The Recovery Couch

256 - Is Addiction a Disease or a Spiritual Yoke? | Thomas Pohl on Deliverance from Addiction

Is addiction really an incurable brain disease — or is it a spiritual yoke that can be fully broken? In this episode of The Recovery Couch, host Brandon Couch sits down with author Thomas W. Pohl to unpack his book "Deliverance from Addiction: Breaking the Yoke and Healing the Hurt."
Thomas shares the difference between recovery and deliverance, why he believes addiction is rooted in unresolved trauma, and how faith-based deliverance offers a more permanent path forward than lifelong management. Brandon and Thomas also dig into a candid, no-holds-barred debate on marijuana, Xanax, and opiate pain medication — weighing the risks and benefits for people in recovery who may one day face severe pain or anxiety.
🎧 In this episode:- What "breaking the yoke" means (Isaiah 10:24) and how it applies to addiction- Why Thomas believes addiction is a spiritual issue, not just a brain disease- How unresolved trauma drives addictive behavior- Marijuana, Xanax, and opiates — a faith-based recovery perspective- How to talk to an addict without judgment- Where to find Thomas Pohl's book and outreach ministry
📖 Get the book: https://deliverancefromaddictionbook.com🙏 Learn about the outreach: https://deliverance-from-addiction-outreach.org📱 Follow Thomas Pohl: YouTube & TikTok @DeliveranceFromAddiction
🛋️ About The Recovery Couch:The Recovery Couch is a podcast about recovery, transformation, mental health, faith, and real conversations that change lives. Hosted by Brandon Couch, every episode is a seat on the couch for real talk about addiction, healing, and hope.
👉 Subscribe for new episodes every week.💬 Have a story of recovery or deliverance? Drop it in the comments.
 
In this episode of The Recovery Couch, host Brandon Couch talks with author and outreach founder Thomas W. Pohl about his book, Deliverance from Addiction: Breaking the Yoke and Healing the Hurt. The conversation explores what it means to be spiritually delivered from addiction rather than simply managing it, why trauma is so often the root cause of substance use, and a candid debate on marijuana, Xanax, and opiate pain medication for people in recovery. Whether you're in recovery yourself, love someone who is, or are simply curious about the intersection of faith and addiction, this episode offers an honest, judgment-free look at healing.
 
the recovery couch, brandon couch, thomas pohl, deliverance from addiction, breaking the yoke, addiction recovery podcast, faith based recovery, christian addiction recovery, addiction and trauma, addiction is a disease, addiction spiritual healing, recovery vs deliverance, marijuana for pain relief, thc vs opiates, xanax addiction, opiate addiction recovery, cannabis use disorder, addiction recovery interview, sobriety podcast, christian recovery podcast, deliverance ministry, addiction outreach, isaiah 10:24, addiction and faith, trauma and addiction, prescription drug addiction, benzodiazepine addiction, addiction author interview, sober podcast, faith and sobriety, addiction healing testimony
 
 

255 - Learning Together | Hallucinogens & Psychedelic Drugs Explained

In this episode of the Learning Together series on The Recovery Couch, host Brandon Couch continues reviewing the Getting Ready to Test preparation manual for drug and alcohol credentialing examinations — breaking down one of the most misunderstood drug categories: All-Arounders.
Unlike depressants or stimulants, all-arounders — also known as hallucinogens or psychedelics — have the unique ability to act as both a stimulant AND a depressant at the same time, making them harder to classify and more complex to understand.
In this episode Brandon covers:
🍄 What all-arounders are and why they're harder to classify than other drug categories🧠 The difference between hallucinogens and psychedelics — and why "psychedelic" is actually the more accurate term👁 The characteristics of a hallucinogenic or psychedelic state including synesthesia (when your senses overlap and you literally "see a sound" or "feel a smell")⚠️ What causes a "bad trip" and why it's often predetermined by mindset and circumstance🍄 A deep dive into hallucinogenic mushrooms — Fly Agaric (Amanita Muscaria) and Psilocybin mushrooms — including history dating back thousands of years, cultural use across Native American tribes, Vikings, ancient India, and Central America💊 The physical effects of psilocybin — how it works in the body, dosage, duration, and tolerance
Whether you're studying for your CADC, NCAC, or another drug and alcohol credentialing exam, or you simply want a clear, no-fluff breakdown of how hallucinogens work — this episode is built for you.
📚 This is part of the Learning Together series — a study companion for drug and alcohol counseling certification exams.
0:00 — Welcome & Series Introduction: Learning Together0:29 — What Are All-Arounders? Why They're Hard to Classify1:00 — Brief Overview of Hallucinogens & Psychedelics1:36 — Key Facts: No Physical Dependence, Naturally Occurring, Toxic in Large Doses2:05 — Why Driving on Hallucinogens Is Extremely Dangerous2:35 — Hallucinogens vs. Psychotomimetics vs. Psychedelics — What's the Difference?3:10 — Why People Can't Explain Their Trips (Mind Expansion Explained)3:37 — Characteristics of a Hallucinogenic State4:07 — Synesthesia: When Your Senses Cross Over4:56 — How Psychedelics Distort Reality & Affect the CNS5:52 — What Causes a Bad Trip?6:29 — Tolerance, Dependence & Why People Think Psychedelics Are "Safe"7:33 — History of Psychedelic Use Across World Cultures8:00 — Hallucinogenic Mushrooms: Fly Agaric (Amanita Muscaria)8:29 — Ancient Use in India, Afghanistan, and Viking Warriors9:14 — Teonactyl & Psilocybe Mushrooms: Central & Native American History10:02 — Psilocybin Mushrooms: Effects, Dosage & Duration11:15 — How Psilocybin Works in the Body: Serotonin Depletion Explained11:35 — What's Coming Next: Peyote & Mescaline
Primary (High Intent — Exam Prep):
drug and alcohol credentialing exam prep
CADC exam study guide podcast
all-arounders drug classification
hallucinogens psychedelics drug counseling exam
getting ready to test drug alcohol exam
Secondary (Topic Specific):
what are all-arounders drugs
psilocybin mushrooms explained
hallucinogens vs psychedelics difference
synesthesia drug effects explained
fly agaric amanita muscaria history
psilocybe mushrooms drug counseling
what causes a bad trip
Long-Tail (AEO/Voice Search Optimized):
"what is the difference between a hallucinogen and a psychedelic"
"what does synesthesia mean in drug use"
"how long do psilocybin mushrooms last in the body"
"do hallucinogens cause physical dependence"
"what are all arounders in drug classification"
"drug and alcohol counselor exam study podcast"
"what is a bad trip caused by"
❓ FAQ Section(Optimized for Google's People Also Ask & AI answer engines)
Q: What are all-arounders in drug classification?A: All-arounders is a term used in drug and alcohol counseling to describe psychoactive substances — specifically hallucinogens and psychedelics — that can act as both a stimulant and a depressant on the central nervous system simultaneously. This dual action makes them harder to classify than drugs that only depress or stimulate the CNS.
Q: What is the difference between a hallucinogen and a psychedelic?A: While the terms are often used interchangeably, psychedelic is considered the more accurate term. Hallucinogen refers specifically to drugs that induce hallucinations, while psychedelic refers to mind expansion or mind manifestation — the ability to perceive and experience more than can be easily explained. The DSM uses the term hallucinogen, but psychedelic more fully captures the category.
Q: What is synesthesia and how does it relate to drug use?A: Synesthesia is the overlapping of sensory inputs — a phenomenon where one sense triggers another. In the context of hallucinogen use, it occurs when the brain becomes overloaded with sensory information, causing someone to experience things like "seeing a sound," "hearing a color," or "feeling a smell." It is one of the key characteristics of a hallucinogenic or psychedelic state.
Q: Do hallucinogens cause physical dependence?A: According to drug and alcohol counseling literature, hallucinogens do not appear to create physical dependence. However, they can create psychological dependence. Tolerance to hallucinogens can develop rapidly with repeated use, but there is no documented evidence of physical withdrawal symptoms the way other drug categories produce them.
Q: What are psilocybin mushrooms and how do they work?A: Psilocybin mushrooms are a group of fungi in the psilocybe genus that produce psychedelic effects. When consumed, the chemicals in the mushroom convert to psilocin in the body, which enters the brain and depletes the neurotransmitter serotonin. Effects begin within 30 minutes and last 3–6 hours. One to five grams of dried mushroom is typically required to produce psychedelic effects.
Q: What caused Vikings to use hallucinogenic mushrooms?A: Historical accounts suggest that Norse Viking warriors used Fly Agaric (Amanita Muscaria) mushrooms to produce states of intense ferocity before battle. The active ingredient, muscimol, is notably excreted unchanged in urine, which led some cultures — including people in Siberia and Eastern Europe — to collect and reuse the urine for its psychedelic properties due to the relative scarcity of the mushroom.
Q: What podcast series covers drug and alcohol credentialing exam prep?A: The Recovery Couch podcast hosts a series called Learning Together, in which host Brandon Couch reviews the Getting Ready to Test preparation manual for drug and alcohol credentialing examinations. The series covers drug categories, pharmacology, and counseling concepts in plain, accessible language designed for exam candidates and recovery professionals.

254 - Alisha Bond: 6 Years Sober, One Relapse & the Road Back from Meth Addiction

Alisha Bond was six years sober when she told herself one glass of wine couldn't hurt. She tried meth the same night — and the next five years took her home, her career, custody of her son, and her fiancé, who died of an overdose soon after prison. In this raw conversation with host Brandon Couch, Alisha (@LivingFreeWithAJ) traces relapse after long-term sobriety, meth and opioid addiction, a 52-minute police chase, and the peer support and self-love work that finally made recovery stick. Now in harm reduction, she argues that compassion — not tough love — is what brings people back. A hopeful, unflinching listen for anyone touched by addiction. Help (U.S.): 988, or SAMHSA 1-800-662-4357. Follow Alisha: @LivingFreeWithAJ

253 - Overcoming Addiction: Alicia Bond's Inspiring Journey

In this episode, Alicia Bond shares her powerful journey from childhood struggles and addiction to recovery and motherhood. Her story highlights resilience, faith, and the importance of community support in overcoming life's darkest moments. Alicia Bond shares her powerful journey through addiction, recovery, and self-love, highlighting the importance of compassion, mental health, and community support in overcoming life's challenges. Keywords Addiction, Recovery, Motherhood, Faith, Mental Health, Personal Transformation, Substance Abuse, Healing, Inspiration addiction recovery, self-love, harm reduction, mental health, inspiration, sobriety, community support Key Topics Childhood and early exposure to substances The role of faith and church in her life Experiences with addiction and risky situations The impact of family support and boundaries Recovery milestones and relapse moments Motherhood as a turning point The importance of community and sponsorship in sobriety Addiction and recovery journey Impact of trauma and mental health Harm reduction and community support Self-love and spiritual growth Challenges of homelessness and incarceration Takeaways Early exposure to substances at age 12 led to a lifelong struggle with addiction. Faith and church played a crucial role in her healing process. Relapses are part of the journey, but perseverance leads to recovery. Support from family, especially her mother, was vital in her sobriety. Motherhood became a catalyst for positive change and stability.

My 19-Year-Old Brother Was Shot & Killed During a $20 Robbery | The Recovery Couch ft. Cooper Jackson

In this raw and unflinching episode of The Recovery Couch, host Brandon Couch sits down with his cousin Cooper Jackson to revisit one of the most traumatic nights of their family's life — the night 19-year-old Codi Jackson was shot and killed during a $20 marijuana robbery in Xenia, Ohio in March 2011. Cooper was 15 years old and sitting right next to his brother when it happened.
Cooper opens up about witnessing the shooting firsthand, holding his dying brother in his arms, and the years of alcohol, pills, and emotional numbness that followed as he tried to cope with survivor's guilt and grief. This episode is a powerful testimony about where trauma-driven addiction leads — and how faith, family, and talking about it can bring healing.
🎙️ Topics Covered:— The night of the shooting, moment by moment— How grief turned into substance abuse and street notoriety— The shooter (Levi Randall): a veteran with PTSD on Xanax who didn't even remember the shooting— What it's like when the "celebrity" of tragedy fades and you're left alone with the pain— How Cooper got sober and what advice he gives to others in grief
If you or someone you love is struggling with grief, trauma, or addiction, this episode is for you.
📲 Subscribe for new episodes every week.🛋️ You always have a seat on The Recovery Couch.
⏱️ Chapter Timestamps
0:00 — Welcome & Introduction: Brandon and Cooper's Background1:20 — Setting the Scene: March 2011 in Xenia, Ohio2:10 — The Night of the Robbery: Five People, One Car, $20 Worth of Weed4:07 — The Moment of the Shooting8:49 — Inside the Car: Cooper Tries to Save Codi's Life12:08 — The Crash, the Blood, and the 911 Call17:01 — The Police Station, the Gunpowder Swab & the Confession Text20:12 — Coming Home Covered in Blood: Cooper's Mom Sees Him22:35 — Aunt Donna Arrives: The Moment the Grief Hits24:46 — Coping Through Partying: 6-9 Months of Drinking and Smoking26:03 — How Codi's Death Gave Cooper "Street Credibility"29:36 — The Shooter Levi Randall: A Veteran with PTSD Who Didn't Know He Killed Someone31:51 — When the Attention Fades: Pills, Depression & Real Grief34:41 — Getting Sober: The Withdrawal That Changed Everything37:37 — Where Cooper Is Today and What God Has Done38:37 — Advice for Anyone Grieving and Battling Addiction
🔍Keywords
grief and addiction recovery podcast
trauma and substance abuse true story
sibling death and drug addiction
recovering from losing a brother to gun violence
survivor's guilt addiction
Xenia Ohio shooting 2011 Codi Jackson
veteran PTSD drug shooting story
Xanax blackout shooting real story
how to cope with loss of a sibling
street life recovery testimony
$20 robbery gone wrong
drug robbery shooting survivor
"how do people cope with losing a sibling to gun violence"
"can trauma cause drug addiction"
"what happens when you witness a family member get shot"
"recovery podcast real stories of addiction and grief"
"how to help someone grieving a violent death"
"veteran PTSD and violence stories"
"faith and sobriety after trauma"
❓ FAQ Section
Q: What is The Recovery Couch podcast about?A: The Recovery Couch, hosted by Brandon Couch, features real, unfiltered conversations about addiction, trauma, grief, and recovery. Each episode brings on guests who share their personal stories of hitting rock bottom and finding a path forward through faith, family, and community.
Q: What happened to Codi Jackson in this episode?A: In March 2011, 19-year-old Codi Jackson was shot and killed during a botched $20 marijuana robbery in Xenia, Ohio. His 15-year-old brother Cooper was sitting next to him in the car when the shooter, Levi Randall, opened fire. Cooper held Codi in his arms and called 911 before Codi passed away.
Q: Who shot Codi Jackson and why?A: Codi was shot by Levi Randall, a 22-year-old military veteran who was reportedly suffering from PTSD and under the influence of Xanax at the time. Randall was sentenced to 30 years in prison. According to Cooper, Randall did not remember committing the shooting.
Q: How did Cooper Jackson cope with his brother's death?A: In the months following Codi's death, Cooper coped by drinking heavily, smoking marijuana, and leaning into the social attention his brother's tragic death brought him. Over time, that attention faded and he turned to prescription pills — including Percocets, Xanax, and Klonopin. He eventually got sober after experiencing withdrawal for the first time, which scared him enough to stop.
Q: Can grief lead to drug addiction?A: Yes. As Cooper's story illustrates, unprocessed grief — especially from traumatic loss — is one of the most common pathways into substance abuse. Numbing emotional pain with alcohol or drugs can feel like relief in the short term but leads to dependency, withdrawal, and deeper depression over time. Seeking therapy, leaning on family, and building a faith community are among the healthiest alternatives.
Q: What advice does Cooper Jackson give to people dealing with grief and addiction?A: Cooper encourages people not to numb their pain with substances. Instead, he advises praying, talking openly with trusted family members, and seeing a therapist. He emphasizes that there is no shame in seeking help, and that talking about trauma — even when it's painful — is one of the most powerful tools for healing.
Q: Is The Recovery Couch a Christian podcast?A: While The Recovery Couch is not exclusively religious, faith plays a significant role in many guest stories and in Brandon's own journey. The show welcomes guests from all backgrounds who have a story of struggle and recovery to share.

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.