As loved ones, when we stay in denial or decide to not speak our truth in order to avoid conflict, we are basically arguing for our addict’s limitations. Sometimes, when addicts hear someone tell them the truth about how their addiction is affecting other people, they make the choice to relapse – perhaps to show others how emotionally fragile they are. But this coping mechanism is usually a manipulation, designed to teach their loved ones not to bother them – so that they can make the choice to … [Read more...] about Setting Boundaries with Your Addicted Loved One
Setting boundaries with addicted loved ones
Sometimes Love Looks Like “No”: When to Set and Maintain Healthy Boundaries
This article was originally posted on October 2, 2013. Is it possible to have a healthy relationship with someone who is in active addiction? What needs to happen for that to occur?If you are in that situation, you have probably wondered about this many times.THE QUESTION OF THE DAYSeveral weeks ago I was interviewed on Talk Recovery radio, a new program on Vancouver’s Co-Op Radio station, dealing with addiction and recovery issues. I was honored to be chosen as their very first guest, and I had … [Read more...] about Sometimes Love Looks Like “No”: When to Set and Maintain Healthy Boundaries
Justin Bieber: The Latest Casualty of ‘Enabling’
Most of us knew it was only a matter of time.Not only were we hearing story after story about Justin’s “antics”—a media description that only served to minimize the severity of his actions—but those very actions were becoming more and more bizarre. Before today’s arrest for driving under the influence and resisting arrest, he was pitching raw eggs at his neighbor’s house causing thousands of dollars worth of damage—not to mention a sizable stash of illegal drugs that were found in his home.Do we … [Read more...] about Justin Bieber: The Latest Casualty of ‘Enabling’
Rob Ford’s Dilemma: His Denial or Our Blind Spots?
Unfortunately, Toronto’s mayor Rob Ford has become quite the laughingstock. He’s the guy people love to shoot down at the water cooler—and anyone who watches late night TV is aware that of the comedic fodder he’s been supplying the hosts for far too long. I’m sure I’m not the only one wondering how this situation has gotten so out of hand, giving Canada a huge black eye on the international landscape. ADDICTION DOESN’T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT The way I see it is that this sort of fiasco doesn’t … [Read more...] about Rob Ford’s Dilemma: His Denial or Our Blind Spots?
“Loving an Addict, Loving Yourself: Surviving the Holidays” Free Tele-Class
Is loving an addict driving you crazy? Are you at your wit’s end, trying to cope with this situation? Are you worried about how to deal with the upcoming Holiday Season? All too often, loved ones of people struggling with addiction suffer right along with them, not knowing what they can do to help—and often doing things that actually enable the addiction to continue. For those of you who are loved ones of people with addictions, the holidays can be a most stressful time. On Wednesday, December … [Read more...] about “Loving an Addict, Loving Yourself: Surviving the Holidays” Free Tele-Class
