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Janice V. Johnson Dowd, LMSW

 

Recovering Relationships Newsletter - July 2026

The Brain, Technology, and Family Healing

 

Raw Thoughts - Children and Tech

Are We Losing the Ability to Be Bored?

I've been spending a lot of time lately reading about children, technology, and the brain. The more I learn, the more I find myself thinking about how different childhood looks today than it did even twenty years ago.

Today's kids have almost unlimited access to stimulation. They can watch a video, play a game, text a friend, or scroll through social media in seconds. Their brains are developing in a world that rarely asks them to wait.

Now, I'm not anti-technology. I use it every day, and there are so many incredible benefits. But I do wonder what happens when children don't have enough opportunities to be bored, to solve problems on their own, to use their imagination, or simply sit with their thoughts.

Some of our best ideas, creativity, and resilience grow out of those quieter moments.

Maybe the conversation isn't about getting rid of technology. Maybe it's about making sure our children have enough experiences away from screens to develop the skills they'll need for life.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Is this something you've noticed in your own family?

 

An update on the Recovering Relationships podcast!

Katie and I have been recording on a new platform that gives us much more flexibility to edit and streamline each episode. We're excited to be getting closer to launching our first full episodes.

In the meantime, we've started sharing YouTube Shorts featuring practical insights on recovery, rebuilding trust, communication, and family healing. We'd love for you to follow along as we continue to grow.

More conversations, and more resources to support healthier relationships are coming soon!

 YouTube Short 
 

Tue, Nov 4

Making Peace with Your Parents: Healing Without Full Resolution

How to find acceptance, compassion, and boundaries in imperfect family relationships

 Read More 
 

Help These Conversations Reach More People

Enjoying the newsletter?

Please forward it to one person who cares about recovery, relationships, parenting, or mental health. It only takes a few seconds, but it could make a lasting difference.

 

Recommended Reading - Mind Body Intelligence by Ellen M. Adelman, PhD

Mind Body Intelligenceā„¢ offers a thoughtful and accessible blend of mindfulness, psychology, and meditation grounded in both contemporary neuroscience and Buddhist traditions. Dr. Ellen Adelman provides practical tools for reducing stress, cultivating self-compassion, and strengthening the connection between mind, body, and spirit. With guided meditations, reflective exercises, and an eight-week workbook, this book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking greater emotional well-being and a deeper understanding of the healing process.

 Amazon 
 

Podcast - Did I Ruin My Kids?

New on the No Alcohol Needed Podcast!

I recently joined the No Alcohol Needed podcast to discuss one of the most challenging aspects of recovery - parenting teens and adult children after addiction. We talk about guilt, rebuilding trust, setting healthy boundaries, and why healing relationships takes patience and consistency. If you're a parent in recovery or love someone who is, I hope you'll find this conversation encouraging and practical.

 Link to Podcast 
 

Helpful Tip from Rebuilding Relationships in Recovery

One of the most powerful steps toward healing is understanding the neuroscience of addiction. Learning how addiction changes the brain doesn't excuse harmful behavior, but it does help explain it.

For people in recovery, this knowledge can reduce the burden of shame and replace it with hope. For families, it can shift the conversation from "Why did they choose drugs or alcohol over us?" to "How can we better understand this disease and support recovery while maintaining healthy boundaries?"

Understanding the science of addiction doesn't erase the pain - but it often opens the door to greater compassion, healthier communication, and lasting healing

 Amazon for Review or Purchase 
 

Looking for a Speaker?

I've recently had the privilege of speaking at several addiction, behavioral health, and social work conferences, and I'm always grateful for the opportunity to educate professionals, families, and communities.

If you're planning a conference, training, webinar, or community event, I'd love to be part of it. Visit my website to explore presentation topics, or email me for additional information.

 Website 
 

Additional Resources For Information and Help

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline dial 988 is now the three-digit dialing code that routes callers to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

For substance abuse treatment and mental health referrals, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357

AA world service - https://www.aa.org

Al-anon - https://al-anon.org/

Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families - https://adultchildren.org/

Janice V. Johnson Dowd, LMSW

Four Winds, LLC
30498 Laurel Court
Daphne, AL
United States

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