Joanie Sigal

The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return

Joanie Sigal

  • Nicole Davis Woodruff - Trying to Save My Drug Addicted Sister

Nicole Davis Woodruff - Trying to Save My Drug Addicted Sister

Thursday 15th September 2022

Nicole Davis Woodruff shares her heartfelt journey of trying to save her sister from opioid addiction on 'The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return'.
46 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate

About this podcast

The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return
Author:
Joanie Sigal
Overview:
Categories:
Family Recovery from Addiction
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Sobriety Success Stories
Creative Recovery Journeys
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
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Nicole Davis Woodruff: A Sister's Heartfelt Journey Through Addiction and Healing

So it was learning to detach with love in a different kind of way and not be so. You can't be clean and sober for them, and so if you don't take care of yourself, that can, and not to mention the fact that I'm fairly certain that the addict feels guilty about that.
Nicole Davis Woodruff, a Tampa-based occupational therapist and yoga teacher, knows firsthand the heartbreak of addiction. When her sister Amanda succumbed to an opioid overdose in 2019, Nicole's world was shattered. This episode of 'The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return' takes you through Nicole's poignant story of love, loss, and resilience. Nicole's journey began long before that tragic day.
Amanda's addiction started in high school with seemingly harmless substances like mushrooms and cigarettes, but it soon escalated to opioids after the birth of her son. For five grueling years, Nicole and her family rode an emotional rollercoaster, watching Amanda cycle through recovery attempts and relapses. The toll on Nicole's mental health and her relationship with Amanda was immense. Determined to turn her pain into purpose, Nicole dedicated herself to helping others manage pain without resorting to addictive substances.
Her holistic occupational therapy practice focuses on treating chronic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction, offering alternative methods that steer clear of opioids. Throughout the episode, Nicole opens up about the various treatments Amanda tried, from inpatient stays to outpatient counseling. She shares how Amanda eventually found some success with a program that combined medication-assisted treatment with therapy. Despite the ultimate loss, Nicole's commitment to supporting her sister never wavered.
One of the standout messages from Nicole's story is the importance of self-care for those supporting loved ones through addiction. She stresses that you can't stay clean and sober for someone else; maintaining your own well-being is crucial. Nicole also tackles the stigma surrounding addiction, advocating for more open conversations and understanding. Nicole's compassion shines through as she discusses her experiences with virtual support groups for siblings of addicts, which have provided her with a community of understanding peers.
Her memoir aims to raise awareness about addiction's impact on families and to encourage others to speak out. This episode is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the human spirit. Nicole's story offers hope and practical advice for anyone grappling with addiction or supporting someone who is.