In this powerful episode of Substance Stories, Dr. Richard Bradlow and Nathan Akoka tackle the heart of addiction recovery: therapeutic boundaries. If you’ve ever wondered why a firm but compassionate “no” can transform lives or what it’s like for professionals to make the tough call to discharge a client, this conversation is a must-listen.Dr. Bradlow and Nathan dive deep into the realities of substance use disorder, going beyond clichés to reveal how setting boundaries creates safety, fosters honesty in recovery, and builds healthy relationships. Drawing on their extensive experience in addiction treatment and therapy, they share how consistent boundaries aren’t just rules—they’re a cornerstone of care that supports relapse prevention, models life skills, and promotes personal growth. Nathan brings raw, real-world insights from working with young people and those experiencing homelessness, shedding light on the emotional and ethical challenges of detox and recovery support.From practical strategies for empathetic limit-setting to the dangers of inconsistent rules, this episode unpacks the psychology of boundaries and their role in breaking cycles of violation. You’ll gain tools to navigate mental health, understand addiction, and foster resilience—whether you’re in addiction recovery, supporting a loved one, or working in therapy. Packed with wisdom, compassion, and hope, this is an essential listen for anyone passionate about mental health, relapse prevention, and building healthy relationships.Chapters00:00 Honesty in Recovery Conversations

04:32 ”Importance of Consistent Boundaries”

07:16 Balancing Compassion and Boundaries

10:40 Private Sector Independence in Substance Recovery

13:46 ”Maintaining Boundaries in Relationships