About Me

Janice V. Johnson Dowd, MSSW, LMSW

I am a mother of four and an individual in long-term recovery. My personal journey through addiction, healing, and rebuilding relationships deeply shapes the work I do today.

I’m a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with over 20 years of experience in mental health, addiction recovery, and family systems. I’ve worked across inpatient and outpatient treatment settings, as well as in Employee Assistance Programs, supporting individuals and families navigating the complex realities of substance use and recovery.

What became clear to me, both personally and professionally, is how little support families often receive, and how critical relationships are in long-term recovery. That realization shaped my mission.

Today, I provide speaking, training, and writing focused on addiction, relationships, and recovery. I specialize in translating complex, evidence-based concepts into practical tools that professionals and families can actually use. My presentations are engaging, grounded in real-life experience, and designed to create meaningful, lasting impact.

I am a frequent speaker at social work and addiction conferences and contribute to podcasts and publications that promote evidence-based, shame-free approaches to healing.

I am also the author of Rebuilding Relationships in Recovery (North Atlantic Books), a contributor to Grapevine Magazine, and the creator of the blog Finding Serenity in Sobriety.

"I wrote this book, because I have lived the journey”