Love and Recovery: The Spouse's Journey with an Addict
Relationships, no matter how great, are also a major source of stress, and they have a higher potential to do harm than they can do good in a person’s journey to recovery.
What happens when love collides with addiction? In this episode of 'The 12th Step Podcast', hosts Gary, Mike, and Daniel dive into the raw and often heart-wrenching stories of couples navigating the turbulent waters of addiction recovery. Featuring real-life accounts, the episode sheds light on how addiction can twist and strain intimate relationships, sometimes to the breaking point. One guest recounts how their battle with pornography and masturbation led to an affair, chaos, and ultimately, divorce.
Another shares the pain of feeling disconnected from their family of origin, a factor that exacerbated their struggles with addiction. The discussion also touches on gaslighting, a manipulative behavior where addicts make their partners feel like they're losing their minds by denying any issues. Communication emerges as a key theme, with guests and hosts alike stressing its importance in healing and rebuilding trust.
This episode is packed with valuable takeaways about the impact of addiction on relationships, the necessity of addressing family issues, and the critical role of honest dialogue. It's a compelling listen for anyone grappling with addiction or supporting a loved one through recovery.