Ep 10: How Gen Z and Social Media Are Changing Addiction and Recovery

What if everything you think you know about addiction and recovery is wrong? In this eye-opening episode of Gen Mess with Tess, host Tess Brigham sits down with Shirley Wantland, cofounder and principal of Recovery Consultants LLC, to dismantle the conventional wisdom around substance abuse, mental health, and healing. Shirley argues that no one is born an addict—and that true recovery comes from healing the inside, not just modifying behaviors on the outside.

Key Highlights:

• Inside-Out Healing: Shirley reveals why the traditional "outside-in" approach to recovery often fails—and how focusing on internal healing leads to lasting change.
• Generational Shifts: Delve into how Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z view substance use, achievement, and even parenting differently. Shirley exposes the intense pressures younger generations face and how this is reshaping addiction trends.
• Social Media & Isolation: Discover the surprising role social media plays in driving both addiction and disconnection among young people, and the social skills crisis it’s fueling.
• Cannabis Culture Unpacked: Hear why today's parents need to be extra vigilant about cannabis use—even if their kids “seem fine”—and the long-term consequences of chronic use.
• Generational Challenges at Work: Shirley shares personal insights on managing multi-generational teams—why simple things like phone vs. text can be a minefield, and how leaders can foster inclusive, resilient workplaces.
• Radical Compassion: Why seeing the pain behind anger—and focusing on understanding, not just fixing—can transform how we support loved ones struggling with addiction.

Follow-Up with Shirley Wantland: Ready to dive deeper or need support? Visit recovery-consultants.com to book a free consultation, or connect on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for more insights.

Don’t let the ‘gen mess’ mess with you—listen, reflect, and join us as we turn understanding into action, one conversation at a time.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "Exploring Generational Dynamics and Recovery"

05:32 Holistic Addiction Recovery Approaches

08:32 Generational Parenting Shifts

11:05 Social Media's Impact on Self-Image

14:47 In-Person Mentorship Benefits

17:49 Overprotective Parenting and Weed Concerns

22:06 Cannabis-Induced Psychosis Concerns

23:47 "Embrace Risk in Love and Life"

29:29 Evolving Language and Inclusivity

33:04 "Employee Needs Beyond Money"

34:42 "Value Beyond Money"

38:41 "Understanding Addiction Beyond Disease"

41:12 "Understanding Anger's True Source"

43:48 "Generational Identity Revelations"

Follow for weekly episodes, and be sure to visit tessbrigham.com to learn more about Tess's work as a licensed therapist and certified coach.

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