Married to Addiction

Most people assume the holidays are the hardest time of year when you're married to an alcoholic. But for many women, it's actually summer. If you've ever found yourself feeling more overwhelmed, anxious, disappointed, or exhausted once school lets out, this episode is for you. Today we're talking about why summer can feel so difficult, what makes this season uniquely challenging,...

One of the hardest parts of being married to an alcoholic is carrying a pain that no one around you can see. In this episode, we talk about the deep loneliness of pretending everything is fine while quietly struggling behind closed doors — and why keeping this secret for so long can leave you emotionally exhausted and stuck. You’ll learn: 💛 Why so many wives stay silent about addiction at home 💛...

If you’ve been praying, hoping, and trying to trust God… but your situation still feels painfully the same, you’re not alone. Living with addiction can create a deep tension between faith and reality. You want to trust God, but it’s hard when the same patterns keep repeating and nothing seems to be changing. In this episode, we talk honestly about that struggle—and why your weariness does not mean...

If you feel like you’re constantly trying to figure out what to do, what to say, or how to respond… you’re not alone. Living with alcoholism can feel like one long series of decisions. You’re always thinking, adjusting, and second-guessing—and over time, it becomes mentally and emotionally exhausting. In this episode, we talk about why this happens and what actually begins to bring relief. You’ll...

If bedtime feels heavy, anxious, or even a little overwhelming, you’re not alone. When you’re sharing a space with someone who is drinking at night, it can be incredibly hard for your body to relax — even when you’re exhausted. In this episode, we talk about why nights feel so triggering and how to create small pockets of peace, even if your situation hasn’t changed. You’ll learn: 💛 Why your nerv...

When you’re living with an addicted husband, it’s easy to get pulled into quick emotional reactions — and later wish you had handled the moment differently. In this episode, we talk about a simple 3-minute check-in that can help you pause, calm your nervous system, and respond with intention instead of reacting in the heat of the moment. You’ll learn: 💛 Why your body reacts so quickly in stressfu...

When you’re married to an alcoholic, it’s easy to believe progress only counts if he stops drinking. But your growth matters too. In this episode, we talk about how and why *your* small wins are real signs of healing. You’ll learn: Why celebrating small victories builds resilience How to stop measuring progress by his behavior Simple ways to track your growth and build momentum You don’t need a dr...

The night may be over, but the tension isn’t. If the morning after drinking leaves you angry, exhausted, and unsure how to respond without making things worse, this episode is for you. We talk about what’s really happening in your body and emotions — and how to protect your peace without suppressing your feelings or escalating conflict. In this episode I'll give you three important to-do's...

If evenings fill you with tension, dread, or emotional exhaustion, you’re not alone. For many wives of alcoholics, nights are when drinking escalates and peace feels out of reach. In this episode, I share why evenings are so triggering — and walk you through a simple, practical evening action plan to help you feel calmer, safer, and more grounded when the drinking begins. In this episode, you’ll l...

If the idea of “new year, new you” makes you feel tired instead of motivated, this episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about three small, gentle shifts that can help this year feel steadier and more manageable — not perfect, but more grounded and supportive of your nervous system, your heart, and your faith. You’ll learn.... 💛 Why healing doesn’t happen through intensity, but through saf...

If your stomach drops every time your phone buzzes or dings with a message from your husband, you’re not alone. When you’re married to an alcoholic, a single text can set off hours of anxiety — and deciding whether to reply or stay silent can feel impossible. In this episode, we’ll talk about what healthy phone boundaries really look like when addiction is in the picture — and how to protect your...

Your heart sinks when you hear the door open. You can tell before he even speaks — he’s been drinking again. What do you do in that moment? How do you keep from spiraling into anger, panic, or tears… when all you want is peace? In this episode, you’ll learn four simple, calm scripts you can use the next time he comes home drunk — to help you protect your peace, avoid escalation, and stay emotional...

In this special episode, Julie does something she’s never done before —she’s sharing a full Secret Sisters Circle lesson right here on the podcast! This exclusive teaching, called “Common Pitfalls,” dives into the six major traps that wives of alcoholics often fall into—pitfalls that can keep them feeling stuck, hopeless, and emotionally drained for years. Julie explains how recognizing and avoidi...

Do you ever feel that sense of dread creep in on Sunday evenings? The week ahead looms large, and before it even begins, you’re already exhausted. In today’s episode of the Married to Addiction podcast, we’re talking about a simple rhythm I call The Sunday Reset. This gentle routine will help you prepare mentally, emotionally, and logistically for the week ahead—so you can step into it with more p...

If you’ve ever wondered why you should keep praying when nothing seems to change—or felt like your prayers are just hitting a brick wall—this episode is for you. When you’re married to an alcoholic, it’s easy to feel hopeless and wonder: What’s the point of praying if God is going to do what He wants anyway? In this heartfelt episode, we’ll talk about: Why prayer isn’t about controlling outcomes—b...

If you’ve ever wondered why you feel stuck, numb, or constantly on edge while living with your husband’s addiction—this episode is for you. I’m sharing what I’ve learned on my own journey of healing from nervous system dysregulation —and why this hidden struggle might be at the root of so many things that still feel hard for you. You’ll hear: Why your body reacts like it’s “in danger” even in calm...

Why does it seem like he keeps choosing alcohol over everything—especially you? In this powerful episode, we break down the truth so many wives of alcoholics need to hear. You’ll discover: Why addiction rewires the brain and overrides willpower What’s really happening when he “chooses” rehab How to stop carrying the weight of a decision he’s no longer capable of making What you can do while he’s s...

What do you say to your children when their dad is struggling with alcohol? How much do they need to know? And how can you protect them— without damaging their relationship with him? In this episode, we’re tackling one of the hardest parts of being the wife of an alcoholic with children : setting healthy, loving boundaries that keep your kids safe, informed, and emotionally supported. You’ll learn...

Can you love your alcoholic spouse and still protect your peace? Yes. But it takes intention—and it starts with you. In this heartfelt and practical episode, we’ll explore: Why the line between love and self-neglect gets blurry in addiction How to love your husband without losing your identity or sanity 3 powerful ways to care for yourself while still showing up with compassion If you’ve been feel...

Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of setting boundaries with your alcoholic spouse? You’re not alone, and good news.....you don’t have to change everything overnight. In fact, you can start with just *one* small change. In this episode we’ll walk through: What a micro-boundary is (and why it’s so powerful) How to choose one small boundary that protects your peace A simple 3-step plan to actually fol...

You know those times when you're so overwhelmed that you don't even know what feeling you're feeling?? Or you are just so over it that you feel completely numb? Maybe you're just experiencing SO many emotions at one time that you can't even *begin* to start processing through your feelings? That's a tough place to be, and unfortunately as wives of alcoholics we find ourselv...

You know the feeling, right? You hear a bottle crack open and think 'Oh, heeeeere we go!' That thought might also be accompanied by sweaty palms, an increased heart rate, or anger rising up in your chest. You're triggered. In this episode we will talk about what is actually happening to us when we feel this way. And I'll help you put together a Personal Response Plan to use so it d...

I'm sure you've heard the term 'new year, new you', right? It implies that the beginning of a new year is a chance to better ourselves and/or our situation. Except that's not usually what happens, is it? Instead we set some intentions and maybe even make some changes for a while, but nothing ends up changing long-term. So in today's episode I'm giving you just *two* thi...

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I felt like I was married to *both* of them. One was nice. The other not so much. But actually they both irritated me, if I'm being honest. In this episode we will talk about the two personalities our husbands sometimes seem to take on due to their drinking. I'll also give you some guidance around how to navigate each of them. ______________________________________________...

Do you spend a lot of time thinking about the worst case scenario in your marriage? I sure did. In this episode we will talk about some of the worst case scenarios that hold us hostage. I'll also discuss... What if it doesn’t happen? What if it does happen? And what if you just stay in a holding pattern for an extended period of time? --------------------------------------------------------- PLEAS...