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In this "Get Unhooked Podcast" episode, Jason Coombs (Brick House Recovery) discusses Chapter 11 of "UNHOOKED" – the Hope chapter. He explores establishing boundaries, effective communication, and transforming struggles into service opportunities.

Key Moments

• 2:26 "Fear is lack of mental discipline" - Mental choices precede emotional responses
• 6:10 "Empathy isn't empathy without boundaries" - Proper boundaries bring hearts closer
• 8:03 Faith vs. fear - Challenges refine us "like a rolling stone down the river"
• 10:08 Service as path out of fear - Helping others alleviates obsessive thinking
• 13:03 "True recovery is identity change" not just abstinence
• 19:03 Two categories of fear - Not getting what we want; losing what we have
• 29:04 Testimony - Service transforms self-obsession into purpose
• 32:14 Recovery coach certification opportunities

Mental Discipline: Foundation for Change

Jason establishes that managing addiction – whether our own or supporting others – begins with mental choices, not emotional reactions. "Every day, what I have control over is how I choose to view any situation," he emphasizes.

Three Guiding Principles

• Boundaries enhance empathy – Referencing Brené Brown, Jason shows how boundaries actually bring hearts closer
• Faith as mental discipline – Contrasting faith (cultivated mindset) with fear (default state)
• Service as freedom – Serving others provides the fastest path out of fear

Identity Change: The "Sober Secret"

True recovery requires identity transformation beyond abstinence. "A lot of people can get sober, but the true recovery is identity change," Jason explains, sharing his transition from seeing himself as a failure to recognizing his qualification to help others.

Understanding this distinction helps family members better support the whole-person transformation essential for lasting change.

Understanding Fear

Jason identifies two core fear categories that drive anxiety around addiction:

1. Fear of not getting what we want
2. Fear of losing what we have

Service: The Antidote

Participants share how serving others transformed their journeys. One notes: "Serving with other struggling parents has made such a difference. All my things about myself get lost in being of service."

Actionable Takeaways

• Pause before responding emotionally
• Establish empathy-enhancing boundaries
• Identify your loved one's stage of change before communicating
• Distinguish between sobriety and recovery
• Find service opportunities to escape fear
• Join recovery communities for shared strength

Resources

• Get Unhooked podcast on major platforms
• "Unhooked" book (Audible, Amazon, Jason's website)
• Eight-week Get Unhooked family course
• Recovery coach certification paths
• Brick House Recovery services

Jason concludes with gratitude for the community, acknowledging that transformation occurs through connection with others and a higher power.

For more resources, visit Brick House Recovery or explore Jason's book UNHOOKED. For emergencies, call 911.

For more information check out brickhouserecovery.com

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In this episode, Jason Coombs of Brick House Recovery shares how a teen's frightening drug-induced psychosis transformed into an opportunity for healing and growth. After using psilocybin mushrooms and high-potency cannabis concentrates, the teen experienced severe hallucinations, mood swings, and panic attacks lasting five days.

Through building trust, identifying underlying issues, and reframing anxiety as a potential strength, Jason demonstrates how even the most challenging situations can become catalysts for positive change.

The Unexpected Emergency Call

When Jason Coombs received an urgent text from a concerned mother about her teenage son experiencing a drug-induced psychotic episode, he knew immediate action was necessary. The teen had been suffering from audible and visual hallucinations, mood swings, and panic attacks for five days straight—a situation requiring careful, informed intervention.

What began as a crisis evolved into a powerful lesson about modern substance risks, trust-building techniques, and transforming traumatic experiences into opportunities for growth.

Episode Highlights

• 1:06 A teen facing drug-induced psychotic episode after five days of symptoms
• 4:02 The dangerous combination of psilocybin mushrooms and THC concentrates
• [5:03 Cannabis education: Modern concentrate forms, potency levels and administration methods
• 9:36 Physical and psychological side effects of concentrated cannabis products
• 12:52 How Jason developed rapport through non-judgmental questioning and normalization
• 17:32 The three strategies: Transforming a nightmare experience into personal growth opportunities
• 22:16 Personal application: Jason's journey with anxiety as both a curse and a motivating superpower

The Reality of Modern Cannabis Concentrates

During conversations with the teen (referred to as "Troy" in the podcast), Jason discovered the crisis stemmed from a combination of psilocybin mushrooms and highly concentrated cannabis products. This reflects a dangerous trend facing today's youth.

Modern cannabis concentrates present significantly heightened risks compared to traditional cannabis:

• Potency levels: Concentrates contain 60-90% THC compared to just 15-25% in traditional cannabis flower
• Common forms: Wax, dabs, shatter, butter/batter, crumble, live resin, honeycomb, BHO, sugar, sauce, and more
• Administration methods: Vape pens, dab rigs, nectar collectors, edibles, tinctures, and infused joints

The physical effects can include rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, impaired coordination, respiratory issues, nausea, and headaches. More concerning are the psychological effects: acute anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, hallucinations, memory impairment, and potential triggers for psychosis in vulnerable individuals.

Creating Trust Through Non-Judgmental Communication

Jason's approach to helping Troy demonstrates the critical difference between gaining trust and building rapport with teens in crisis:

"Trust is a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, and strength in someone. Rapport is a close and harmonious relationship in which you understand each other's feelings and ideas."

Jason employed several key techniques that parents and professionals can learn from:

• Asking non-judgmental questions
• Normalizing experiences to reduce panic and shame
• Taking the "long game" approach rath

For more information check out brickhouserecovery.com

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Get Unhooked Podcast - Episode Notes

Episode Summary
Jason Coombs hosts this insightful episode of the Get Unhooked Podcast, focusing on the transformative journey of identity change throughout recovery. As an influencer and industry expert, Jason shares his personal evolution from addiction, introducing the powerful metaphor of "embracing the cactus" - accepting life's struggles as essential components of personal growth.

Key Points
- Identity transformation is a crucial element of sustainable recovery
- Jason's personal journey illustrates the power of redefining oneself
- "Embracing the cactus" concept: viewing struggles as valuable, formative experiences
- Participants encouraged to see themselves as future storytellers and influencers
- Finding purpose beyond personal recovery creates lasting motivation

Actionable Tools
- Daily vow of silence: Dedicated time for self-reflection and internal dialogue
- Journaling practice: Document thoughts and insights during recovery
- Service mindset: Shift focus from self to helping others in similar situations

Takeaway Quote
"Your story isn't just for you—it's a beacon for others still finding their way through darkness."​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Actions: Spend time in meditation and journaling every day for one week and see how you feel.

For more information check out brickhouserecovery.com