Send us a text

“Can One Person’s Recovery Heal an Entire Family?” A Tribute to My Dad
How Vulnerability, Boundaries & One Weekend Changed Everything

What if the real transformation doesn’t start with the addicted loved one—but with the people who love them most?

In this deeply personal episode, Jason Coombs invites two very special guests to the mic: his father, Dr. Douglas Coombs, and his sister, Melissa Jones. Together, they unpack how addiction quietly dismantles a family system—and how healing it takes vulnerability, boundaries, and a willingness to change across generations.

From a pivotal weekend in Newport Beach to raw, emotional conversations that rebuilt a father-son bond, this episode reveals what real family recovery looks like. It’s not about fixing the addicted person—it’s about restoring trust, setting boundaries that actually protect, and modeling what emotional sobriety looks like, day by day.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to rebuild trust after years of broken promises
• Why physical boundaries (yes, even alarm systems) matter
• The 4 principles of motivational interviewing—and how they change communication
• How one family member’s recovery can trigger a ripple effect of healing
• What emotional sobriety really means—and why it’s the goal for everyone involved

If you’re carrying the weight of a loved one’s addiction, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with more than hope—you’ll leave with practical tools to begin your own healing journey, no matter what they choose.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app or right here on YouTube
🎓 Want to go deeper? Register for my free webclass at www.liveunhooked.com

📖 Grab my book Unhooked on Audible or Amazon
🌐 Learn more at brickhouserecovery.com

JOIN the next FREE Webclass at liveunhooked.com
For more information on treatment services, check out brickhouserecovery.com

Send us a text

In this episode of Get Unhooked, we welcome Jeff and Bree—real-life warriors in recovery and marriage. Jeff shares his experience of hitting rock bottom, finding God, and rebuilding his life. Bree vulnerably walks us through the pain of loving an addict, and the spiritual and emotional journey she had to take to find her voice, her boundaries, and ultimately, herself.

This is a conversation about surrender—not just to recovery, but to the process of becoming whole. Whether you're the one struggling or you love someone who is, this episode offers powerful perspective and encouragement.

👉 Subscribe and share if this message speaks to you.
🔗 Get Jason’s book Unhooked on Amazon or Audible
🌐 Learn more: brickhouserecovery.com

For more information check out brickhouserecovery.com

Send us a text

When a loved one struggles with addiction, it doesn’t just impact them—it shakes the entire family to its core. In this powerful episode of The Get Unhooked Podcast, Jason Coombs sits down with the real experts: mothers who have lived through the chaos, grief, and heartbreak of a child’s addiction journey.

In their own honest, unfiltered words, these courageous mothers reveal what they wish they had known sooner—the mistakes they made, the boundaries they finally learned to set, and the powerful shift from enabling to true support.

You'll hear raw reflections on:

• Facing the pain of "losing" the child they once knew
• Overcoming the guilt and shame that addiction brings to families
• Learning that real love sometimes means stepping back, not stepping in
• Finding peace even when their loved one’s path remains uncertain
• The practical tools and mindset shifts that changed everything

If you’re a parent, family member, or someone who loves an addict, this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and empowered.
You’re not alone. There’s a way forward—and it doesn’t require sacrificing your own sanity or happiness.

🎯 Subscribe to the channel for more real conversations, practical strategies, and inspiration for families navigating addiction recovery.

🔔 Join our community and access weekly coaching calls, resources, and Jason’s book Unhooked at BrickHouseRecovery.com.

Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction
4:06 - Facing painful questions about your child
6:33 - Counterintuitive parenting strategies
11:31 - Grieving the child you once knew
14:16 - When pride turns into painful honesty
19:49 - Emotional depletion and finding renewal
21:32 - What families truly wish for most
25:07 - How to connect with a support community

For more information check out brickhouserecovery.com

Send us a text

In this illuminating episode of The Get Unhooked Podcast, Jason Combs interviews his mentor and "book whisperer" Bridget Cook-Burch about transforming personal experiences into powerful published works. As a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Bridget reveals the process of creating transformational books—from initial concept to final publication—while Jason shares insights from his own journey writing "Unhooked."

Episode Highlights

[04:01] Jason reflects on the various motivations behind writing a book, from professional credibility to changing lives

[08:05] Bridget explains that great storytelling requires vulnerability: "In the darkness often lies the seeds of your greatest glory"

[13:27] The critical importance of creating a timeline to see patterns and meaning in your life experiences

[15:31] The powerful shift from writing for yourself to writing specifically for your readers

[19:11] Bridget shares how author Melissa Moore wrote for one specific "avatar" yet reached countless others

[32:05] Winston Churchill's quote about writing being a journey from "toy" to "tyrant" that you eventually "fling to the public"

[44:01] Jason reveals how his book "Unhooked" helped parents who lost their son to an overdose find peace

[51:33] The origin story behind Bridget's Inspired Writers Retreat and her promise to help others tell their stories

Writing for Your Avatar: The One Person Who Needs

Your Message

A critical shift occurs when writers move beyond self-expression to focus on serving readers. Jason describes his own breakthrough when reading "Millionaire Messenger" by Brendan Burchard:

The Hero's Journey Framework

Both Jason and Bridget reference Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey as an essential structure for transformation stories.

The Writing Timeline: A Churchill-Worthy Warning

For those expecting a quick process, Winston Churchill's quote offers sobering perspective:

"To begin with, it's a toy, then an amusement, then it becomes a mistress, then it becomes a master, and then it becomes a tyrant. And in the last stage, just as you were about to be reconciled to your servitude, you kill the monster and fling him to the public."

Jason candidly shares that his book appeared on his vision board for ten consecutive years before publication. Rather than being discouraging, this timeline allowed for deeper insights and experiences to inform the work.

Action Steps for Writers

Create a personal timeline to identify patterns and meaning in your experiences

Identify your specific "avatar"—the one person who needs your message most

Watch "Finding Joe" documentary to understand the hero's journey framework

Consider reading "Aspire" by Kevin Hall for an example of layered storytelling

Start with vulnerability rather than trying to appear perfect

Begin writing sessions with intention (meditation, prayer, or reflection)

Recognize that significant books often take longer than expected to complete

Resources Mentioned

"Unhooked" by Jason Combs

"Finding Joe" documentary about Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey

"Aspire: Discovering Your Purpose Through The Power of Words" by Kevin Hall

"The Witness Wore Red" by Rebecca Musser and Bridget Cook-Burch

"The Shack" by William Paul Young

YourInspiredStory.com - Bridget's website with various writing programs

This episode offers both practical guidance and inspiring examples for those seeking to transform personal experiences into published works. As Bridget emphasizes, "Stories can change the world"—and with the right approach, yours might b

For more information check out brickhouserecovery.com

Send us a text

In a compelling episode of The Get Unhooked Podcast, Jason Coombs celebrates 16 years of sobriety while revealing his proven three-step process for making critical decisions when supporting addicted loved ones. Through candid conversations with coaching session participants and reflections from his book "Unhooked," Jason provides a roadmap for families struggling with the complex terrain of addiction recovery.

Episode Highlights

• Jason outlines his three-step decision-making process: research thoroughly, make the best decision possible, and seek spiritual guidance
• Jason emphasizes keeping a "personal revelation journal" to document insights and breakthroughs
• Important reminder that addiction is a mental illness requiring treatment - "they're sick needing to get well, not bad needing to get good"
• Jason reflects on his 16-year sobriety journey that began March 19, 2009
• "Instead of looking for God's hand in our lives, look for his fingerprints" - finding guidance in seemingly small moments

The Decision-Making Framework That Changes Everything

Jason outlines a straightforward yet profound approach to making decisions when helping someone battling addiction:

1. Research thoroughly – Weigh the costs, benefits, risks, and rewards of each option
2. Make the best decision possible with the information available
3. Seek spiritual guidance through prayer, asking for discernment if the chosen path aligns with divine will

The final key? Follow through on the course of action once determined.

The Overlooked Power of Journaling Personal Revelations

Jason emphasizes an essential practice for lasting recovery: maintaining a "personal revelation journal" to capture insights during moments of clarity.

"These calls aren't just a one hour of, 'okay, I feel better now. Now what?' Think of these calls as opening up the channels of light and love to heaven and to your higher power," Jason explains.

He recommends:

• Writing "PR" (personal revelation) in margins to mark significant insights
• Reviewing past journals regularly to recognize patterns and growth
• Recording "aha moments" to reference during difficult times

From Selling Hot Dogs to Saving Lives: Jason's Journey

March 19, 2009 marks the beginning of Jason's sobriety journey. His path from selling hot dogs outside Home Depot to founding Brick House Recovery illustrates the unexpected ways recovery unfolds.

"At the time I was like, my whole life squandered and I'm starting over," Jason recalls of his early sobriety at 31. "I was comparing myself to others that I'd gone to school with that were on their fourth kid and were vice presidents in their companies."

A pivotal moment came through an unexpected sign – literally. While contemplating educational directions, Jason noticed a utility box marked "communications" – the exact program he'd researched the night before. This led him to meet his future wife and ultimately establish his treatment center.

The Fingerprints of Guidance

Jason introduces a perspective shift for those seeking direction: "Instead of looking for God's hand in our lives, look for his fingerprints."

This approach transforms seemingly minor decisions into meaningful turning points:

• Moving in with parents to save money while

For more information check out brickhouserecovery.com

Send us a text

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

Send us a text

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

Send us a text

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