M.S. asks: I have a relative I’m very close to. I already know he is not good at emotional regulation, and he talks loudly. I try to calm down, but if it's a sensitive and hard subject, I feel like he's yelling at me or telling me what to do. So I get worked up, and then both of us are emotionally unregulated. How can I bring myself down to a calmer state? This person is staying with me. Hi M.S., He’s there 24/7, so that's an interesting situation to be in. I think that you can tell your … [Read more...] about Assertiveness
Archives for 2025
World Drug Day 2025: Why Family Support Is Critical in Addiction Recovery
June 26, 2025 marks World Drug Day, also known as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This global observance serves as a crucial reminder of the continued fight against substance abuse—but even more importantly, it highlights the often-overlooked role of families in the healing and recovery journey. At Love With Boundaries, we see firsthand how addiction affects not just the person using drugs or alcohol—but everyone around them. Addiction not only impacts the … [Read more...] about World Drug Day 2025: Why Family Support Is Critical in Addiction Recovery
How do we deal with the shame that comes from living with an addict?
Andrea asks: How do we deal with the shame that comes from living with an addict and feeling like their addiction is now also a reflection of who we are? It is so painful to be misunderstood and shamed when it's somebody else's behaviour that has caused our pain in the first place. Hi Andrea, That’s a fantastic question, and so many people feel what this person is asking about. This question is about feeling shame around what the addict in your life is doing. I believe all loved ones … [Read more...] about How do we deal with the shame that comes from living with an addict?
Loving an Addict Without Losing Yourself
How to Set Boundaries & Reclaim Your Life Loving someone struggling with addiction is one of the hardest battles you can face. You want to help. You want to save them. It’s understandable. But at what cost to yourself? If you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to move forward, you’re not alone. Many people who love an addict struggle with: Constantly worrying about their choices and reactions Feeling guilty for setting boundaries Taking responsibility for their … [Read more...] about Loving an Addict Without Losing Yourself
The 16 Steps: An Alternative to 12-Step Programs
Reflected in the 12-Step philosophy is a belief that people who aren’t aligned with the Steps don’t have the willingness to go to any lengths to recover. Often, they feel that they have been labelled resistant or ungrateful. While programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous help millions of people achieve and maintain recovery all over the world, I question whether these programs are appropriate for all people. Often, people have difficulty with what they refer to as the … [Read more...] about The 16 Steps: An Alternative to 12-Step Programs
