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.
This 12-week INSTAGRAM series focuses on the everyday conversations that help children feel safe, confident, and supported as they grow
Instead of one-time “big talks” or fear-based messaging, each week offers simple, repeatable guidance parents can return to over time. Topics include boundaries, body autonomy, teasing, secrets and surprises, asking for help, online safety, and peer pressure.
These conversations aren’t about perfection or control. They’re about building trust, emotional safety, and helping children know they can speak up and come to you when something doesn’t feel right.
Rebuilding Relationships in Recovery.
The journey of rebuilding trust after addiction or mental health challenges can feel confusing and isolating. Rebuilding Relationships in Recovery provides families with practical scripts, micro-repairs, and guidance they can use immediately.
A meaningful investment in your recovery and family—Now $16.90 (down from $20.95)
Free Downloads
Tools for Rebuilding Trust and Family Connection
Turning Triggers into Transformation
Five Healing Phrases to Build Trust with Your Partner and Family
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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.
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
The holidays may be behind us, but the tools in Surviving the Season are still relevant. This eBook offers practical strategies, reflection prompts, and support for navigating stress, family relationships, and recovery year-round.
This is one of three presentations
that I will be giving at the
Alabama Conference of Social Work
in Orange Beach, AL - Feb. 25 - 27th , 2026
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
Recent Podcast Appearances
I’m excited to share that I’ll be joining Julie and Steve on the No Alcohol Needed Podcast
Their format is so refreshing—we take one topic and explore it through the perspectives of four different people, which makes for real, nuanced conversations about life without alcohol. Stay tuned for more details!
No Alcohol Needed Podcast
(Formerly Through the Glass Recovery Podcast)
Home Within Family: Heart-Centered Parenting
a subseries of the podcast,
The Home is Within You Podcast by Nadia Davis
“ 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.
Everyday Supermoms with Amy Grace
Rebuilding Relationships After Addiction: Janice Johnson Dowd on Motherhood, Sobriety and Healing
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.
More Podcast Appearances Listed in Menu Above
I am available to speak at Your Community Event, Professional Conference, Residential Community, 12-Step Conference, or Treatment Program.
I will be speaking or presenting workshops at the following events;
ACSW - Alabama Social Work Conference
Feb 25-27th, Orange Beach, AL
Alabama School of ALcohol and Drug Studies
March 24 - 27, University of Alabam
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 Developing Teenage Brain:
Linking Neurobiology to Behavior &
Decision-Making
Trauma-Informed Relapse
Prevention: How ACEs Shape Later-Stage Recovery
Overcoming the Struggle of Family Reunification in Early Sobriety
Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue of Mental Health Professionals
Digital Dopamine: Navigating the Intersection of Tech Addiction, Substance Use, and the Hijacked Brain
The Suicide Crisis - Current Trends, Prevalence and Evidence-Based Assessment & Treatment
“Gas Station Drugs”
Seniors and S.U.D.: An Emerging Crisis
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