Wife Of An Alcoholic: Recovery | Loving An Alcoholic | Codependency| Michelle Lisa Anderson

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 think, everyone goes through this level of chaos. Addiction does that. It’s super sneaky and doesn’t want us to see the real truth. It doesn’t want us to fully realize what’s actually going on. So, if we can find simple little reminders of calm, peace, organization, and quiet, they can be just what we need to make it through. Those little things can be just enough for us to take a deep breath, and move forward. For me, I found this simple reminder and a much bigger story in my linen closet. Find more details and free resources here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/reminder-of-calm/

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 changed fast, but because she had the tools, knowledge, and power that she did, she knew what to do. She handles this disease which such grace and she’s so strong and steady. If you missed the first part of her story, you can find that here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/when-addiction-progresses-quickly/ And for more free resources, tips, and advice, visit our website here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/

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 felt that way? If you have, I want you to listen to this podcast interview with Terri. She’s a Love Over Addiction sister, and her story will inspire you. Her brave actions, her boundaries, her change in behaviors truly shifted her whole life. You can find more details here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/how-to-deal-with-denial/ If you want more free resources when you love someone suffering from addiction, check out our website here: http://loveoveraddiction.com And, if you’re up for it, it’d mean so much to us if you rate and review our podcast on iTunes. The more ratings and reviews we have, the easier it is for

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 it work. You name it, I probably tried it. Is it possible to live a life with your partner, staying in your own lane, and living in your own happiness whether they get sober or not? For some, that is possible. Let me lovingly remind you that we never do judgment. You reserve the right to change your mind at any time, for any reason. Let me also say that staying is not for everyone. Today on the podcast I talk with Dana. We’ve been friends for 20 years, and she’s married to a good man that drinks too much and suffers from addiction. We met in college, and she has chosen to stay (for now), and she lives a happy life. L

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 things is the way to start your recovery. You’ve already started by just listening to this podcast. Now, it’s time for your linen closet. Find more helpful tips and show notes here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/how-cleaning-and-addiction-are-related/ We have a free guidesheet for you here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/compassion131/ And if you’re ready to join the Love Over Addiction community, learn more about our online programs here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/

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 to have an extra drink, smoke more, or do more drugs. Whatever type of addiction they struggle with, addiction usually takes any chance it can get at a little “extra”. Today on the blog we have 5 practical tips you can use for St. Patty’s Day + a question from the community + advice from our community for the upcoming Irish festivities. We’re smart women. We do our work ahead of time to be prepared for potentially sticky situations. If you’re ready to make changes, find new ways to cope, and implement some practical tips today, you’re going to love this episode: https://loveoveraddiction.com/practical-tips-for-stpat

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 are struggling today, or have ever struggled with this ugly voice in your head, please listen to these words on the podcast today. Listen over and over again. And let these words be the louder voice in your head next time addiction starts playing its games. Today, we celebrate you. Your strength, your power, your beauty, and everything you have to offer. You, sister. Find more show notes, encouragement, and helpful tips here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/celebration-of-women/ We have a free guidesheet to help you start your recovery today: https://loveoveraddiction.com/boundaries129/ And if you’re ready to join the

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, dingy, gray, and depressing. Is it hard? Oh, you bet it is. But we’re here shining a light. We’re here to offer support, love, understanding, and encouragement. We don’t believe we’re powerless over this disease.    Today we hear from one of our Love Over Addiction sisters. I hear from women in their 60s, 70s, 80s, all the time, asking if it’s too late to get a new start. I’ll let our dear sister LOA Sister answer that question. She’s nearly 70, and has some wise, wise words of wisdom for us.  Find more here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/how-to-gain-self-confidence-at-any-age/ Join the community: https://loveoveradd

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 else that we can be doing instead, that will truly make an impact on the situation and be so incredibly helpful. Listen to the podcast for my ideas on why labeling isn’t appropriate, when it is acceptable, and what you can do instead. I also share three bonus tips on the podcast… Enjoy! To listen to the full episode (including 3 bonus tips) go here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/do-labels-make-a-difference/ We have a free guidesheet for you this week. Find that here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/speak127/ And if you’re ready to learn more about Love Over Addiction and join the movement, you can do that here: https:/

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 Addiction Sisters as they share their own self-care tips to prepare for this day all about love. These sisters are strong, and they know what it’s like to be with a person that is addicted to alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription pills, gambling, pornography, or sex, among other things. They know what Valentine’s Day can feel like and they’re getting prepared. These women have fallen in love with themselves, for the first time, or all over again. I adore them. Even when it’s uncomfortable, not “fun”, or just downright hard, they persist. You persist. We’re strong together. Hear their voices, ideas, and hopefully you’

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 wondered what it would be like to be in a different relationship? If you decide to leave your partner, what does life look like afterwards? Is there hope? Will you trust again? Could you ever find a different partner that didn’t have addiction issues? What about the kids? These are serious questions, and today, I talk with my husband Brian about our life, our relationship, and our kids. Addiction actually helped our relationship. Listen to the whole story (or at least 1 hour’s worth) here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/ask-me-anything-3/ We have a free guidesheet for you here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/compassion1

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 advice about the parties, what to do if they start drinking, and how to handle it when your children are involved. We can be prepared together. We’re a sisterhood, and we’re ready to support you every step of the way in this judgment-free zone. We do have it harder than most women. That’s certainly not your fault. You’ve found the right place for answers and support. Welcome. Get the episode notes here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/super-bowl-game-day/ Find a free guide here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/124/ And to discover more free tips, online programs, and other offerings, join us here: https://loveoveraddict

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 prison, and wasn't sure if or how to get out.   If you have questions for me (about my ex-husband or not), send them to us at info@LoveOverAddiction.com. We might feature them on an upcoming episode. This podcast is for YOU - so we really want to hear from YOU. We hope you’ll share your feedback + send your questions to us.

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 doing a free book giveaway. Listen for details.

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 if you start to make peace with who you are right now. Take some time to look around and notice all of the good things that are happening. Listen to the podcast or read the blog to hear how to get rid of the expectations that may be holding you back.

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 their ideas.

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 if you’re new, don’t run away!  Listen for something a little more fun, and a bit different.  Do you have questions for me? Email them to Info@LoveOverAddiction.com. 

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, and we do too.