Sandy Swenson: Empowering Moms to Break Free from Addiction Stigma
Tough love means tough love, because it is the toughest love of all to do the right thing for our child, even though it's breaking our hearts, whatever that might be, whatever that looks like, and it should never be angry or mad or anything.
What if you could find strength and community amidst the chaos of a loved one's addiction? In this episode of 'The Embrace Family Recovery Podcast', host Margaret Swift Thompson sits down with Sandy Swenson, the author of 'Tending Dandelions'. Sandy's journey is one of resilience, moving from denial to a place where she empowers other mothers facing similar struggles.
She opens up about her son's battle with addiction and the emotional turmoil that came with it, including the self-blame many parents endure. Through her experiences, Sandy has created a movement dedicated to supporting 'Mama's' with addicted children. Her initiative offers education, compassion, and empowerment, fostering a community where mothers can find solace and strength.
A key takeaway from their conversation is the concept of tough love—how it’s about making the hardest choices for the right reasons, all while rooted in love and empathy. Sandy passionately discusses how tough love should never stem from anger but should always come from a place of care and understanding.
This episode is a beacon for anyone struggling with the stigma of addiction, providing insights and practical advice on separating the person from the disease and approaching tough love with empathy. It's a heartfelt discussion that promises to resonate deeply with anyone touched by addiction.