In this episode of Finding New Waters, B. Reeves and Justin McClendon sit down with Amber Hollingsworth, therapist, addiction recovery coach, and creator of the popular YouTube channel Put the Shovel Down.
Amber shares her journey of becoming an addiction counselor “by accident,” how she built one of the first teen outpatient programs in her area, and the lessons she’s learned after 20 years working with families and individuals facing addiction. She explains her unique family lawyering model, why loved ones often get stuck playing the “villain” role, and how her method of “invisible interventions” helps families move someone from denial to change without ultimatums or blowups.
From her candid reflections on marijuana addiction and cannabis-induced psychosis, to her strategies for family involvement, Amber brings practical wisdom, compassion, and humor to the complex challenges of recovery.
📍 Learn more about Amber:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PutTheShovelDown
Website: https://www.hopeforfamiliesrecoverycenter.com
00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Amber Hollingsworth
02:00 – How Amber accidentally became an addiction counselor
05:00 – Building one of the first teen outpatient programs
08:00 – Why relationships matter more than clinical techniques
10:00 – The family lawyering model explained
13:00 – How families unknowingly sabotage recovery efforts
16:00 – Invisible interventions and building “credit” with loved ones
20:00 – Content creation and Put the Shovel Down on YouTube
24:00 – Trends in addiction: alcohol, opioids, and marijuana
27:00 – Why cannabis addiction is often the hardest to treat
30:00 – Cannabis-induced psychosis and its impact on teens and families
33:00 – Why marijuana can cause aggression in adolescents
36:00 – Final thoughts & how to connect with Amber
“The formula for change is simple: natural consequences plus empathy equals movement. Families just need to stop playing the villain.” – Amber Hollingsworth
Amber Hollingsworth
Therapist | Recovery Coach | Creator, Put the Shovel Down
Amber Hollingsworth has worked in addiction treatment for over 20 years, helping families and individuals break free from denial and build lasting recovery. Known for her innovative family lawyering model and her popular YouTube channel Put the Shovel Down, Amber equips families with practical strategies to support recovery without confrontation. She specializes in working with families affected by substance use, offering coaching, educational content, and compassionate guidance rooted in experience and connection.
🌐 Hope for Families Recovery Center
📺 Put the Shovel Down on YouTube
Put the Shovel Down YouTube Channel
Hope for Families Recovery Center
Circle of Security Parenting: https://circleofsecurityinternational.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newwatersrecovery
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newwatersrecovery
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recovery
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_nc
Podcast Website: https://www.findingnewwaters.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5Gjw
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXw
YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn
#AmberHollingsworth #PutTheShovelDown #FamilyRecovery #AddictionRecovery #FindingNewWaters #InvisibleIntervention #CannabisAddiction #MarijuanaPsychosis #RecoveryPodcast
