7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Loving Someone with Addiction
It's not normal to love someone who drinks too much or suffers from addiction, so we can't use normal relationship tools.
Loving someone with an addiction can be incredibly challenging, and it's easy to make mistakes without even realizing it. In this episode of 'Love Over Addiction', host Michelle Anderson sheds light on seven common pitfalls that people often fall into while trying to support their loved ones. Michelle emphasizes that traditional relationship strategies don't apply here because addiction changes the rules of the game. One of the first mistakes she highlights is keeping track of your partner's drinking.
While it might seem helpful, it usually just leads to more secrecy and frustration. Another common error is lecturing or threatening your loved one, which often backfires and doesn't lead to any real change. Michelle also advises against saying negative things about your partner to your kids, as children need a safe and unbiased environment to form their own opinions. Michelle stresses the importance of not putting your life on hold for your loved one's issues.
It's crucial to maintain your own well-being and not get lost in their struggles. She also talks about the futility of looking up recovery information for them—sobriety is a personal journey they need to undertake themselves. Throughout the episode, Michelle offers practical advice and emotional support, aiming to help listeners navigate this difficult path without losing themselves. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or just plain exhausted, this episode provides valuable insights and encouragement to keep moving forward.