Love Over Addiction – Details, episodes & analysis

We lay in bed at night and dream about what life would be like if we left the ones we desperately love who struggle with addiction. What would living without constant worry feel like? How would we deal with our finances, the kids, and no one to laugh with on holidays?

Sometimes, imagining leaving feels so freeing (especially when they are not answering their phones or are passed out on the couch). But the next moment, it can be absolutely terrifying, thinking of being alone and the anger and judgment we might face.

So, how does it really feel once we’ve moved on?

https://michelleanderson.substack.com/

One of the core beliefs we have at Love Over Addiction is that addiction is a third party in our relationships. We view addiction as a separate entity from our loved ones. This helps us with forgiveness and to process why we love someone who can be so cruel and self-destructive.

When they start being rude, nasty, or mean, that’s the addiction trying to bait us. Addiction craves conflict and control. We don’t need to stand there and take it - but we also don’t need to take the bait.

Instead, we can remove ourselves from the situation.

https://michelleanderson.substack.com/

I was watching my husband play hockey recently, and it got me thinking about the offense and defense we play in our lives when we love someone suffering from addiction. (As you know, I can relate just about anything to addiction). 

Are you in control of your life and moving forward with your goals (playing offense)? Or are you trying to prevent your greatest fears from happening (playing defense)?

Tune in to hear this week's episode where I discuss moving forward with your own healing and staying in your lane vs. staying stuck and preventing that from happening.

Find more here:
https://loveoveraddiction.com/offense-defense/

Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

As a codependent, setting (and sticking to) boundaries can sometimes be challenging. And look, no judgment at all. Boundaries are tricky and take lots of practice. 

But they're also so important to have when you love someone suffering from addiction. Because here's the thing: without boundaries, the morals and values you entered the relationship with become compromised over time.

Tune in to this week's episode, where I discuss a favorite book of mine (along with some helpful stories) about setting and sticking to boundaries. And even if you're not codependent, this will still be super helpful.

Find more here: 

https://loveoveraddiction.com/boundaries-for-codependents/ 

Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

Being in a relationship with someone suffering from addiction takes courage and can be downright hard sometimes. Am I right? There might be days filled with tears, anger, and frustration. Or maybe you make some mistakes (and that's completely normal).

But here's the thing: courage is being willing to fall apart, brush yourself off, and then keep trying. It's realizing that your tears and failures are not a measurement of YOU. It is knowing that making mistakes is part of being human, and giving yourself lots of grace is so important.

In this week's episode, I share a personal story about my son finding his courage and the importance of picking yourself back up and trying again. You've got this!

Find more here: 

https://loveoveraddiction.com/courage/ 

Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

Have you ever wanted to speak up and ask for what you needed but changed your mind? (I'm raising my hand right now!). Or, maybe what you need isn't a realistic ask from your loved one that suffers from addiction. 

Here's the thing: staying silent about what you need and not asking for it can lead to resentment. And if your partner isn't able to give it to you, then maybe you can give it yourself. 

In this week's episode, I'll cover how to ask for what you need (and want) in your life, and what to do if that's not possible with your loved one. 

Find more here: 

https://loveoveraddiction.com/ask-for-what-you-need/

Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

I realized something surprising recently: despite thinking I had conquered my codependency, that's actually not the case. I still have some growth to do. Can you relate?

In this week's episode, we're going to dive into some questions together about codependency. I'll also share some personal life experiences regarding this.  

Even if you think you've moved past some of these behaviors, I invite you to park here for a bit. Because here's the thing: discovering who you are - especially when you love someone suffering from addiction - is so important. 

Find more here: 

https://loveoveraddiction.com/codependency-questions/

Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

Sex and intimacy are usually an important part of a relationship, right? But when your partner suffers from addiction, those things can sometimes be complicated.

In this week's episode, I talk about sex (yep, we're going there) and the challenges you may be facing with your loved one and their addiction. We also discuss being true to yourself and the importance of setting boundaries with sex and intimacy.

Remember, part of getting yourself healthy is figuring out who to trust with your vulnerability. You deserve to be loved and cherished.

Find more here: 

https://loveoveraddiction.com/sex/

Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

There have probably been times when your loved one drank too much at a family event. Or made a scene in front of others when they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. As a result, you might have felt embarrassed by their actions and behaviors. Can you relate?

Here's the thing: feeling embarrassed by other people's actions or behaviors (even your own) can be a sign of codependency.

In this week's episode, I share a personal story about my own codependency and how mastering this skill in all areas of your life can be so freeing.

https://loveoveraddiction.com/embarrassed/