Podcast Episode: Steps for Redefining Love in Your Family

Hello, and welcome to today’s episode. I know that as parents of children struggling with addiction, we often find ourselves wrestling with an overwhelming blend of emotions—fear, guilt, sadness, and a love so deep it feels like it could break us. We find ourselves on a constant rollercoaster, trying to protect our children from the consequences of their addiction while yearning to save them from themselves. But today, I want to talk about something that has changed my life and the way I view my relationship with my son: the concept of redefining love.

When addiction takes hold of a family member, the way we express love has to shift. What used to work before won’t help them—and it won’t help us—when addiction is involved. Redefining love isn’t about stopping our care or cutting off our loved ones; it’s about changing the way we show our love so that we’re not fueling the addiction or sacrificing ourselves in the process. Today, I’ll go over some key steps for redefining love, especially for those of us who are striving to build a healthier, more balanced environment for ourselves and our families.

For years, I, like many other parents dealing with a child's addiction, believed that love meant always being there, always saying “yes.” If my son needed money, a place to stay, or help with a problem, I thought that by giving it to him, I was doing the right thing as a mother. I thought my love could save him. But after more than 15 years of dealing with addiction and mental illness, I’ve learned that love and enabling are two very different things. Saying “no” to my child doesn’t mean I don’t love him—it means I refuse to participate in a cycle that keeps him trapped in addiction. Setting boundaries isn’t about giving up; it’s about giving them a chance to change.

In this episode, I delve into what I call The Waiting Game—a reality many parents of adolescents struggling with addiction and mental illness know all too well. It’s that constant feeling of living on edge, bracing for the phone call that could change everything. As parents, we often find ourselves consumed by fear, wondering what “the call” will bring and how to prepare for it emotionally and mentally.

Join me as I share my personal reflections on living with this anxiety, how to cope with the overwhelming sense of dread, and ways to find balance while navigating the unknown. This raw and candid conversation is for parents who, like me, are trying to manage the emotional toll of waiting, worrying, and hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.

Keywords: addiction, mental illness, parental anxiety, the waiting game, parenting an addict, adolescent addiction, coping strategies, mental health, the call, emotional resilience

In this episode, I share my personal journey as a parent navigating the relentless challenges of coping with a loved one’s addiction and mental illness. Through the toughest years—and those still ahead—counseling has been a consistent anchor in my life. This conversation is a raw, honest reflection on how counseling has helped me cope, find balance, and maintain hope, even when things feel overwhelming.

For parents and loved ones grappling with the complexities of adolescent addiction and mental health struggles, I offer hard-earned insights and share the emotional highs and lows that come with trying to support someone through these battles. Tune in for a candid discussion about why sticking with counseling can be a crucial tool for managing the emotional weight of it all.

Keywords: addiction, mental illness, counseling, coping strategies, parenting challenges, consistent support, family struggles, mental health journey, therapy effectiveness, resilience, adolescent addiction.

In this episode, we explore the complex emotions and challenges faced by siblings of addicts who feel overshadowed and burdened by their parents' focus on their struggling sibling. We dive into the feelings of resentment, fear, and guilt that can arise, and discuss ways to navigate these dynamics while finding balance and support. Join us as we shed light on the often-overlooked struggles of siblings living in the shadow of addiction.

**#SiblingShadows #FamilyDynamics #AddictionAwareness #MentalHealth #SiblingSupport**

The Importance of Life Skills After Rehab and How to Acquire them. In this episode of Life Skills, I delve into the crucial role that life skills play in helping parents cope with their adolescent children’s struggles with addiction and mental illness. Join me as I explore practical strategies and insights to empower parents in navigating these challenging times. We’ll discuss how developing essential life skills can foster resilience, improve communication, and create a supportive environment for both parents and their children. Whether you’re seeking guidance on managing stress, setting boundaries, or finding effective coping mechanisms, this episode offers valuable tools and heartfelt advice to help you and your family thrive.

#LifeSkills #Parenting #AdolescentAddiction #MentalHealth #CopingStrategies #FamilySupport #Resilience #Communication #Boundaries #CopingMechanisms #PodcastEpisode #ParentingTips

The Uncelebrated Birthday: Coping with Mixed Emotions When Your Child is Struggling with Addiction.

In this episode, we explore the profound sadness and complex emotions parents face when their adolescent child, struggling with addiction, has a birthday. We journey from the joy of celebrating early birthdays to the heartbreak of choosing not to celebrate at all. We'll discuss how to cope with the unignorable date, finding ways to manage your emotions, especially when your child is in rehab. Whether you decide to mark the day in a small way or let it pass quietly, this episode offers support and understanding for navigating these difficult moments.

"Fear and Anxiety," this episode sheds light on the overwhelming dread of losing a child to addiction and the constant worry that shadows every decision. Tune into "Fear and Anxiety" for an honest and compassionate conversation about the realities of parenting through addiction, and find reassurance in knowing that you are not alone in facing these profound challenges.

visit my website at fromonemother1@gmail.com for more information.