EP22: Sobriety is Terrifying—A Former Addict Explains Why Substance Abuse Disorder Makes It So Hard to Quit

NEW Announcement: Australian Family Support Listeners Get 30% off every one-to-one support session with Paul King & Wendy Brewer. Finally get the care & help you need to navigate a loved one's addiction. familyhopesupport.com (Australia Only)

How can you support a loved one struggling with addiction without enabling harmful behaviours?

Many parents feel torn between wanting to help their child and fearing they might be making things worse. The old-school "tough love" approach can be damaging, yet setting boundaries is crucial. In this episode, we discuss the vital role of family support in recovery and why parents need their own support systems too.

• Learn how to support your loved one without accepting destructive behaviors.
• Understand why accountability is key and how to encourage it with compassion.
• Discover the power of family support groups and why seeking help for yourself is just as important.

Press play now to gain insights from someone who has lived both sides of addiction—this episode could change the way you support your loved one.

🌱 Family Hope Support — Special Offer for Podcast Listeners (Australia Only)

Loving someone with a drug or alcohol problem can feel exhausting — the worry, the guilt, the fear, the sleepless nights. It wears you down.

At Family Hope Support, Wendy Brewer and Paul King offer combined one-to-one support sessions grounded in counselling insight and lived experience. Finally get the care & help you need to navigate a loved one's addiction. 🎉: Family Support Listeners Get 30% off every one-to-one support session — use code FAMILYHOPE at checkout.

👉 Claim your discount at familyhopesupport.com and start feeling less alone. You don’t have to do this by yourself

💛 Support the Podcast (Worldwide)

If our podcast has helped you feel a little less alone, you can now support our work through Ko-fi. Your contribution helps us keep creating this show and reach more families who need hope and guidance.

👉 https://ko-fi.com/familyhopesupport

This podcast provides practical guidance and support for families navigating the challenges of substance abuse disorder, offering insights from addiction recovery experts, family therapy, and support groups like Al-Anon and Family Drug Support, with a focus on understanding how to help and support loved ones dealing with addiction, including heroin addiction, through counselling and treatment options.

DISCLAIMER

Every family is different — if you’re supporting someone through addiction, please make decisions that are right for you, ideally in consultation with qualified professionals and appropriate support networks.