Love Over Addiction

Are You Playing Offense Or Defense?

25 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I was watching my husband play hockey recently, and it got me thinking about the offense and defense we play in our lives when we love someone sufferi...

Setting Strong Boundaries When You're Codependent

18 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As a codependent, setting (and sticking to) boundaries can sometimes be challenging. And look, no judgment at all. Boundaries are tricky and take lots...

Finding The Courage To Get Back Up Again

11 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Being in a relationship with someone suffering from addiction takes courage and can be downright hard sometimes. Am I right? There might be days fille...

How To Ask For What You Need

04 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wanted to speak up and ask for what you needed but changed your mind? (I'm raising my hand right now!). Or, maybe what you need isn't a ...

Codependency Questions To Ask Yourself

27 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I realized something surprising recently: despite thinking I had conquered my codependency, that's actually not the case. I still have some growth to ...

Let's Talk About Sex

20 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sex and intimacy are usually an important part of a relationship, right? But when your partner suffers from addiction, those things can sometimes be c...

What To Do When You're Embarrassed By Their Behavior

13 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There have probably been times when your loved one drank too much at a family event. Or made a scene in front of others when they were under the influ...

You Have A Lot In Common With Your Loved One

06 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you're codependent, you may find yourself concentrating on your loved one's addiction (sometimes more than they are). Or relying on them to validat...

Riding the Roller Coaster of Your Loved One's Addiction

30 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Loving someone with addiction can sometimes make you feel like you're on a roller coaster ride, can't it? One moment you're feeling joyful and hopeful...

When My Husband Tested Positive For Drugs

23 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Maybe you don't have any proof (yet), but your intuition is kicking in and something feels "off" with your loved one suffering from addiction. Does th...

How to Pick The Best Time To Talk to Your Loved One

16 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When you love someone suffering from addiction, it can be hard to let things go sometimes. Maybe you found empty bottles after they said they'd stop d...

Why You Need a Plan B When You Love an Addict or Alcoholic

09 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You've probably experienced your loved one's unpredictable behavior sometimes, right? Maybe you've gone back and forth on whether you should stay or l...

Is Your Partner Being Manipulative?

02 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When your partner suffers from addiction, it can be hard to tell if they're lying or being manipulative. Here's the thing: addiction knows exactly wha...

How To Deal With In-Laws

26 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dealing with in-laws and extended family can be tricky when your partner suffers from addiction. Can you relate? Maybe there have been times when they...

How To Deal With Emptiness

19 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When you have a loved one that suffers from addiction, it can be easy to feel empty sometimes. You may try to fill that void by looking for approval f...

Bonus Release: If Your Heart Is A Bit Prickled

14 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This special episode is a follow-up to yesterday's episode. If you found your heart a little prickled by the loving truths Michelle gave, take a liste...

Talking To Your Kids About Addiction

12 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If your loved one suffers from addiction, you've probably spent a lot of energy trying to help them get better. And if you have kids, figuring out how...

Coping When a Loved One Hurts Your Feelings

05 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

More than likely, you've had your feelings hurt from time to time. Regardless if it was because of your loved one that suffers from addiction, or a fr...

Three Tools For Surviving Hard Weekends

28 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We know weekends, especially holiday weekends, may be a more difficult time for you and your loved one who suffers from addiction. They might be incli...

Are You Being Verbally Abused?

21 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, I'm sharing a story (with permission) - and a lesson - from a big conversation I had recently with my daughter about verbal abuse....

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Discussion Patterns

14 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When we love someone suffering from addiction, we may feel crazy when we try to talk to them about an issue or something going on.  You may find your...

The Power Of Positive Thinking

07 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today is all about the power of positive thinking. And you know that in this community we talk about feelings and we give you actionable steps to take...

Relationship Roles When You Love Someone Suffering From Addiction

31 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When you love someone suffering from addiction, we tend to take on certain roles in the relationship. We want to help our partners get sober, and some...

Find The Answers When There's Something To Prove

24 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For those in the US, today is Memorial Day. We honor those that have served this country for our freedom. Thank you. To their wives and children, than...

Five Stages To Feeling Better When You Love An Alcoholic Or Substance Abuser

17 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling better is a process, right? If there was some magical, fantastical button that would just make everyone feel better with no work, we'd all be ...

Finding Compassion Is Your Choice

10 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We're all still in some sort of lockdown due to the coronavirus.  When we love someone suffering from addiction, we have our coping strategies. We al...

Here's Something You Can Fix When You Love Someone Suffering From Addiction

03 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this community, we love someone suffering from addiction. And most of us are fixers by nature. We're helpers. We feel deeply for others, and all we...

Here's Why You're In A Relationship With Someone Suffering From Addiction

26 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered why you landed in this relationship with someone suffering from addiction in the first place?   I know that I did. And we've ...

How To Stay And Find Your Power

19 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When we love someone suffering from addiction, the relationship will most likely become more unhealthy over time. Meaning that our 'normal' morphs and...

You Don't Always Have To Try So Hard

12 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When we love someone suffering from addiction, we try hard all the time. Our day-to-day life is harder than most, and we know that it requires more en...

Here's Why You Can't Leave An Unhealthy Relationship Right Now

05 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When you love someone suffering from addiction, you may question why you stay. And let's be honest, with everything going on right now, all the shelte...

Codependency Has Its Benefits

29 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

**Listen to this episode for a special update from me during this time** A lot of times in the recovery world we, the loved ones, are labeled as codep...

Do you love yourself while loving an alcoholic?

22 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We're empathetic loving women that take care of everyone else. Right? Can you relate? Raise your hand if you always care for someone else before putti...

12 Quick Tips You Can Try Today

15 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When we love someone suffering from addiction we can become so bogged down with their choices and addiction.  It's nice to hear tips, new ideas, and ...

Three Lies We Believe When We Love An Alcoholic

08 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When we love someone suffering from addiction, we can take on the role of fixer, solver, and just plain 'figure-everything-out-and-make-everything-bet...

A Near Death Experience Led To Recovery

01 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When we love someone suffering from addiction, we think that if they can just get sober, all the problems would melt away. We'd somehow have a "normal...

Help and Support When You Love Someone Suffering From Addiction

28 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When we love someone suffering from addiction it's so easy to feel completely isolated and alone. It can start to feel like we're living a lie because...

Is it okay to stay with my alcoholic husband?

23 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode is raw and real. We all have our own personal reasons for staying or leaving when we're in a relationship with a good person that is s...

When (and how) to break away from codependency

16 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When we love someone suffering from addiction we so often feel alone and isolated. We can feel left in the dark, like no one really knows what's going...

How To Know If It's A Pornography Addiction

02 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If we're getting real with each other, we've probably all had a conversation about pornography in our relationships.  Pornography is completely norma...

How To Let Go of Anger When You Love an Alcoholic or Substance Abuser

26 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When you love someone suffering from addiction to alcohol, drugs, sex, pornography, gambling, or whatever else they may choose, we get angry. Their ad...

How To Help When Your Child Is Suffering From Addiction

19 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Does your child suffer from addiction? Have you found them drinking, using drugs, huffing, or taking pills? If their parent suffers from addiction, th...

Why They Might Suffer From Addiction (And How It Relates To You)

12 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When we love someone suffering from addiction, it can be hard to let go of the blame. This becomes especially true if you're a parent with a child who...

Their Addiction Is Not Your Fault

05 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a mother or father with a child suffering from addiction? If so, do you take on the blame of their addiction? Do you think it's your fault? Do...

How To Thrive When You Love Someone Suffering From Addiction

29 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Thriving. It's more than surviving. It's joy, excitement, opportunity, fun. And let's be honest, when we love someone suffering from addiction, it can...

Can You Be Grateful For Addiction?

22 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today we find gratitude. Which let's be honest: in our situations, that can be really hard to do sometimes.  We had to share this episode again today...

Helpful Holiday Tips From Our Community

15 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

You're part of this community, and let's be honest, most people don't actually understand what you're going through.  Your baseline for chaos and lac...

How Letting Things Fall Apart Can Actually Help

08 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

For years I played the role of the fixer and mender. I held it all together. I was the glue. Without me, my ex-husband and his addiction would fall ap...

A Real Life Story About Supporting Your Children Through Addiction

01 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today we get to hear a real life story from a brave woman in our community. Her story is absolutely amazing, and we talk on big topics like letting go...

How Taking Care Of Your Partner Suffering From Addiction Is Actually Hurting

24 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When we love someone suffering from addiction, our relationships aren't 'normal' by any stretch of the word.  We can take on strange roles that we ne...

What It's Really Like To Leave Your Marriage When You Love Someone Suffering From Addiction

17 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Here's the deal: today I get to share a conversation with you - one I had with a Love Over Addiction Sister in our community.  She's sharing her pers...

Feeling Guilty Can Be A Good Sign

10 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Growing up, weren't we all taught that when we feel guilty about something, that's our conscience telling us we've done something 'wrong'?  I know I ...

Why Her Son Suffers From Addiction (And Why That Matters)

03 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Her son (and her husband) both suffer from addiction. She has twin sons, one suffers and one doesn't. And she thinks she knows why… Usually we don't...

Why Anger Is Okay (And How To Use It For Good)

27 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Some people try to avoid their anger. And in my experience, women especially.  As women, we seem to be the ones that always hold it together. So gett...

How To Let Go Of Using Addiction As An Excuse

20 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I love hearing stories. It's so powerful, and these real life examples can open our eyes and hearts to our very own potential.  Today, listen to our ...

Learning To Trust Again

13 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Addiction lies. It has to in order to thrive. And we, as the partners, loved ones, and spouses, we get the brunt of these lies.  Do you feel like you...

Their Long Road To Recovery And Yours Too

06 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When we love someone suffering from addiction, we deeply desire for them to get sober. We dream of the day they decide to be done with alcohol, drugs,...

Two Simple Lessons When Your Partner Suffers From Addiction

29 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When we love someone suffering from addiction, it can be hard to see the light of day. Our once very accurate judgment and perception is now being man...

Why It's Okay To Change Your Mind

22 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Here's the deal: you reserve the right to change your mind at any time, for any reason.  Why is that important? Because if you're anything like me, y...

Why You Need To Take Care Of Yourself Every Day

15 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When I was healing from loving a man suffering from addiction there was one thing that was part of all of my days: self-care. And I know, I get it, se...

How To Listen To Your Whisper And Let Go Of The Voice Of Addiction

08 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever questioned whether to stay in your relationship or leave? It's a big question. And that's frankly an understatement. It's a life-changin...

A Simple Tool To Help When You Love Someone With Addiction

01 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Everything in our life is a season. Some seasons are longer than others, and some may be harder than others.  No matter what 'season' we may be in, w...

How To Talk to Your Kids About Addiction

25 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Here's the loving truth: when you have children living in this situation, with their parent (or step-parent) suffering from addiction, you've got work...

How to Create A Vision For Your Future (With or Without Them)

18 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I believe in dream boards (or vision boards). And if you don't know what I'm talking about, just google it.  They sound incredibly hokey. They sound ...

How to Practice Self-Care During a Crisis

11 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Stick with me here, because I know self-care is a buzzword right now. I'm not about buzzwords, but I am all about you learning the tools you need to h...

How To Choose Friends When You Love An Addict

04 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When we love someone suffering from addiction, we will eventually become completely isolated if we're not already. That's what addiction wants, and fr...

How To Create Your Team Of Experts

28 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes when we love someone suffering from addiction we can get into the mindset that it's all on us. Everything falls on our shoulders, and we're ...

The Enabling Behaviors You Need to Stop Now

21 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When we love someone suffering from addiction, we do our very best to help them. We try everything we can think of, read, or find on Google. We try it...

The Honest Truth About Finding Balance

14 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In today's culture it seems like we're expected to be a certain way. Especially as women. We're expected to balance life, work, children, self-care, a...

When Addiction Steals Your Friendships

07 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When we love someone suffering from addiction, we can start to become isolated. We may feel so wrapped up in our loved one's issues, that we start to ...

What To Do When Your Partner Is Mad At You

30 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We've been doing a series all about types of aggression and tactics used. Because here's the truth: When we love someone suffering from addiction "nor...

How To Stop Tolerating Lies From Your Partner Suffering From Addiction

23 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We're a community full of women that love someone suffering from addiction. And here's the reality: our lives and relationships are different because ...

Are You Being Manipulated By Addiction?

16 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We must remember that although we love good people, they do suffer from a disease. And the disease of addiction is not nice. It's mean. It's ugly. And...

When Experts Don't Have Personal Experience

09 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When we love someone suffering from addiction, the truth is that only we know how bad things really are. And when we start to seek a team of professio...

How To React When They're Playing Innocent

02 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we talked about covert aggression when you love someone suffering from addiction. So if you missed that episode, please go back and have a l...

When Passive Aggression Is Really Covert Aggression

26 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Here's the loving truth: because we love a good person suffering from addiction, we just don't have the luxury of a "normal" relationship. Addiction i...

Why You Love An Alcoholic or Substance Abuser

19 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're re-releasing the very first ever episode. It's an oldie, but a goodie. And here's the truth: when you love someone suffering from addi...

How To Avoid An Argument

12 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When we love someone suffering from addiction, arguments and fights are part of our normal life, much more so than a relationship without addiction. S...

Addiction Can Be Your Greatest Opportunity

05 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this community, we believe in being honest. So let's say it: loving someone suffering from addiction is hard. Your life may feel completely chaotic...

An Expert Interview With A Child Psychologist

28 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As mothers, we all try to do the very best for our children. But our 'job' as mothers changes significantly when we love someone suffering from addict...

A Small Reminder Of Calm Amidst The Chaos

21 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When we love someone suffering from addiction of any kind (alcohol, drugs, pills, gambling, porn, or sex among other things), life can feel completely...

Part II - How To Handle Addiction When It's Progressing Quickly

13 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Addiction is a progressive disease, which means that it gets worse over time. The rate of progression really depends on each individual person and the...

Part I - How To Deal With Denial When You Love Someone Suffering From Addiction

07 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When you love someone suffering from addiction, it can be hard to see clearly in that situation. Especially if they develop their addiction habits aft...

She's Staying With Her Husband Suffering From Alcoholism

24 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Every woman that loves someone suffering from addiction is looking for hope. We want our loved ones to change, and we're doing anything and everything...

How Cleaning Your House and Addiction Are Related

17 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When you love someone that's suffering from addiction, your life can feel completely out of control and chaotic. That's part of the disease, and it's ...

Practical Tips For St. Patrick's Day When Your Partner Drinks Too Much

10 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We are a sisterhood bonded together by the fact that we love a good person that suffers from addiction. We all know that holidays can be hard. Any sm...

A Celebration Of Women Who Love Someone Suffering From Addiction

03 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Every woman in this community knows what it's like to love a good person that drinks too much or suffers from addiction. Addiction is the third party ...

How to Gain Self-Confidence (At Any Age)

24 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We're a sisterhood here. We have over 50,000 women in our community and we're all bonded by the fact that we love someone suffering from addiction. Th...

Do Labels Really Make A Difference When It Comes To Addiction?

17 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When we love someone that drinks too much or suffers from addiction, it's easy to go down the rabbit hole of researching their issues and offering the...

Valentine's Day With Our Love Over Addiction Sisters

10 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. When you have a partner that suffers from addiction, you may be left feeling alone and neglected on this d...

Ask Me Anything Episode #3: With My Husband

03 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We all love (or have loved) someone that suffers from addiction. It could be alcohol, illegal (or legal) drugs, prescription pills, pornography, or se...

How to Handle Super Bowl Weekend When Your Loved One Drinks Too Much

27 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Super Bowl is a huge drinking and partying weekend. Everyone seems to have an excuse to drink or smoke, or whatever a little extra with the celebrator...

Ask Me Anything Episode #2: About My Ex-Husband

13 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We're back with another Ask Me Anything episode - all about my ex-husband. I was married to a good man that drinks too much and suffers from substance...

One of My Favorite Books

06 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today on the podcast I review one of my favorite books that has everything and nothing to do with addiction. I was married to a good man that drank t...

Dropping Expectations

30 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

When you love someone that drinks too much or suffers from addiction it's easy to be wrapped up in their disease, their actions, and their situations....

12 Holiday Tips From Your Sisters

23 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Holidays can be filled with baking, shopping, and sipping hot cocoa while watching your favorite movies. But when you love someone suffering from addi...

Your Safe Space

16 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Creating a safe space when you love someone suffering from addiction is a must. Truly, it's non-negotiable. When I was married to a good man that dran...

Introducing: Ask Me Anything Episode #1

09 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We did something different this week: My friend Olivia is on the podcast - and she's asking me personal questions from women in our community. Some qu...

Six Ways To Avoid Another Holiday Full of Drama

02 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

When you love someone that suffers from alcoholism or addiction, the holidays can be unbearable. This season that's supposed to be family oriented and...

18 Reasons To Be Grateful for Addiction

18 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

There are many blessings of loving someone who struggles with addiction. Yes, you read that correctly. I know it feels dark and hopeless sometimes. B...