What is Change The Pattern?Â
Change the Pattern is a lifeline for families caught in the chaos of a loved one's addiction. It’s more than a course — it’s a movement rooted in compassion, education, and hope. We equip people with the tools, insights, and strategies they need to truly make a difference — to interrupt destructive cycles and begin a new chapter of connection and support. Founded by someone who’s lived both the personal and professional realities of addiction, our program is practical, empowering, and grounded in real-world experience. If you’re searching for a way to help — and to heal — you’re in the right place. Together, we can change the pattern.
NICE TO MEET YOU
I'm Michael Smeltzer
I’m Michael Smeltzer, and I created Change the Pattern because I’ve lived both sides of the struggle. As someone in long-term recovery, I know firsthand what addiction can do—not just to the person using, but to everyone who loves them. I’ve also seen how transformative it can be when families are equipped with the right tools, support, and knowledge to walk alongside someone through the chaos toward healing.
My professional journey has included executive leadership roles in residential treatment centers, outpatient programs, and sober living organizations. But the most powerful lessons I’ve learned haven’t come from textbooks or boardrooms—they’ve come from conversations with family members desperate to help, from moments of clarity in the mess, and from the quiet breakthroughs that happen when someone finally feels seen and understood.
Break the Cycle
Identify and shift the patterns that keep families stuck..
Protect Your Peace
Establish boundaries that honor both your values and your well-being.
Support With Confidence
Learn how to take effective action without enabling harmful patterns.
Our Mission
Change the Pattern was born from a simple belief: families deserve better guidance. This program exists to give people the clarity, strategies, and encouragement they need to stop reacting out of fear and start showing up with purpose. You’re not alone—and with the right support, you can make a difference in your loved one’s life without losing yourself in the process.
Our Mission is to provide individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to support loved ones struggling with addiction, fostering understanding and effective intervention through accessible online education.
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-Briana Sefcik
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- John Lee
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- Becky Babb
Why I Do It
Financial literacy is not a term I ever heard growing up. While my parents did their best to provide for our family, they lived paycheck to paycheck most of their lives. Seeing my family struggle inspired me to aim higher. But despite my best efforts, I still found myself drowning in debt.
Once I was debt-free, I realized that the methods I used could help others like me who wanted the same but didn’t grow up with the framework to make it happen. So I made it my mission to help as many people as possible create healthy financial habits and a better life for themselves and their families.
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