Janice V. Johnson Dowd, LMSW
Author, Speaker, Mom, Recovering Alcoholic, and Social Worker specializing in Addiction, Family Therapy, and Helping Recovering Individuals Repair Relationships with Their Loved Ones.
I lost my family during active addiction, and early sobriety brought new mistakes…
Continue to explore this site to see how consistent, small steps restored trust, respect, and a sense of safety in our family.
Special Holiday Alcohol - Free
Blog Series
I’ve gathered my top four alcohol-free holiday blog posts to help you stay grounded, supported, and empowered as you protect (or begin) your alcohol-free holiday season.
A Thoughtful Holiday Gift for Anyone Navigating Recovery.
The journey of rebuilding trust after addiction or mental health challenges can feel confusing and isolating. Rebuilding Relationships in Recovery gives families practical scripts, micro-repairs, and guidance they can use right away.
A meaningful gift for the holidays—Now $16.90 (down from $20.95) to help more families get support during the holidays.
Alaska NASW and Journey Together TAADAC Conference Slide Presentations
Overcoming the Struggle for Family Reunification in Early Sobriety
Parenting Skills for Recovering Parents
Strategies for Creating Change & Breaking Cycles of Generational Trauma
Free Downloads
Tools for Rebuilding Trust and Family Connection
Turning Triggers into Transformation
Five Healing Phrases to Build Trust with Your Partner and Family
Click on Image or Use Links in the Menu above
The Recovering Relationships Podcast
Latest Episode - Grieving the Living and Learning to Honor Other’s Boundaries
We started this podcast because so many of you asked to hear more about our journey — the real, messy, and hopeful work of repairing relationships after addiction. Your curiosity, your questions, and your stories inspired us to open up and share ours.
We will dive into topics close to our hearts: family connection and the ongoing journey of healing, understanding, and rebuilding trust. Our discussions will explore the challenges we face, the lessons we've learned, and the paths to creating a supportive environment for ourselves and our loved ones.
We can’t wait to invite you into these conversations and hope you will find meaning and hope within them
Life’s Toughest Climbs Happen Off the Trails
Whether it’s navigating sobriety, rebuilding family trust, or finding peace one step at a time on a forest path, this blog explores what it means to heal, grow, and move forward. From the chaos of addiction to the quiet wisdom of parenting and nature, you’ll discover honest stories, practical tools, and a reminder that every journey, no matter how steep, is worth the climb.
Most recent podcast appearances
Everyday Supermoms with Amy Grace
Rebuilding Relationships After Addiction: Janice Johnson Dowd on Motherhood, Sobriety and Healing
Home Within Family: Heart-Centered Parenting
a subseries of the podcast,
The Home is Within You Podcast by Nadia Davis
It’s My Time Podcast with Asher Tchoua
Reclaim Your Identity with Janice Johnson Dowd
This week Amy Grace talks with Janice Johnson Dowd, a licensed social worker, mother of four, and author, to talk about the intersection of motherhood, alcohol use, and recovery. Janice opens up about the early messages she received about “doing it all,” the stress of raising kids while her husband frequently traveled, and the mom-guilt that came with shortcuts like fast food dinners.
“ Transforming Death, Sorrow, and Shame Into Spiritual Connection for Our Children”
Parts 1 & 2 are now live! We’re diving into grief, grieving, and how to talk to your children about loss in real, supportive ways.
Join us for a candid conversation with Janice V. Johnson Dowd, a mother, social worker, and author who courageously shares her journey through addiction and recovery. She offers a candid glimpse into the challenging process of rebuilding relationships, highlighting the transformative power of her book, "Rebuilding Relationships in Recovery." Discover how she turned her pain into a purpose to help other families heal.
More Podcast Appearances Listed in Menu Above
I will be speaking or presenting workshops at the following events;
ACSW - Alabama Social Work Conference
Feb 25-27th, Orange Beach, AL
VA & Metro DC NASW 2026 Annual Meeting
March 26 - 28th, Newport News, VA
NASW Louisiana 2026 State Conference
March 18-20th Baton Rouge, LA
Chicago Social Work Conference
July 23rd- 24th, Naperville, Chicago
Cape Cod Symposium on Addictive Disorders
August 6 - 9th, Providence, RI
East Coast Symposium on Addictive Disorders
Oct 9 - 11th West Palm Beach, FL
I regularly present at professional and community conferences, and I’m also available to speak at community events, treatment facilities, recovery residences, and 12-step gatherings. Wherever people are seeking education, connection, and hope, I’m honored to share evidence-based guidance for families in recovery.
Email Link in Menu
Presentation topics include;
Breaking Cycles of Generational Trauma - Parenting Skills for Recovering Parents
The Intersection of Grief and Addiction
Overcoming the Struggle of Family Reunification
Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue of Mental Health Professionals
Making Sense of the Adolescent Brain
The Suicide Crisis - Current Trends, Prevalence and Evidence-Based Assessment & Treatment
“Gas Station Drugs”
Whether you're seeking education, motivation, or information, my content is designed to provide you with an uplifting experience.
DISCLAIMER: The following information is intended for general information purposes only. Any application of the material outlined in the following pages is at the reader’s discretion and is their sole responsibility. This blog does not intend to be diagnostic in any way and is not a substitute for a thorough clinical assessment and professional treatment