make. Intervention shouldn't be a courtroom drama where you bombard them with evidence of addiction, but...

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Can you imagine your life spiraling out of control due to addiction and pulling through to the other side? Samantha Cohen, our guest from The Arbor, lived that reality and is here to share her raw and deeply personal journey from addiction to recovery. Her unfiltered story is one of transformation, an honest look at the pain and struggle she faced, and the strength she found in the battle.

Samantha’s tale doesn't shy away from the reality of her addiction, her experiences ar...

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From the throes of addiction to becoming a beacon of hope for others, our esteemed guest, Pej the Interventionist, is here to share his riveting journey. Imagine what it feels like to rise from the ashes of your own struggle, only to become an interventionist. Pej's transformative life story is a testament to resilience and the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity.

In a society where drugs like methamphetamine and Fentanyl are alarmingly on the rise, Pej unfolds the ramifications of these evolving...

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Ever grappled with the harsh reality of addiction within your family? Struggled to find the strength to aid your loved one on their long road to recovery? We engage in a heartfelt conversation with Family Recovery Coach, Darryl Rodgers who takes us on an emotional rollercoaster of his personal journey from confronting his son's addiction to becoming a beacon of hope for other families entangled in similar scenarios.

Having experienced the ravages of addiction firsthand, Darryl enlightens us on the initial struggles with...

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As we delve into the profound world of trauma, we're joined by our distinguished guests, Jeff and Terra Holbrook. Their unique insights and considerable experience offer a refreshing perspective on the subtle nuances of trauma and how it shapes our everyday lives. Discover how trauma extends beyond a singular event and becomes a response, altering how we perceive safety and security. Don't miss out as we uncover the riveting concept of transgenerational trauma and its covert influence on our lives.

Imagine being able...

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As hosts, Matt and Sam, we take you into the heart of family interventions and the gritty journey towards addiction recovery. Ever wondered how the relentless grip of addiction affects not just the individual but the entire family? We draw from personal experiences, shedding light on interventions where pride and ego serve as stumbling blocks on the road to recovery.

In an honest discussion, we explore the complexities of pride, control, and the illusion of handling it all when in the throes of...

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On social media there tends to be a lot of infighting between those recovering different ways.  Some say 12 step is awful.  Others say harm reduction and/or MAT is the wrong way to do it.  In this episode we discuss why, when we all want the same thing, are we spending so much time arguing with one another.  Listen in and let us know what you think. 

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After a hiatus for several months Matt and Sam come back to the studio to record an episode that addresses some accusations being made regarding Sam on social media.  This epidote is not intended to inflame the situation but to respond after several months of his remaining quiet.  We hope that this will be the end of it.  This podcast episode, whether in part or in its entirety, may not be copied or used publicly without written consent of its creators.  Violators will be pena...