Addiction Makes Three

Your partner has finally gone to rehab... you've navigated the minefield of addiction and all it's chaos and have been supportive, and while you want to be hopeful, you can't ignore the resentment creeping in… Is it wrong to feel frustrated? Shouldn’t you just be grateful they’re in recovery? Isn't this exactly what you wanted? You’ve spent so much time holding everything together, but now, exhaus...

You are in a relationship with someone who is struggling with addiction, or is navigating recovery... And you are wondering if this is it? Is this what life is now? Is this it? Is this enough? You’re stuck in the hardest decision of your life—should you stay, or should you leave? But what if that’s not the real question? What if neither choice magically fixes the pain you’re in? How do you make a...

Are you waiting, hoping, and holding your breath for your loved one to get sober, believing that once they do, everything will be okay? In this episode, I dive into why waiting for sobriety to "fix" your relationship is a dangerous mindset trap—and how it can leave you miles behind when recovery finally happens. We’ll explore: ✅ Why sobriety isn’t a silver bullet for relationship healing ✅ The h...

In this episode, Amanda discusses the impact of media portrayals on individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues. She emphasises the need for compassion over sensationalism, urging listeners to consider the broader human cost of public scrutiny. Amanda advocates for a shift in societal attitudes towards addiction, promoting human-first language and to support those in need. Let's...

Join the Free Workshop "Three essential steps to support your Loved One through Addiction or Recovery (without losing yourself in the process) Happening on 14th/15th November If you can’t make it live, the replay will be available (register to get this in your inbox after the event) Register here In this episode I explore what it means to shift the focus away from your loved one and back onto your...

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into a fear that many face in the journey of supporting a loved one with addiction: relapse. Whether your loved one has relapsed before, or you’re constantly worried it might happen, this conversation is here to bring clarity, strength, and hope. Relapse can feel like a devastating setback, leaving you questioning if all the hard work and progress have been wa...

In this episode, I chat about the concept of "addiction autopilot"—a term I’ve coined to describe the ingrained, habitual behaviours many of us adopt when living with a loved one struggling with addiction. I discuss how these automatic responses and reactions, like checking a loved ones phone, snooping, yelling or walking on eggshells, may feel necessary but often do more harm than good.  I e...

In this episode, I am diving deep into the complexities of recognising problematic behaviour in loved ones, when dealing with addiction and recovery. I highlight the emotional toll such behaviours can take on your life and mental health, stressing the importance of trusting yourself. Here I discuss why it's crucial to identify if a loved one's actions are affecting your well-being, even if societa...

 And I know you are going to ask… BUT HOW do I do that when addiction throws its chaos around?! How can I focus on me? And I know. I've been there too... not knowing what to do. It can feel impossible to change. Especially by yourself. You can feel completely consumed by your loved one’s state of being. We think if we love another person just a bit harder, care about them a bit more… jus...

In this episode we have the necessary conversation debunking the myth that supporting someone struggling with addiction is enabling their behaviour. The term 'enabling' perpetuates shame and stigma and paralyzes those trying to help. I talk about how we can reframe our behaviours in a way that actually helps. It's hard to watch our loved ones struggle, and we just don't know what to do here - I kn...

In this episode, I discuss what rehab looks like after someone comes home and the importance of doing your own work. Emphasising that rehab is not a silver bullet and that both the person in recovery and their loved ones need to take responsibility for their own growth and happiness. I talk about and encourage open and honest communication, setting realistic goals, and handling the truth in a safe...

This is rehab from the other side... from the lived experience of a loved one on the 'outside'. This is a personal episode for me, as I dig into the memory box and go back to the rehab time, and the (very) long lead up to it. The rehab roller coaster of hope, dreams and disappointment. Not much is said about what happens to the spouses when their partners go to rehab. What it looks like, what it f...

This is rehab from the other side... from the lived experience of a loved one on the 'outside'. This is a personal episode for me, as I dig into the memory box and go back to the rehab time, and the (very) long lead up to it. The rehab roller coaster of hope, dreams and disappointment. Not much is said about what happens to the spouses when their partners go to rehab. What it looks like, what it f...

A bit of a pointy episode today. Because while I want to shine a light on this side of addiction. If this is impacting your life, I actually want to help you. So here it is. "What got you here, won't get you there" All the habits, ways of navigating a loved ones recovery addiction, routines and behaviours that got you to this point in life, 'here'. Are not going to get you 'there', to your great l...

--> Sign up to the free Open House Group Coaching - All the details are here The Pause. This is something that you can start doing immediately after listening to this podcast. It's simple, yet it's not easy - and it's worth it. The power of the pause is an amazing tool to have in your pocket to keep you in alignment with your values and gives you the ability to respond in situations rather than...

In this episode we are ripping off the language bandaid. And it is going to be uncomfortable and I would love you to stay the course with me as this is what is going to help EVERYONE. This is 100% the hill I will die on. Because THIS, the language we are using at the dinner table and in our conversations is keeping people stuck in stigma and shame and it is preventing people from getting support....

Ooof. I came across this heart breaking, courageous and beautiful piece of writing recently and I couldn't get it out of my head. So I sent SITC an email asking if I could read it on my podcast as I know it'll resonate in your heart and soul like it did mine. What struck me most, aside from the rawness was the accountability, ownership and the acknowledgement of the hurt caused and the consistent...

It's essentially new year same situation unless.... YOU do things differently. Stay with me here because I say that with love from my heart to yours. Now, I know it's not easy to have a great year that is so much better than the year that's just gone (I know!) and it's possible. Truly. We get wrapped up in the false sense of a New Year reset, that things will somehow be different. We tell ourselve...

This is the year 2024, I made a decision in 2019 "Not this" and so began my slow (Because I didn't get support for myself) recovery. And in January 2024 I had a stumble, a lapse... In this episode I go into a real time lapse I had in my own recovery. I literally recorded this episode the next day - because it was a teachable moment, for me and you. I'm showing up here authentically, and that means...

In this two part episode, I chat to the beautiful Andy Quin. Andy is the Co-founder of ETCH Sparkling with Husband Jason, a lovely friend and member of the community, wonderful mother and wife. I am so grateful to have Andy here, who so courageously and bravely agreed to come and chat with me about her own experience being on the other side of addiction as her husband Jason struggled with alcohol....

In this two part episode, I chat to the beautiful Andy Quin. Andy is the Co-founder of ETCH Sparkling with Husband Jason, a lovely friend and member of the community, wonderful mother and wife. I am so grateful to have Andy here, who so courageously and bravely agreed to come and chat with me about her own experience being on the other side of addiction as her husband Jason struggled with alcohol....

In this episode we are diving into the Holidays when you love someone struggling with addiction. It can be a turbulent time full of uncertainty, and nothing highlights the gaps in our lives more than the relentless parade of seemingly perfect holiday snapshots flooding our social media feeds. It can be a bit much. But we can have Happy-ish Holidays and I share a few things to be mindful of and sev...

On the show this week we start the conversation on thoughts - and how powerful they are. We have thousands of thoughts a day, from the moment we wake until we close our eyes at night, and sometimes beyond! We are always generally thinking about something... These thoughts might include garden-variety, everyday musings: These thoughts might include garden-variety, everyday musings, or more complex,...

In Episode 5 I dive into the archives and resurface the feelings and frustrations I felt back in January 2020 (and some of them still stand!) "What about us" is the start of the conversation as to what it's like to be on this side of addiction and being invisible. And when rehab facilities put so much pressure on families to do 'the right thing' yet provide zero helpful support and tools. When you...

Wow. What an episode and always a great conversation - of which we can never seem to make it short! Gary and I had quite a few extensive conversations on Instagram, and this is our first podcast chat. We cover many topics and go deep into some dark corners here and pull back the covers on a few things that are a little bit and sometimes a lot uncomfortable - which is what you'd expect from a conve...