Interview with Caya - Part 2

A hip infection lands Caya in hospital and, unexpectedly, becomes the interruption that addiction could not talk its way around. From that bed, she and I have a clear eyed conversation about what actually moved her towards recovery and what did not, including the painful truth many parents learn the hard way: you can love fiercely, you can set limits, you can offer treatment options, but you cannot force someone into lasting sobriety without their own agency.

We dig into the most agonising parenting dilemma: when your teen or young adult is using substances and making dangerous choices, how do you decide between stepping in and stepping back? Caya shares why having things taken away often fuelled rebellion, why withdrawal fear keeps people trapped, and when external pressure might be appropriate if someone is genuinely unable to get through detox safely. We also talk about money boundaries, “enabling” versus stabilising support, and why meaningful structure like school can strengthen a young person’s belief that they can do hard things.

Most of all, we challenge the myth that cold distance heals. Caya explains why tough love can deepen shame and isolation, and why connection, honest truth telling, and being an available person can be a lifeline during addiction and mental health crisis. We close with what comes next: rehab, rebuilding a relationship with her body, and her plans to explore ibogaine as part of treatment.

Subscribe, share this with a parent who needs it, and leave a review. What boundary or act of connection has been hardest for you to hold?

TERI
Website: https://teripotter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teripotterpathways/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teripotterpathways

teri@teripotter.com

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

catherine@collaborative-insights.com

Resources:

- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)

Here are a few international resources:

• United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
• United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
• Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
• Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
• International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
• https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.