E45: Supporting a Loved One In Addiction

Supporting a loved one with addiction adds a whole new dimension to our own recoveries. Sadly, for many people recovering from alcohol and other drug addictions, supporting a family member who is also struggling is a dynamic they must also face. When this episode was first released, we were overwhelmed with the comments from listeners who appreciated so much the people in the episode who were willing to share their journeys. We're re-releasing it today to make sure the words of wisdom and encouragement in this episode make it to all of the people that need to hear it. If that's you - know you're not alone, and that with the right support and the right mindset, you'll be able to take care of yourself, while still supporting your loved one in a way that's healthy for both of you.

The helplessness and hopelessness that comes with having a family member in addiction is heart wrenching, and our guests share some of the wisdom they’ve gained with their own experiences with this. But we also get a glimpse into what it was like for our families, while we fought our own addictions. Listen as we learn what it means to find healthy ways to help those we love who are struggling with addiction.

“I feel like it’s harder on this side, than it is being the addict.”

Some of the ideas we talk about include:

• Understanding what our own families went through
• Grieving our loved ones even though they are still alive
• Being the example for our children
• Setting and maintaining boundaries with family members in addiction
• Caring for ourselves, maintaining our own recovery
• Knowing when and when not to try to save them
• Recognizing enabling actions and behaviors
• Releasing control allows them to blossom and thrive
• Symptoms of codependency and enmeshment
• Understanding that others’ recovery journeys are their own

“We can never control another person’s recovery.”

For the most complete explanation of codependency we've ever seen, check out Melody Beattie's book, Codependent No More.

Meet our guests:

Derrick Deidel is 3 years sober. He has come from the depths of addiction, trauma, mental health , prison and homelessness to be a light in this world. He loves recovery and is a huge advocate for it and those seeking help. He works for Mile High Recovery Center managing the Residential treatment house, he is a peer recovery coach and personal trainer. He tries to be kind and gracious to everyone cause that same stuff changed his life.

Jenn is from Arizona. She is 51 years old and coming up on 2 years May in her sobriety!  She works in early childhood education as a preschool teacher and has 2 adult children who also struggle with alcohol. She's faced lots of changes in her life since she's been sober. It’s been one challenge after the other but she is determined to stay sober not just for herself but to help support and guide her children in the right direction.

Ann lives in Pennsylvania and will be 2 years alcohol-free on May 6, 2023. She believes in community, daily meditation, and reading everything you can get your hands on about recovery, sometimes over and over again. With alcoholism in her immediate family, she is a member of Al-Anon to support her recovery and wellbeing. For her, detachment with love is a magical tool, and life is too short and too amazing to dilute with alcohol.

Raul is so thankful for the sober community and he is involved in many different platforms.  His foundation/bedrock is the AA program.  As it relates to this pod cast, his son went to a 30 day in person recovery facility in California as he was given an ultimatum at work. Raul's recovery afforded him the opportunity to be present and to let his son know he loves him.  Raul said he would love his son no matter what he decided, but this was all his decision to make and he decided to go.

Get in touch:

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