Have you been wondering recently whether your substance use is normal? Do you find yourself drinking more than you would like, smoking every day, or taking gummies every night to help you sleep? How do you tell when using substances to cope with the circumstances of life becomes a problem?  If you have been asking these questions, you’re not alone. Recently, so many of my listeners have been writing to me with questions just like that.  I invited today’s guest, sober coach and friend Patty Powers, so that I can ask her all of the questions about substances that you have been asking me. Not only is she a friend who I have worked with professionally for many years, Patty was also the one who helped a very dear family member of mine when they relapsed.  Listen to today’s episode to get some clarity: When does substance use become substance abuse? And what can you do to support healing if you recognize problematic substance use in yourself or a loved one? Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/463 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices