Episode 53 - MaryBeth Cichocki, R.N. Interview, Trail of Truth Planning Committee Member, Legislative Warrior for Change in the Arena of Addiction Treatment Artwork

Siblinghood of Recovery

When I found out my son was deep in the throes of Substance Use Disorder (SUD), chaos became the norm. As each step became more challenging, the information on SUDs, treatment, healing, and basically everything that comes with an SUD Family crisis, became overwhelming. Inundated with so much information, I felt like I had crossed space and time and landed in a new world. I actually had: I had entered the world of Recovery. My goal through this Podcast is to condense what I learned into small increments, and provide anyone willing to listen a message of hope. The world of Recovery is filled with parents, children, and family members who walk together. We share what we learn, listen with heart, and provide a community of support. We are a Siblinghood of Recovery.

All Episodes

Siblinghood of Recovery

Episode 53 - MaryBeth Cichocki, R.N. Interview, Trail of Truth Planning Committee Member, Legislative Warrior for Change in the Arena of Addiction Treatment

September 17, 2023 • Angie Reno

MaryBeth lost her son Matt to the disease of addiction. What MaryBeth has done with that loss is nothing short of amazing. The drive to work hard in the arena of Recovery comes from the simple fact that MaryBeth would do anything to ensure a parent never experiences the devastating grief she has felt in losing Matt. This interview covers so much in the walk with addiction as a parent. Ranging from anger, to chaos, to building a community of resources, MaryBeth shares all that she's learned. I know you will benefit from listening to MaryBeth and her limitless ability to give back to the recovery community despite losing Matt. Please join me in sharing her journey.

2:50 - Mothers for All Paths of Recovery (Facebook Group)
3:00 - Susan Ousterman, another Warrior Mom who lost her son, Tyler, and Founder of Vilomah Memorial Gardens
3:25 - The Trail of Truth as MaryBeth experiences the Memorial Cemetery as a Committee Planner and a Mother who has lost her son. Over 2,000 names will be recognized this year in Washington, DC, September 23rd, 2023.
6:30 - Matt's story.
7:30 - Withdrawing from Oxycodone
10:30 - MaryBeth's quest for Legislative action regarding Sober Home certification and licensing
11:00 - Delaware's Legislative passing of HS214, signed 8/1/2023.
14:15 - Shame connected to the disease of addiction
18:15 - Resources for those struggling
18:45 - MaryBeth's fight with Cancer
19:15 - How fighting the disease of addiction can make the Family system ugly
21:30 - Building community
24:00 - Building your lifeline, those who you can call any time, any day, any where
27:45 - The Family system evolves
31:00 - MAT, Medically Assisted Treatment
32:45 - Supporting your loved one's journey
33:45 - Keeping the lines of communication open
34:45 - How pushing the punishment directive can lead to death
36:00 - Know your addicted love one already feels shame, love them where they are at
38:30 - The tipping point in getting Legislation passed
39:40 - How the CEOs of Treatment Centers and good Sober Homes supported the Legislation
41:00 - Other states looking at similar Legislation
41:20 - The FARR in Florida (my home state!)
41:50 - MaryBeth's advice to parents who have lost their child to the disease of addiction
43:40 - MaryBeth reads the Preface of her book, 'Letters to Matt'

Thank you for listening and please visit www.siblinghoodofrecovery.com for free resources, links to organizations, groups and individuals who can offer help in the Journey of Recovery towards healing from substance use disorders. If you like this Podcast, please leave a rating on wherever you're listening. It will help to get the word out.

If there is one message I can leave you with, the best you can offer your loved one battling addiction is love and a healthier you.

Walk gently, my friend.

People on this episode

Angie Reno

Host