Love Over Addiction

Here's the loving truth: because we love a good person suffering from addiction, we just don't have the luxury of a "normal" relationship. Addiction is sneaky, and will do whatever it has to do to thrive, including hurting us, the ones that are closest and care the most. Here's the thing though: we're not powerless. We're not martyrs. We're not victims of this very hard situation. We're not. I ref...

This week we're re-releasing the very first ever episode. It's an oldie, but a goodie. And here's the truth: when you love someone suffering from addiction, these tips are always helpful, no matter how 'new' or 'old' they are. In this episode Michelle shares helpful tips about why you still love them, and why that's totally okay. Even a well meaning friend or family member may not get it. They jus...

When we love someone suffering from addiction, arguments and fights are part of our normal life, much more so than a relationship without addiction. So how does it feel when your partner walks into the room, and you know they're there to pick a fight? Maybe you can tell by their body language, their tone, the subject matter, or maybe they're already starting to yell. No matter the circumstance, yo...

In this community, we believe in being honest. So let's say it: loving someone suffering from addiction is hard. Your life may feel completely chaotic and out of control at times, but other times, you get a glimpse of your dreams when your partner is sober. It may feel like a crazy roller coaster ride. Think about this: addiction came into your life for a reason. You chose your partner for a reaso...

As mothers, we all try to do the very best for our children. But our 'job' as mothers changes significantly when we love someone suffering from addiction, especially if that someone is the child's parent. Knowing how to protect your children in this situation is imperative to raising healthy children who are mentally and emotionally stable. And let me share a loving truth: You have to learn the to...

When we love someone suffering from addiction of any kind (alcohol, drugs, pills, gambling, porn, or sex among other things), life can feel completely out of control. Everything can feel like it's just spinning in complete chaos. It's hard to see through and make heads or tails of what's really going on. This constant chaos can become our new normal. We might make excuses or write it off, and thin...

Addiction is a progressive disease, which means that it gets worse over time. The rate of progression really depends on each individual person and their specific circumstances. We're the women that love these good people suffering from addiction, so what does that mean for us? Well, in this episode, it's Part II of an interview with Terri, a Love Over Addiction sister. Her husband's disease change...

When you love someone suffering from addiction, it can be hard to see clearly in that situation. Especially if they develop their addiction habits after you meet them. When we're in the thick of loving someone suffering from addiction, we can have blinders on. We can be in denial, or make excuses for them. We begin to think that this crazy environment, with all this chaos, is normal. Have you ever...

Every woman that loves someone suffering from addiction is looking for hope. We want our loved ones to change, and we're doing anything and everything we can to get them sober. We are in a relationship with our loved one for our own reasons, and we never intended to leave the relationship or marriage. I remember when I was married to a good man suffering from addiction, I tried everything to make...

When you love someone that's suffering from addiction, your life can feel completely out of control and chaotic. That's part of the disease, and it's completely normal. So how does cleaning relate to all this? Well, it's more than meets the eye. Learn how cleaning can bring back some control, peace, and even joy into your life today. Taking simple steps, getting small wins, and finding easy-to-do...

We are a sisterhood bonded together by the fact that we love a good person that suffers from addiction. We all know that holidays can be hard. Any small holiday can be the perfect excuse for your loved one to drink more, smoke more, use more, or do more of whatever it is they're addicted to. St. Patrick's Day is coming up, and small holidays like these can be the perfect excuse for your loved one...

Every woman in this community knows what it's like to love a good person that drinks too much or suffers from addiction. Addiction is the third party in their relationships too, just like it was in mine. The voice of addiction is ugly. It's full of lies and deceit. And, it's loud. It knows how to play you, when to be loud, and when to soften. It's not fair. You did nothing to deserve this. If you...

We're a sisterhood here. We have over 50,000 women in our community and we're all bonded by the fact that we love someone suffering from addiction. The type of addiction doesn't matter. We have women that love good people suffering from addiction to alcohol, illegal (or legal) drugs, prescription pills, gambling, pornography, or sex, among other things. We build each other up. We're not all dark,...

When we love someone that drinks too much or suffers from addiction, it's easy to go down the rabbit hole of researching their issues and offering them a label or diagnosis. And frankly, why wouldn't we? We know they have a problem, and we love them. We're trying to help. Right? Well, I actually have a different idea, sister. I know, this may be hard to hear, but let me explain. There's something...

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. When you have a partner that suffers from addiction, you may be left feeling alone and neglected on this day that's supposed to be all about love. We have a loving suggestion for you: Be your own Valentine. Prepare for the day, dress up, exercise, plant flowers, whatever is "your thing", girl do your thang. Today on the podcast we hear from our Love Over...

We all love (or have loved) someone that suffers from addiction. It could be alcohol, illegal (or legal) drugs, prescription pills, pornography, or sex among other things. Regardless of who you are, and what role they (and their addiction) play in your life, it does have an impact on us. It impacts our outlook on life, our trust, our relationship, that inner voice that we all have. Have you ever w...

Super Bowl is a huge drinking and partying weekend. Everyone seems to have an excuse to drink or smoke, or whatever a little extra with the celebratory (or defeatist) vibes in the air on this particular weekend.   All the snacks are out, the TV is on, and the drinks are flowing. How do we handle situations like this when our loved one loves to drink a little too much? We talk serious questions and...

We're back with another Ask Me Anything episode - all about my ex-husband. I was married to a good man that drinks too much and suffers from substance abuse disorder. It's a real conversation filled with tough questions, real answers, and hopefully some new insights for you. When you're in a relationship with someone that suffers from addiction, it's hard to see the light. I felt like I was in a p...

Today on the podcast I review one of my favorite books that has everything and nothing to do with addiction. I was married to a good man that drank too much and suffered from addiction for 10+ years. After reading this book, I walked away with new insights from our relationship, and how it truly was an opportunity for me.  Read the blog or listen to the podcast to learn all about it. And we're doi...

When you love someone that drinks too much or suffers from addiction it's easy to be wrapped up in their disease, their actions, and their situations.  We are high achieving women, and we can  develop unrealistic expectations (yes, that means too high of expectations) for yourself and those around. These unrealistic expectations you can steal your joy and make it hard enjoy anything .   But what i...

Holidays can be filled with baking, shopping, and sipping hot cocoa while watching your favorite movies. But when you love someone suffering from addiction, the holiday season can be tough. We reached out to the women in our community to share how they make the holidays enjoyable and less stressful. Listen to the podcast or read the blog for their insights. You'll feel inspired and encouraged by t...

Creating a safe space when you love someone suffering from addiction is a must. Truly, it's non-negotiable. When I was married to a good man that drank too much and suffered from addiction, my safe space was my island. It was my sanctuary. I'll tell you what it is, how I created it, and tips for creating your own today.  Read the blog or listen to the podcast and we'll talk all about it.

We did something different this week: My friend Olivia is on the podcast - and she's asking me personal questions from women in our community. Some questions are related to addiction - but others aren't. We talk motherhood, raising children, social media, and of course, stranded on an island.  It's the first episode in our mini Ask Me Anything series. It's different than what we normally do - so i...

When you love someone that suffers from alcoholism or addiction, the holidays can be unbearable. This season that's supposed to be family oriented and joyous can turn into a nightmare of anxiety and stress because of your loved one's behavior.  You deserve to have a good holiday. Their behavior is not your fault. I have 6 tips for you today .

There are many blessings of loving someone who struggles with addiction.  Yes, you read that correctly. I know it feels dark and hopeless sometimes. But  addiction can be a gateway:  an opportunity to grow into the women we are meant to be. Hear from 18 women in our community and how addiction has been a blessing in their lives. These women know exactly what you're going through. They understand,...