The Recovery Couch

217 - Learning Together - Inside the Brain: Understanding How Addiction Impacts the Mind

In this episode of The Recovery Couch, host Brandon Couch continues the Learning Together series with a deep dive into the most complex organ in the human body — the brain. Building on previous discussions about the stages of addiction and the neurobiology behind it, Brandon explores how different parts of the brain are affected by drug and alcohol use and what that means for behavior, emotions, and recovery. From the medulla oblongata to the cerebrum, this episode breaks down the brain’s anatomy in simple, relatable terms — explaining how substances like alcohol, methamphetamine, and psychedelics alter mood, coordination, perception, and decision-making. Brandon also discusses why understanding the brain’s structure is key to compassion: realizing that addiction rewires behavior can help us love and forgive those caught in its grip. This episode reminds us that recovery isn’t just about willpower — it’s about healing what’s been hijacked. Key Takeaways: The brain contains billions of neurons that shape all human behavior. Alcohol, meth, and other drugs alter how the brain’s systems function. Specific brain regions (like the cerebellum and hypothalamus) explain common addiction-related behaviors. Understanding brain science helps us approach addiction with empathy. True recovery means restoring balance to both the brain and the spirit.
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Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the full episode on YouTube. And remember — you always have a seat right here on The Recovery Couch.

216: From Football to Faith: A Journey of Recovery Part 2

Part 2 of my conversation with Julian Jackson-Linkhart. In this episode, Brandon Couch and Julian Jackson Linkhart discuss the journey of recovery from addiction, the importance of spirituality, and the role of relationships in personal growth. Julian shares his experiences with football, the challenges he faced, and how his faith has guided him through difficult times. They emphasize the significance of support systems, the power of prayer, and the need for self-discovery in the recovery process. The conversation highlights the importance of serving others and finding purpose beyond addiction, encouraging listeners to embrace their journey one day at a time.

215: Learning Together - Understanding Neurobiology

In this episode, Brandon Couch explores the neurobiology of addiction, detailing how psychoactive drugs affect the brain and nervous system. He explains the structure and function of the nervous system, the role of neurons and neurotransmitters in communication, and how various drugs interact with these systems to produce their effects. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding these biological processes in the context of addiction and recovery.
 
Takeaways
Psychoactive drugs affect the brain by altering neurotransmission.
The nervous system is crucial for understanding addiction.
Neurons transmit electrical messages throughout the body.
The synapse is where neurotransmitters interact with receptors.
Depressants and stimulants have opposing effects on neurotransmission.
Neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin play key roles in mood and behavior.
Drugs can mimic or block natural neurotransmitters at their receptors.
Understanding the nervous system aids in recovery from addiction.
Chemical transmission is essential for neuron communication.
Knowledge of neurobiology can empower recovery efforts.

Episode #214: Learning Together - Recovery Treatment

In this episode, Brandon Couch discusses the stages of addiction, the importance of recovery, and the critical components of effective treatment. He emphasizes the role of mental health in recovery and the need for comprehensive treatment approaches. The conversation highlights the significance of assessment, relapse prevention, and the intertwined nature of mental health and substance abuse conditions. Ultimately, Couch encourages listeners to embrace recovery as a process that requires support, understanding, and a higher power.

Episode #213: Learning Together- Stages of Addiction

In this episode, Brandon Couch introduces a new series focused on understanding addiction and its treatment. He discusses the prevalence of substance use, the transition from social use to addiction, and the critical differences between dependence and addiction. The conversation delves into the stages of addiction, the impact on individuals' lives, and the criteria for substance use disorders as outlined in the DSM-5. Throughout the episode, Couch emphasizes the importance of treatment and the hope for recovery.

Episode #212 - From Football to Faith: A Journey of Recovery

In this powerful episode of The Recovery Couch, host Brandon Couch sits down with Julian Jackson Linkhart for a deep and honest conversation about recovery, faith, and personal transformation. Julian opens up about his journey from the football field to finding freedom through spirituality, sharing how his struggles with ego, identity, and addiction ultimately led him to rediscover his purpose in serving others. Together, Brandon and Julian explore how support systems, prayer, and self-discovery play a vital role in healing — and why true toughness means facing your consequences, being honest with yourself, and taking life one day at a time.
Key Takeaways:
Julian’s experience in football shaped his spiritual and personal growth.
Support systems are essential in recovery.
Ego and identity can lead to destructive patterns.
Facing consequences is part of the healing process.
Prayer and faith bring strength and clarity.
Self-discovery fuels lasting change.
Serving others creates meaning beyond addiction.
Recovery is about more than substances — it’s about behaviors and beliefs.
Honesty is the foundation of transformation.
One day at a time remains one of recovery’s most powerful truths.
Tune in, get inspired, and remember — you always have a seat on The Recovery Couch.

Episode #211 - The Strength Within

In this episode, Brandon Couch discusses the essence of toughness and resilience, emphasizing that true strength comes from facing life's challenges head-on. He introduces the STEEL framework as a practical guide to building resilience and shares actionable tools to help listeners navigate tough times. The conversation culminates in a challenge for listeners to confront their struggles and take small, meaningful steps towards growth.

Episode 210 - Titles vs. Truth - Discussing Chapter 6 of my book "Step 4"

Brandon Couch opens up about the collision between the titles he wore—employee, grad student, veteran, husband, father—and the truth he refused to name: drug addict. In this raw conversation, he traces how opiate withdrawal bulldozed denial, how “using” turned into logistics, and how striving for control became a death spiral disguised as “management.” Through candid reflection, Brandon unpacks the cost of a double life, the freedom that honesty brings, and the support that made recovery possible. If you’re carrying secret titles or white-knuckling control, this episode is an invitation to tell the truth, ask for help, and step toward healing. You always have a seat right here on The Recovery Couch. Key Takeaways “I carried a litany of titles… the one I refused explained everything.” Opiate withdrawal doesn’t negotiate—it breaks in. Addiction turns life into logistics: who has it, how much, what time, what cash? Multitasking is just doing multiple things badly. Presence requires honesty; honesty threatens a double life. Losing the prescription interrupted a deadly spiral. Titles are good servants and terrible saviors. The truth is what sets you free.
00:00 The Weight of Titles
02:24 The Illusion of Control
06:00 Surrendering to Truth
07:39 The Path to Liberation
09:32 A Message of Hope
 
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“Addiction & Adultery” — from Chapter 2 of 'Step 4: A Journey Through Addiction."

In this episode of the Recovery Couch, Brandon Couch dives into the intertwined themes of addiction and infidelity, exploring how guilt, shame, and isolation can lead to destructive behaviors. He shares his personal journey through these challenges, emphasizing the importance of radical honesty and accountability in the recovery process. The conversation highlights the need for compassion and consequences in healing, and encourages listeners to confront their secrets and seek help.
Key Themes: Guilt vs. shame, isolation loop, prescription drug misuse as coping, radical honesty, accountability, spiritual return.
Resources: Consider reaching out to a licensed counselor, recovery sponsor, or local faith community.
Get the Book: Signed copies (https://square.link/u/dkLDKHyi)
Major retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Bookshop, Powell’s)
Connect: @RecoveryCouch | brandon@recoverycouch.com

Voices of Recovery - National Recovery Month - Your Story Isn't Wasted

In this Voices of Recovery episode for National Recovery Month, host Brandon Couch reminds listeners that no matter how broken the past may seem, Your Story Isn’t Wasted. Every setback, every scar, and every struggle carries the potential to inspire and help someone else on their journey. Brandon unpacks how God can redeem even the darkest chapters and use them for a greater purpose. This episode encourages you to embrace your story with honesty, trust the process of healing, and believe that what you’ve walked through can become a source of hope for others.