Love Over Addiction

In this deeply personal episode, Michelle shares intimate insights and compassionate strategies, for navaigateing family dynamics during the holidays when you love someones suffering from addiction.       

We lay in bed at night and dream about what life would be like if we left the ones we desperately love who struggle with addiction. What would living without constant worry feel like? How would we deal with our finances, the kids, and no one to laugh with on holidays? Sometimes, imagining leaving feels so freeing (especially when they are not answering their phones or are passed out on the couch). But the next moment, it can be absolutely terrifying, thinking of being alone and the anger and judgment we might face. So, how does it really feel once we've moved on? https://michelleanderson.substack.com/

When we love someone suffering from addiction, we can often get into the bad habit of blaming ourselves for their poor behavior. Addiction is manipulative and cunning. Becoming educated women will ensure we don't fall for one of the most common lies in the addiction playbook: if WE change, they will get sober. We have nothing to do with their sobriety. Truly. We could leave, we could stay, we could change every single trait about ourselves, and they would STILL need to decide for themselves to commit to a sober life and continue to make that choice every day for the rest of their lives. And that choice - the choice to get healthy, has nothing to do with us. https://michelleanderson.substack.com/

How would it feel if I said we need to live a life that isn't dependent on our loved one's sobriety? And if we can create that kind of life, we can have a happy future if they get sober or not. We can learn to live with or without our partners. Here's the loving truth: we hope and pray that our loved ones will not drink too much or stop using drugs and start being faithful. But when we put our lives on hold, hoping they will keep their promise of remaining sober and stopping their bad habits, we are leaving our happiness in their hands. https://michelleanderson.substack.com/

Knowing what to do when our loved one starts drinking or using drugs around the children can be difficult. Here's one helpful tip: We don't need to stick around when they're making bad choices. We can ask them to leave the house. If they refuse or they're too drunk, we can pick up our keys, grab the kids, and head right out the door. https://michelleanderson.substack.com/

"Should I leave my partner?" What a big question. And let's be honest, it's a question that many women in this community have. Let's first start off by saying thinking about leaving is nothing to be ashamed of. We're doing the right thing by looking for answers, even though it's hard. The state of our relationships is not our fault. We fell in love with someone who really struggles with a very tragic and common issue. We love them. We see their potential. And we would do anything if the ones we love just got healthy. https://michelleanderson.substack.com/

Change is necessary if we want to move forward. Some of us enjoy changing, and others will avoid making the changes we know we need to because we're scared (I am raising my own hand). Change is uncomfortable, and staying stuck in our misery sometimes feels easier - even though it's not always what's best. https://michelleanderson.substack.com/

When I was married to a good man who suffered from addiction, I was terrified of leaving him. I thought about leaving all the time; I think part of me always knew, we would end up in divorce, but the idea of actually leaving paralyzed me with fear. There were times I was so upset I would try to will myself to leave, but for many reasons, I was always unable to walk away from a very unhealthy relationship. I thought, “Am I stuck in this marriage forever? Do I really have the courage to take my kids and leave?” https://michelleanderson.substack.com/

When our loved ones who struggle with addiction choose to go to rehab or get help, it can bring up all sorts of feelings. We might feel hopeful that maybe THIS time, they will get sober for good. We might feel scared that maybe this won't work and will be a huge disappointment. We might feel resentful that they are being cared for and looked after while we are left at home working overtime to make up for their absence. But one of the biggest worries I hear often is concerning trust. How can we ever trust them again? https://michelleanderson.substack.com/

If you're familiar with the world of addiction or codependency, you've probably heard the word “detach”. But, like many “self-help” words, it can be very hard to understand exactly what detaching means, let alone how actually to detach. Does it mean you need to leave your partner who is suffering from addiction? Is there something cruel or manipulative about detaching? So many of us feel like we're being disloyal if we choose to remove ourselves from our relationships emotionally. https://michelleanderson.substack.com/

One of the core beliefs we have at Love Over Addiction is that addiction is a third party in our relationships. We view addiction as a separate entity from our loved ones. This helps us with forgiveness and to process why we love someone who can be so cruel and self-destructive. When they start being rude, nasty, or mean, that's the addiction trying to bait us. Addiction craves conflict and control. We don't need to stand there and take it - but we also don't need to take the bait. Instead, we can remove ourselves from the situation. https://michelleanderson.substack.com/

Having good, healthy boundaries in place versus poor, unrealistic boundaries can make all the difference in our personal, spiritual, and physical lives. Having boundaries is important (especially when loving someone suffering from addiction), but boundaries can be confusing. What is a good boundary, some of us might be wondering? https://michelleanderson.substack.com/

The word surrender is used a lot in the world of addiction. One of the things that always bothered me was that I was constantly being told that I needed to “let go and surrender,” but I never really understood how. The word surrender to me means letting go of my emotional investment in a certain outcome. Surrender doesn't mean we stop loving or caring. Another way of looking at how to “let go” is to think about the opposite of surrendering. What's the opposite of surrendering? Controlling. https://michelleanderson.substack.com/

Do you ever wonder: "Why do I keep going back to someone who hurts me so much?" There are many reasons we stay, but today, I'm going to be vulnerable and share with you why I deeply loved a man who clearly didn't love me or himself enough to get sober. https://michelleanderson.substack.com/

Your loved one might seem put together on the outside. Most men and women who drink too much or suffer from substance abuse disorder hold good jobs and earn a good living. Most of the time, they can help take care of the kids and household duties. And because they are so high-functioning, it can leave you feeling nervous about sharing with friends and family just how bad things have become. In this episode, we explore three of the reasons why we don't talk about addiction and our loved one.  https://michelleanderson.substack.com/

It's almost time for Valentine's Day and Super Bowl Sunday (in America). One holiday can leave us feeling disappointed and unloved, wondering, "Why don't they love me enough?" We see the commercials for Valentine's Day with loving couples, chocolates, and flowers, but that's usually not our reality. We live in a different world. A world where love is unreliable. Where love hurts. And when they reach for the drinks, drugs, or whatever else is distracting them from getting healthy, we feel rejected over and over. Because we all might be feeling emotionally exhausted, I've got a quick episode today with a few tips just for you. https://michelleanderson.substack.com/

Let's be honest, not many people know what to do with our feelings of deep loneliness or constant anxiety when it comes to our relationships. And very well-intentioned people can give some really hurtful advice. Find the full show notes and join in the conversation: https://michelleanderson.substack.com

Being codependent can go hand in hand with loving someone suffering from addiction. Like two magnets attracted to one another, we connect with our partner by a force that feels greater than ourselves. Love has something to do with it, but also, there might be some relationship dynamics at play. Find the full show notes and join in the conversation: https://michelleanderson.substack.com

And addiction happens to really good people. I truly, truly believe that. I always said my ex-husband is one of the most talented human beings I've ever met. He had it all. He was brilliant, kind, funny, charming and good looking. I mean, the guy had it all. And I hear a lot.  I meet a lot of people struggling with addiction, and they are some of the most talented human beings in the whole wide world. But I also believe that addiction can bring out the worst in the ones we love. And I'm going to give you an example. When I talk with my ex-husband, I always try to be polite and respectful during our conversation. Find the full episode and more free resources here: www.loveover.co/podcast/why-its-so-hard-to-love-someone-suffering-from-addiction Join the Love Over Program here: https://www.loveover.co/love-over  

When we love somone suffering from addiction, it can be hard to know if we should throw away their drugs, alcohol, or get rid of their pornography.  We hear this from people in our community all the time. They'll find stashes in the bathroom, bedroom, garage, car, or office. What should you do when you find it?  We'll get into the details of how to handle each item, because their are legal differences between drugs vs. alcohol or porn.  Find all the details here: https://www.loveover.co/podcast/should-we-throw-away-their-substances  

When you love someone suffering from addiction, everything about your relationship is different. Arguemnts can be very challenging to navigate. Today we'll talk about 3 tips to navigate arguments with your partner. And three common mistakes we make (becuase we're human). Remember that you're not alone. There's a whole community of people that are in the same situation you are.  Find all the episode details here: https://www.loveover.co/podcast/common-mistakes-in-an-argument Get 12 Free Tips here: https://www.loveover.co/12-tips Join the Love Over Program here: https://www.loveover.co/love-over

Today, let's dive into something deep—finding our way back to ourselves. You ever look in the mirror and wonder where that old you went? Yeah, it hits hard. Love, especially when it's entangled with addiction, can make us feel lost, lonely, and like we've lost our spark. But here's the thing—I believe we can reclaim ourselves, even in the midst of this chaos. It's all about being honest with ourselves. I want to ask you: What do you really want for yourself in the coming year? And what are you willing to do differently to make it happen? Let's break a common myth too: thinking that everything will magically go back to normal once our loved ones find sobriety. It's a whole new journey for everyone involved. That includes us. We've grown, we've learned, and maybe that's a good thing. Maybe we've developed strengths we never knew we had. So, here's the deal. I want this space to be yours. Share your thoughts, your struggles, your victories in the Love Over Addiction community on Substack. Let's make it a safe, cozy corner where we can lift each other up.

When I was married to a good man who suffered from addiction, I made a list of things I could control vs. things that I needed to let go of because, after a decade of loving him, I was losing myself. My wake-up call came when my friend from college was visiting for a weekend and tenderly said, “Michelle, I don't even recognize you anymore.” I was a shadow of the woman I once was. Addiction was stealing my husband's life, and slowly, like a thief in the night, it was creeping into my mind, heart, and soul to grab any self-confidence, self-respect, or self-love I had left. And if I wanted to save myself, I needed to fight addiction head-on. For some of us, this winter season feels like rock bottom, and The Time Has Come! Are you feeling a true sense of urgency? Is there a voice within yourself that wants to be honored and respected?  Are you ready to change the things you can control?  Perhaps you feel that if you don't take control over your own life, the version of yourself that you actually love will continue to die a slow death and be replaced by a very sick person.  If you need some loving reminders this winter season you can find more here:   Love Over Addiction Newsletter: (MichelleAnderson.substack.com) You'll receive an essay via email (this is the same content as the podcast, just in written form - if reading is your thing). It's also a place where you can comment and gain insight from other women in our community. I will be hanging around the comments, too. Subscribe here. Please keep in mind your name will appear if you comment, so please make up a name or use your first name only if you would like to protect your privacy.  Love Over Addiction Instagram: Not going to lie; my sabbatical from social media was lovely, but I think I've figured out some boundaries to help it feel slightly more healthy. Let's give it a try:) Follow me here. My Personal Instagram - Michelle Lisa Anderson: Building a community is still my goal, so I must be willing to share my life on social - even if it terrifies me. If you're curious about my life, this is where you'll find it. Follow here. My Facebook Page - Michelle Lisa Anderson: For all you Facebook lovers (hi, Mom!), I see you. I will be posting on the Love Over Addiction page. Follow here Love Over Addiction Facebook Page - I will be posting here, too. Love Over Addiction YouTube: For now, I will post recordings of the Love Over Addiction podcast. In the future, I may get a little more creative. But first things first:) Follow here. It's a privilege and an honor to write and research for you. Thank you for trusting me. I am really excited about our future and what we will achieve together.

Michelle talks about how difficult the winter holidays can feel when loving someone struggling with addiction, the top five things people like us worry about (and it's not the turkey stuffing) and how we have two choices - quit or double down on the "holiday magic" - both are perfectly acceptable. Plus, some loving advice she would tell her younger self.  If you are looking for community and want to connect in the comments - you can find Michelle and thousands of others on the Love Over Addiction blog here. Love Over Addiction Podcast: A free weekly podcast without sponsors or commercials. Michelle will share experiences, opinions, and resources and maybe interview with some experts or people in our community. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Audible. Love Over Addiction Newsletter: (MichelleAnderson.substack.com) receive an essay via email (this is the same content as the podcast, just in written form - if reading is your thing). It's also a place where you can comment and gain insight from other women in our community.  Michelle will be hanging around the comments, too. Subscribe here. Please keep in mind your name will appear if you comment, so please make up a name or use your first name only if you would like to protect your privacy. Love Over Addiction Instagram: Michelle says, "Not going to lie; my sabbatical from social media was lovely, but I think I've figured out some boundaries to help it feel slightly more healthy.  Let's give it a try:)" Follow her here. My Personal Instagram - Michelle Lisa Anderson: Building a community is the goal, "so I must be willing to share my life on social  - even if it terrifies me. If you're curious about my life, this is where you'll find it." Follow here My Facebook Page - Michelle Lisa Anderson: For all you Facebook lovers (hi, Mom!) Follow here Love Over Addiction Facebook Page - She will be posting here, too. Love Over Addiction YouTube:  Recordings of the Love Over Addiction podcast. Follow here.  

Over 20 years ago I walked into a bookstore wearing a ratty old sweatshirt. I sat on the floor in the self-help section and began pouring over dozens of books. I was looking for a story of a woman who loved someone suffering from addiction. I wanted a book of hope, an instruction manual on what to do to save my family from this disease.  I found lots of books with brave tales of men and women who got sober. But nothing for the ones who love them. I was desperately alone without anyone I could talk to because I was keeping my husband's addiction a secret.  I needed help - someone to tell me that everything was going to be ok.  It was that moment in the bookstore when I made a promise -  if I found the answers I was looking for -  I would spend the rest of my life helping other people who felt just as alone and scared as I did.  But I need to break that promise.  It's been over a decade since I started Love Over Addiction. And it's time to say goodbye. For so many reasons. The truth is, I am a very private person and over the last three years, I feel increasing pressure to have a more online presence in order to continue trying to help other women.  I don't want to become an influencer and in fact, I don't even really use social media. I have always been uncomfortable being seen as an expert or being in the spotlight. And although many people have said my words have helped them, I am not a licensed professional.  The world of “authorities” and “experts” has expanded greatly in recent times and that feels unsafe.  So I am quietly and politely removing myself from the online landscape.  A member of our community emailed me today saying she was burned out. And that resonated with me. I too am feeling burned out. Not just about work but also, if I am being honest, with a little bit of everything. My old self-care tools just don't seem to be working right now. I have been feeling numb since we came out of the pandemic. And you can't be very good at your job (if your job requires ample amounts of compassion and empathy) if you're numb.  I have tried, I promise I have. To find passion and joy. And there have been moments where I think - it's back! I AM BACK - but then the moment fades and numbness returns. It reminds me of being in a relationship with someone suffering from addiction - we cling to the memory when things were wonderful with our partner and in the meantime, we patiently wait for the next one.  I don't know what the future looks like - I have no immediate plans. But I do know that I gave you everything I could, I tried my best and fell short so many times. I have adored our time together. You gave me a purpose, a mission. You were a very large part of the reason I got up in the morning with excitement. And thinking about what you needed to hear kept me up for more nights than I can count.  I still remember my first speaking engagement in a church full of mental health professionals. I made the mistake of wearing a purple dress and not enough deodorant. Embarrassing. I brought along my oldest son who had never heard me talk publicly about addiction before. I was nervous because it was, after all, a topic about his father. He was sitting in the front row and when I was done - he stood up and started clapping so hard. He led the entire room to a standing ovation.  My family has always supported my work for the last 10 years.  Addiction has been the greatest gift. It's helped me grow into the woman I might not have been without it.  It taught me lessons about boundaries and about using my voice, loving from a distance, and saying “no.” Addiction has convicted my children to live a drug-free and alcohol-free life. It led me to work with outstanding women. And it led me to you.  I will miss you and think of you more than you can imagine.   Thank you for trusting me with your feelings. I am incredibly honored and I wish you nothing but happiness.  

Whether your loved one suffers from addiction or not, having trust in your relationship is essential. Right? Because without it, you'll most likely start to feel frustrated or even stuck. But if you entered this relationship with any trust issues from your past, it's important to make your healing a priority. And you're not going to be able to do that if you're looking to your partner to help you feel better. So, how do you start to build back trust? Is it even possible? Tune in to this week's episode, where I share some tips (and examples) that you can start to apply to your life right now. Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/trust-yourself/  Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com This classic episode previously aired in January 2021.

When your loved one who struggles with addiction has been in and out of rehab for 22 years, at what point do you say, 'enough is enough?' Because honestly, are they really EVER going to get healthy (especially when they can't be honest about their addiction)? That's something a strong woman in our community shared recently and what her 'line in the sand' was for leaving her marriage. Take some time to listen to this new podcast episode and how the work she's done on her healing (including unlearning 'learned' behavior) has also helped her kids regarding their dad's addiction. Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/five-rehabs/ Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

When you think about the relationship with your partner who struggles with addiction, have there been times you've questioned yourself about why you've stayed so long? And if so, what keeps pulling you back in even though it's not a healthy situation? This is something a brave woman in our community shared with me recently that many people will most likely be able to relate to. Tune in for this new podcast interview to hear how trauma bonds kept this woman from leaving an unhealthy relationship (and whether or not she's still with her partner). Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/trauma-bond/ Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

When you think of someone struggling with alcoholism (or any addiction), you probably feel that they must drink every day, right? But as you'll hear in this new podcast interview, that's not necessarily always the case. Tune in for this brave woman's story of how her Aboriginal roots and learned childhood behaviors impacted her life later on (particularly with relationships), as well as why someone who doesn't drink every day can still be an alcoholic. Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/alcoholic-drink-every-day/  Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

Loving someone with addiction can sometimes make you feel like you're spinning out of control, can't it? One moment you're feeling joy and hope, only to have it turn to fear and anger pretty quickly. And listen, you're not alone. We've been there and completely understand. But the good news is that you can make it feel less and less like a roller coaster ride when dealing with your loved one. Tune in to this week's episode to hear how to stop spiraling, as well as to make sure you're moving forward in your own recovery.   Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/roller-coaster/  Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com This classic episode originally aired in August 2020

Has your loved one flat out refused to stop drinking (or whatever their substance of choice is) no matter how many times you've begged and pleaded? And what if their addiction is affecting your young children? That's something a strong woman in our community spoke about recently (and how she tried to compromise with her husband multiple times). Tune in for this new podcast episode to hear how she finally decided to move forward and is protecting her children, as well as reconnecting with herself. Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/he-wont-stop-drinking/  Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

If you've moved on from your relationship with someone who struggles with addiction (or have been thinking about it), have you wondered what 'life after leaving' looks like? Or what would dating again be like? That might seem a little scary, right? I recently spoke with a woman in our community who was very brave and open about what this has been like for her. Tune in for this new podcast episode to hear a great conversation about starting over, what dating again looks like, and how there actually ARE some blessings of addiction. Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/dating-after-leaving/ Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

If you've been tuning in for the last several episodes, you've heard me covering some clues that you may be ready to consider leaving your relationship with your loved one who struggles with addiction. And this week, I'm finishing up with the final two reasons.  As always, there's never any judgment on whether you decide to stay or leave. That's completely up to you (and you always reserve the right to change your mind at any time).  But please take some time to listen to this episode because it's all about you and your children's safety and well-being. Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/signs-of-abuse/ Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

If you've gone back and forth on possibly leaving your loved one who struggles with addiction, what's holding you back from doing so? If one of the reasons is that you're afraid they might get better after you leave, just know you're not alone. But I want to share some loving truths with you, okay? Tune in to this week's new episode to hear several more clues that you may be ready to leave your relationship (even if you're still unsure right now). Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/what-if-they-get-better-after-you-leave/ Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

Has the thought ever crossed your mind about whether you should stay or leave your relationship?  And maybe just the thought of leaving your loved one who struggles with addiction makes you anxious or scared (which is understandable). But just hear me out, okay? Tune in to this week's new episode, where I dive into three clues that it may be time to consider leaving. And if you decide that leaving isn't the right decision for you, that's absolutely okay, too. Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/consider-leaving/  Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

Have you ever felt like you're on a rollercoaster ride because of your loved one's addiction? Lots of ups and downs and uncertainty of what's ahead. So why do we stay on that ride (or keep coming back)? Tune in to this new podcast episode to hear a woman explain how her ex-husband used their child to manipulate her and how she found herself in a financially abusive marriage. But despite everything she's been through, she's now healthier and happier than ever, thanks to the work she's done for her own healing.  Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/used-child-to-manipulate-me/ Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

Have you ever wondered whether your loved one's drinking is really 'that bad?' When you love someone who is a high-functioning alcoholic, it can be easy to start doubting yourself and your feelings. I spoke with a brave woman in our community recently who opened up about going through this.  Tune in to this new podcast episode where she shares about her high-functioning alcoholic husband, as well as dealing with family members who are unsupportive of the decisions she's making for her future. Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/high-functioning-alcoholic/ Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

For many of us, codependency is something we've dealt with for a long time. But have you ever wondered how you came to be that way? Or how to break the cycle of codependency, particularly with your loved one who struggles with addiction? This is something I discussed recently with a strong woman in our community. Tune in for this new podcast interview to hear how she's made her boundaries work for her and how she's committed to breaking the cycle of codependency for her daughters. Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/cycle-of-codependency Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

You've probably heard the expression, “Let go and let God.” That it's somehow OK to lose control of what you want or believe. But I disagree with this saying when you love someone suffering from addiction (or even with unhealthy relationships with friends or family).  In our community, we believe that it's 100% OK to take control of your own life and feelings. You're a grown, wonderful, smart adult who knows what's best for YOU. Click to hear this week's episode about how taking control of your life is the responsible, healthy thing to do. (Even if that means doing some good ole self-talk in the laundry room sometimes). This episode originally aired in November 2020.  Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/take-control/ Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

As a codependent, setting (and sticking to) boundaries can sometimes be challenging. And look, no judgment at all. Boundaries are tricky and take lots of practice.  But they're also so important to have when you love someone suffering from addiction. Because here's the thing: without boundaries, the morals and values you entered the relationship with become compromised over time. Tune in to this week's episode, where I discuss a favorite book of mine (along with some helpful stories) about setting and sticking to boundaries. And even if you're not codependent, this will still be super helpful. This episode originally aired in October 2020.  Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/boundaries-for-codependents/  Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

Have you experienced red flags in your relationship with your loved one that almost caused you to make a huge decision to either stay or leave? That's exactly what happened to a woman I spoke with recently in our community. Not only did she almost call off her wedding, but she shares what her 'rock bottom' was in her relationship, as well as some vulnerable moments that you may be able to relate to. Tune in to this new podcast episode to hear how this strong and confident woman is coming out stronger than ever because of the work she's doing on her own healing. Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/almost-called-off-wedding/  Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

Maybe you love the holidays. Or perhaps you're like a woman in our community I spoke to recently who has said, "I hate the holidays."  If that's something you've said before, you're not alone (and it definitely doesn't make you a 'Scrooge'). Tune in for this new episode to hear this courageous woman discuss several fears she has about the possibility of leaving her marriage, as well as some lessons she's learned while loving her alcoholic husband. Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/hate-the-holidays/ Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

When you love someone struggling with addiction, the holidays may not always be something you're looking forward to, right? Because most likely, this is the time where their alcohol (or chosen substance) consumption might increase, especially with all of the holiday get-togethers going on. But what if you CAN still experience joy regardless of their actions and behaviors? That's one of the things you'll hear a strong woman in our community discuss in this new podcast episode (as well as the effect the pandemic has had on both our loved ones and us). Find more here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/interview-happy-holiday/ Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

How do you know if you should stay or leave your relationship when you love someone struggling with addiction? I had the pleasure of speaking with a brave woman in our community recently who shared the lessons she's learned while working on her own healing and her reasoning for staying or leaving her marriage. Tune in to this week's new podcast episode to hear how she built up her confidence and independence and how she grappled with what the church says about divorce. Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/interview-stay-or-go/ Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

If you're with someone struggling with addiction, have you ever wondered what it could look like to stay in your relationship with them? I recently spoke to a very wise woman in our community who has done so much work on her own healing and has decided to stay in her marriage. Tune in to hear this new podcast interview and how she arrived at the point of saying, 'I'm here to stay.' Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/here-to-stay/ Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

What happens when a loved one has been hiding their addiction from you (even for many years!)? Because let's be honest: it can be devastating when you find the 'evidence' such as empty bottles stashed in a 'hiding place,' right? This is exactly what happened to one of the women in our community who Michelle spoke with recently. Tune in to this new podcast interview where she shares her story, how she went six years of marriage without realizing she married an alcoholic, and how she's built herself back stronger than ever. Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/interview-married-to-alcoholic/  Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

When you have someone in your life who is struggling with addiction, you've probably felt a wide range of emotions: hurt, anger, sadness, and sometimes even hope. It can be a lot, right? So when you start to feel your emotions rise (which is normal!), it's important to find your 'center' again. But how do you do that? Tune in to this week's new episode for a quick and helpful tip about detaching that you can use with anyone in your life (even with strangers!). Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/finding-your-center/ Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

When you love someone struggling with addiction, you may feel depressed sometimes or have feelings of anxiety. You've been through a lot because of their addiction, right? Just know that you're not alone in feeling this way. Many people in our community can relate to what you're going through (including myself). And that's what I'm going to discuss today: my personal story of struggling with depression (along with some ways I've found helpful in dealing with depression and anxiety). Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/my-depression-story/ Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

When you love someone struggling with addiction, you've maybe felt overwhelmed sometimes. Or you start believing some negative thoughts about yourself that their addiction tries to convince are true. Can you relate? So how can you start to change this? Tune in to this new episode where I share some tips to help you feel less overwhelmed and more empowered instead. Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/feeling-overwhelmed/  Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

When you love someone struggling with addiction, the decision to stay or leave your relationship is ultimately up to you. It's one that you need to have full ownership of. But if you've decided to stay, what does that look like? And what are some things that you'll need to consider? Tune in to this new episode where I dive into this (as well as what a wedding dress moment has to do with staying with your loved one). Find more here:  https://loveoveraddiction.com/staying-with-your-loved-one/ Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com