Nicole's Journey: Growing Up with an Alcoholic Parent and Finding Sobriety
Boundaries is something that is forever changing, growing, morphing, and something to keep a constant check up on.
What happens when you grow up in a home overshadowed by alcoholism? Nicole knows this all too well. In this episode of 'The Unbreakable Boundaries Podcast', Jennifer Maneely sits down with Nicole to unpack the complexities of her upbringing and her path to recovery. Nicole spent years comparing herself to her alcoholic parent, convinced she didn't have a problem because she wasn't 'that bad'. But as is often the case with Substance Use Disorder, things only got worse over time.
Her turning point came when she joined a fellowship, inspired by the very family member she once compared herself to. Now, with two years of sobriety under her belt, Nicole is deeply involved in the recovery community, working with organizations like the McShin Foundation and Glorious Recovery. She passionately advocates for setting boundaries as a crucial step in maintaining sobriety. One key takeaway from this episode is that recovery isn't one-size-fits-all.
Nicole emphasizes the importance of finding an approach that works for you. While her father played a pivotal role in her journey, not everyone has that kind of support. It's essential for loved ones to understand that supporting someone in recovery doesn't mean shielding them from every consequence. Boundaries help both the person in recovery and their family navigate this challenging path with clarity. Nicole also busts the myth that sobriety is dull.
She shares how she's found deep, meaningful joy in her sober life—something she never experienced while using. This episode is a must-listen for anyone dealing with addiction or supporting someone who is. It's a powerful reminder that recovery can be vibrant and fulfilling when you set the right boundaries and find joy in new, healthy ways.