Confronting Shame: Supporting Loved Ones in Addiction Recovery
When someone is holding on to shame and they're worried about connecting and talking, they don't have the skills or knowledge or experience to support that person. That seems to also be blaming them or being like, oh, you should do this, or oh, you got to do that.
Shame is a heavy burden, especially for families dealing with addiction. In this episode of 'The Unbreakable Boundaries Podcast', Jennifer Maneely tackles this tough topic head-on. Drawing from her own journey through addiction and codependency, Jennifer sheds light on how shame can isolate families and make it harder to offer support. She doesn't just talk about the problem; she offers practical advice on setting boundaries, seeking external help, and involving third-party interventions.
Jennifer emphasizes that separating yourself from a loved one's addiction isn't a one-time conversation but a continuous journey. She also reminds listeners that while they can't control their loved one's actions, they can control their own responses and avoid falling into the trap of shame themselves. If you're struggling to support a family member battling addiction, this episode provides valuable insights and actionable steps to help you navigate this challenging path.