Thrive While Loving an Addict | Addiction | Sobriety | Recovery | Relapse

KL Wells
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More than 50% of American families have a loved one or close relative who is an addict or alcoholic. Although there are ample resources to help these individuals recover, their families suffer, too. Parents, spouses, children, and friends need help navigating this unexpected, challenging disease. Welcome to Thrive While Loving an Addict with KL Wells. She brings together loved ones and family members of addicts and alcoholics. Their insights and perspectives create a community of healing, connecting, and rebuilding. While your addict may be working hard to make themselves better, you may feel left behind to face a different kind of battle. The negative stigma of having a loved one as an addict causes a lot of pain. How are you dealing with loneliness, fear, and shame? There are quick fixes for these difficult moments in your life. Now you can get real and raw advice from people who are walking and dealing with the path you’re on. This podcast highlights the vulnerable and courageous voices of these families. Listen to real-life stories of people who have addicted loved ones, and discover how they addressed the hardships. Also, hear the experiences of recovering addicts that share what is, and isn't, working in their journey towards healing. Gather useful tools and practical advice to alleviate your own journey by delving into these touching and inspiring stories. Contemplate what may not be working, and discover what it takes to face the challenges along the way. This podcast offers a safe platform for the loved ones of addicts. Rise to the challenge, and become a key player in being a part of this fresh community. There are also episodes that will widen your knowledge about addiction recovery. Get educated by real life experiences of people who reveal their journey to help addicts and alcoholics jump back on their feet. In addition to breaking down their practice, they bring a glimmer of hope for what can be done for individuals who may have given up on themselves. KL Wells is a community leader and influential speaker who led initiatives with senior executives, trustees, and board directors of various non-profit organizations. For more than twenty years, she focused on empowering leaders to create extraordinary human impact. Spending time with these people inspired her to do more, and start the company Voices InCourage. Most importantly, KL understands how painful it is to have an addicted loved one. She was married to an alcoholic, her current partner is recovering from alcohol addiction, and her son is an active addict. The mission of this podcast is not just advocacy. It hits very close to home to KL. Her reflections as a wife and mother are something you should not miss. Seeing your loved ones pulled down by drugs and alcohol is truly heartbreaking. As a result, you may feel miserable and isolated. You also have to deal with negative opinions from others, and it is up to you to fend for yourself. Nobody deserves to be treated this way. No one should go through this challenging episode of life alone. This is what KL offers in this podcast: the strength to move forward and guidance to have the courage to change. If you have the courage to use your voice, you can become an inspiration for your friend, spouse, parent, or child as they overcome their addictive behavior. Ultimately, it’s about transforming the lives of loved ones from surviving to thriving in the midst of chaos. Listen to Thrive While Loving an Addict with KL Wells at https://voicesincourage.com/podcast.

  1. 1d ago

    Drugs Destroyed My Life, and I Wasn't Even Using Them with Mark Manderson

    What happens to the eight-year-old boy who finds his aunt collapsed on the floor, pills beneath his feet, and has to call for someone to help her? What happens when, years later, he discovers that the childhood memory he questioned was real? For Mark Manderson, that experience became part of a much larger story. His aunt died from a drug overdose when he was young, but the memory remained buried until therapy helped him revisit it years later. The grief and understanding that followed would eventually influence a career dedicated to helping people and families affected by addiction. Episode Summary In this episode of Thrive While Loving an Addict, KL Wells sits down with Mark Manderson, CEO and founder of Pacific Shores Recovery, to explore what more than two decades of working in addiction recovery have taught him about pain, substance use, family dynamics, and healing. Mark shares his belief that substance use often serves as an attempt to escape or numb deeper pain, and explains why focusing only on the substance can leave important underlying issues unaddressed. Together, KL and Mark discuss anger and grief, the limits of trying to control someone else's recovery, emotional literacy, generational patterns, and what it can mean to love someone without losing yourself in the process. Key Discussion Points Mark's childhood experience of losing his aunt to a drug overdose and how that loss influenced his life's workRevisiting a buried childhood memory through EMDR therapyWhy substance use can become a way of numbing or escaping deeper emotional painThe difference between pain that keeps someone stuck and pain that becomes a source of meaning or purposeWhy trying to control, fix, or change someone struggling with addiction can exhaust familiesThe grief that may exist underneath anger for parents and loved onesMark's five foundational freedoms and the patterns he observed among people who sustained recoveryAddiction as isolation and the importance of connection and community in recoveryEmotional literacy and why understanding feelings can be difficult when those skills were never taughtHow generational patterns can influence substance use and family relationshipsLoving someone with an open hand rather than attaching love to a specific outcomeHow the questions we repeatedly ask ourselves can shape our perspective and beliefsA Gestalt-based exercise Mark uses to explore guilt and shame carried by family members Some Questions I Ask Can you say more about the idea that pain may have something to teach or show us?What does "doing the work" actually look like for someone who has never begun that process?What might be a first step for a parent who feels trapped in anger?Do you see the addiction crisis as an invitation for people and families to become more aware of deeper patterns?How do you continue loving the person while struggling with what addiction is doing? In This Episode, You Will Learn Why addiction may be connected to an attempt to numb underlying emotional pain rather than simply a relationship with a substanceHow trying to control another person's choices can affect families emotionallyWhy grief may sit underneath anger, frustration, and exhaustionHow pain can be explored and integrated rather than continually avoidedThe five foundational freedoms Mark identified through his work with people in recoveryWhy connection and community can play an important role in recoveryHow emotional literacy can help people better understand what they are experiencingHow generational patterns may influence addiction and family dynamicsWhy the questions we ask ourselves can influence the answers and perspectives our minds repeatedly return toHow families can begin examining guilt and shame they may have taken on as their ownWhat it can mean to love someone without making your own well-being dependent on their recovery Resources The Recovery Way by Mark Manderson A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle TED Talk by Mark Manderson About the Guest Mark Manderson is the CEO and founder of Pacific Shores Recovery in Newport Beach, California, and has worked in addiction treatment for more than two decades. His work with individuals and families is informed by both professional experience and his own childhood experience of losing his aunt to addiction. Through his work, Mark focuses on understanding the pain and emotional patterns that can exist beneath substance use while helping individuals and families develop greater awareness, connection, and emotional understanding. His experience includes working with both veterans and civilians navigating addiction and recovery. Mark is also the author of The Recovery Way, a speaker, and a confidence coach who offers educational master classes for individuals and families navigating recovery. Connect With Mark Instagram @markcmanderson Pacific Shores Recovery Newport Beach, California

    Drugs Destroyed My Life, and I Wasn't Even Using Them with Mark Manderson

  2. Jul 14

    Why She Had to Move Her Daughter Out to Save Them Both

    Loving someone through addiction or mental illness can slowly consume every part of your life. The focus shifts to crisis after crisis, while your own well-being quietly slips into the background. In this episode, KL Wells sits down with Lisa Taylor to share the deeply personal story of reaching that breaking point. Together, they explore the difficult decision to step back, the courage it took to rebuild, and how caring for yourself can become an important part of loving someone else. Episode SummaryLisa Taylor is a former corporate sales executive and single mother from Ontario, Canada, whose daughter was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder as a teenager before experiencing a traumatic brain injury the following year. As the challenges continued to grow, Lisa found herself carrying the emotional, financial, and physical weight of trying to keep everything together while gradually losing herself in the process. In this conversation, Lisa reflects on the moment she realized something had to change. She shares how creating healthy boundaries, slowing down, and focusing on her own healing allowed her to rediscover herself while continuing to love her daughter. Together, KL and Lisa explore burnout, generational patterns, spirituality, and the quiet ways healing can influence the people we love. Key Discussion PointsParenting through both mental illness and addictionThe emotional and physical exhaustion of long-term caregivingBurnout, financial stress, and losing your sense of selfWhy setting boundaries is different from abandoning someone you loveThe difficult decision to create distance for everyone's well-beingRebuilding life after years of crisis managementSlowing down and discovering deeper patterns beneath constant busynessHow generational patterns become visible through self-reflectionSpirituality, stillness, and personal growth during recoveryThe unexpected ways personal healing can influence family relationshipsLoving from a distance while remaining connected with compassion Some Questions I AskAt what point did you begin taking your life back?What did slowing down teach you about yourself?How has your daughter become one of your greatest teachers?Was reaching your breaking point what finally opened the door to your own healing? In This Episode, You Will LearnWhy setting boundaries with a child is not the same as abandoning themHow chronic caregiving can lead to emotional and physical burnoutWhat rebuilding life can look like after losing stability and identityWhy personal healing may influence family relationships in unexpected waysHow slowing down creates space to recognize generational patternsWhat loving someone from a healthy distance can look likeWhy caring for yourself is an important part of supporting someone elseHow healing often begins by turning inward rather than trying to change another person ResourcesSashbear Foundation https://sashbear.org Turn the Lens Inward Podcast Notable Insight From The EpisodeSometimes the most loving decision is also the hardest one. Creating distance from someone you love does not always mean giving up. For many families, it can become the boundary that allows both people the opportunity to begin healing. About the GuestLisa Taylor is a confidence coach based in Ontario, Canada, who helps people move beyond living for the expectations of others and build lives rooted in authenticity and self-trust. After navigating years of supporting her daughter through mental health challenges and addiction, Lisa turned her own healing journey into a source of support for others. She is the co-host of the Turn the Lens Inward podcast, where she shares conversations about mental health, addiction, personal growth, and resilience. Today, she and her daughter also co-own a residential cleaning business, reflecting the new chapter they have built together. Connect With the GuestWebsite https://glowingconfidence.com

    Why She Had to Move Her Daughter Out to Save Them Both

  3. Jun 30

    What Sits Right Beside the Worst Thing That Ever Happened to You

    Healing from trauma rarely happens all at once. It unfolds over time, often in ways that are difficult to recognize while you're living through them. The journey beyond survival can be uncertain, filled with moments of growth, grief, and unexpected clarity. In Part 2 of this conversation, Jason Prokowiew returns to continue sharing his story. Building on the experiences explored in Part 1, he reflects on what came after the interviews with his father, the grief that followed his father's death, and the ongoing work of building a life beyond inherited trauma. Episode Summary This episode continues KL Wells' conversation with Jason Prokowiew, author of War Boys. After spending years trying to understand the effects of growing up in an alcoholic home shaped by generational trauma, Jason found himself facing a new chapter after recording more than fifty hours of conversations with his father and then losing him just months later. Together, KL and Jason explore what healing looks like after understanding begins. They discuss grief, difficult family decisions, the importance of recognizing personal strengths, and how purpose can gradually emerge alongside life's most painful experiences. This conversation offers an honest perspective on the ongoing nature of recovery and the possibility of building a meaningful life beyond survival. Key Discussion Points Healing from trauma as a lifelong process rather than a single breakthroughReturning to old triggers years later and responding with greater awarenessListening to his father's recorded voice decades later and revisiting unresolved emotionsThe difficult decision to step away from family relationships that no longer supported growthEstrangement, grief, and making painful choices while honoring personal well-beingGrief as a companion to healing rather than evidence that healing has failedThe "emotional bank account" and the value of intentionally building positive experiencesDiscovering purpose alongside life's most painful experiencesLearning to recognize long-held survival skills as strengths rather than flawsViewing mental health as an ongoing journey instead of a destination Some Questions I Ask After your father passed away, how did you begin discovering who you were becoming?What did that conversation with your older siblings reveal about your own healing?Why was stepping away from your mother different from leaving other family relationships?What was it like hearing your father's voice again after twenty years?Do you believe your life's purpose sits alongside the most difficult experiences you've lived through? In This Episode, You Will Learn Why healing from trauma often unfolds over many yearsHow old triggers can reappear even after significant personal growthThe emotional complexity of creating distance from unhealthy family systemsWhy grief and healing can exist at the same timeHow intentionally creating positive experiences can strengthen emotional resilienceThe difference between survival strategies and personal strengthsWhy understanding yourself may matter more than reaching a perfect destinationHow purpose can emerge from experiences that once felt only painful Resources War Boys by Jason Prokowiew Available July 1, 2026 Learn more about War Boys https://warboysbook.com Al-Anon Family Groups https://al-anon.org Notable Insight From The Episode "What we are not going to do is pathologize our strengths." Jason recalls this powerful moment with his therapist as an invitation to reconsider qualities he had spent years viewing as flaws. Many of the traits developed while surviving difficult childhoods can become valuable strengths when they are understood, supported, and used with intention rather than driven by fear. About the Guest Jason Prokowiew is a writer, storyteller, and author of War Boys, a father-and-son memoir exploring generational trauma, addiction, and healing through the lens of his family's history. His work traces his father's survival during World War II, the lasting effects of wartime trauma, and Jason's own journey toward understanding life in an alcoholic family. Drawing from his experiences with Al-Anon, storytelling, and years of personal reflection, Jason writes about resilience, identity, and the possibility of healing across generations. He has appeared on Stories from the Stage and has shared readings from War Boys through literary and educational communities. Connect With the Guest Website https://www.jasonwprokowiew.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jasonprokowiew/

    What Sits Right Beside the Worst Thing That Ever Happened to You

  4. Jun 16

    Two Wars: One His Father Fought, One Jason Lived In

    What does it take to understand a parent who hurt you? Not excuse them. Not justify what happened. Simply understand them in a way that helps make sense of wounds that have been carried for years. In this episode, KL Wells sits down with Jason Prokowiew, author of War Boys, to explore the lasting impact of addiction, generational trauma, and the possibility of finding healing through understanding. Episode Summary Jason Prokowiew grew up as the youngest of thirteen children in a Massachusetts family shaped by alcoholism, silence, and the lingering effects of war. His father survived extraordinary hardship as a child during World War II, carrying experiences of loss, displacement, and trauma that would continue to influence his family for decades. Together, KL and Jason explore what it was like to grow up in an alcoholic home, how childhood survival strategies followed him into adulthood, and the journey that eventually led him to record more than fifty hours of conversations with his father. Through those conversations, Jason gained a deeper understanding of both his father's story and his own. Key Discussion Points Growing up in a household affected by alcoholism and unprocessed traumaThe impact of wartime experiences across multiple generationsThe lasting effects of emotional messages received during childhoodThe concept of the "dry drunk" and what happens when drinking stops but healing does notFinding your voice after years of learning to stay invisibleThe influence of teachers, mentors, and supportive communitiesPanic attacks, emotional overwhelm, and the body's response to unresolved painThe role of Al-Anon in providing language and understandingCuriosity as a pathway toward healing and understandingUnderstanding a parent's history without minimizing its impact Some Questions I Ask When your father stopped drinking, what was happening inside you that still needed attention?When did you realize that what you thought was shyness might actually have been something else?What helped you continue rewriting your story as new understanding emerged?What motivated you to begin interviewing your father about his experiences?Before your father passed away, did you find your own experience of forgiveness? In This Episode, You Will Learn How growing up in an alcoholic home can shape identity and survival strategiesWhy childhood coping mechanisms often continue into adulthoodThe impact of generational trauma on familiesHow mentors and supportive relationships can create new possibilitiesWhy understanding and forgiveness are not always the same thingHow curiosity can open doors to healing and connectionThe value of hearing a loved one's full storyHow community support can help individuals make sense of experiences that once felt isolating Resources War Boys by Jason Prokowiew https://www.jasonwprokowiew.com/war-boys-praise Al-Anon Family Groups https://al-anon.org The Awakening by Kate Chopin Come and See (1985 film directed by Elem Klimov) Stories from the Stage (PBS) Notable Insight From The Episode "In order to understand what was still hemorrhaging inside of me, I had to hear my dad's stories." This reflection speaks to something many families experience. Understanding the history behind someone's behavior does not erase the pain it caused, but it can offer context, perspective, and a different path toward healing. About the Guest Jason Prokowiew is the author of War Boys, a father-and-son memoir that traces his father's survival during World War II, his immigration to the United States, and the lasting impact of wartime trauma on their family. Through storytelling, writing, and public speaking, Jason explores themes of family, resilience, addiction, and generational healing. He has appeared on Stories from the Stage and has shared readings and presentations about War Boys, including appearances connected to Oberlin College, where he first began recording his father's history. Connect With the Guest Learn more about Jason Prokowiew and War Boys https://www.jasonwprokowiew.com

    Two Wars: One His Father Fought, One Jason Lived In

  5. Jun 2

    Running Out Of Capacity Is Not The Same As Giving Up

    For years, Sherry Ehrin grieved a sister who was still alive. When her sister eventually died after decades of addiction, that grief did not end. In many ways, it began again. This conversation explores the kind of loss that families often carry quietly: the grief that accumulates through years of relapse, hope, disappointment, and difficult choices. It is a story about love, capacity, boundaries, and what it means to keep moving forward after profound loss. Episode Summary In this episode of Thrive While Loving an Addict, KL Wells sits down with Sherry Ehrin to discuss the often-overlooked sibling experience of addiction. Over more than twenty years, Sherry watched her sister move in and out of addiction, recovery, and crisis. Along the way, she adopted her sister's four children, navigated serious health challenges of her own, and carried the emotional weight that so many family members know intimately. Sherry shares the reality of grieving someone who is still alive, the difficult decisions families sometimes face when support and capacity run out, and the perspective that has helped her make sense of her journey. This conversation offers a compassionate look at ambiguous grief, boundaries, and the difference between stepping back and giving up. Key Discussion Points The sibling experience and why it is often overlooked in conversations about addictionAmbiguous grief and the experience of losing someone in stages over many yearsThe emotional and physical toll of loving someone through addictionAdopting a sibling's children while navigating complex family dynamicsThe difference between abandoning someone and reaching the limits of your capacityBoundaries as an act of care rather than rejectionManaging guilt, grief, and responsibility in the face of addictionRebuilding life and meaning after loss Some Questions I Ask What does it feel like to grieve someone while they are still alive?How did you care for yourself while loving your sister through two decades of addiction?How do you navigate judgment from others when you choose to step back?How are you rewriting your story now, one year after losing your sister? In This Episode, You Will Learn Why grief often begins long before a loved one diesHow ambiguous loss affects families living alongside addictionThe difference between running out of capacity and abandoning someone you loveWhat prolonged caregiving and chronic stress can cost emotionally and physicallyWhy siblings may feel unseen in addiction and recovery conversationsHow boundaries can coexist with deep love and compassionWhy choosing yourself is not the same as giving up on someone elseHow grief, hope, and responsibility can exist at the same time Resources Learn more about Thriving Yinzers https://thrivingyinzers.com Listen to This Is It by Thriving Yinzers https://thrivingyinzers.com Notable Insight From The Episode “I didn't abandon her. I ran out of capacity.” For many families, those words capture a painful reality. There is a difference between choosing not to care and reaching the limits of what you are physically, emotionally, or mentally able to give. Recognizing that distinction can be an important part of healing. About the Guest Sherry Ehrin is a Pittsburgh-based writer, advocate, and host of the podcast This Is It by Thriving Yinzers. After losing her sister to addiction, she became the primary caregiver for her sister's four children while continuing to build a life for her own family. Through Thriving Yinzers, Sherry creates space for honest conversations about resilience, healing, and finding meaning after difficult life experiences. Her work reflects the belief that people can continue moving forward even while carrying grief, loss, and uncertainty. Connect With the Guest Website https://thrivingyinzers.com

    Running Out Of Capacity Is Not The Same As Giving Up

  6. May 19

    Drowning With Them Is Not the Same as Loving Them

    What does it mean to love someone through addiction when the addiction is almost completely invisible from the outside? In this episode, KL Wells sits down with Dr. Wanda Kay, a clinician, somatic therapist, and coach who spent twenty years married to someone struggling with sex addiction while raising children, building careers, and trying to hold together a life that appeared stable to everyone around them. This conversation explores the emotional confusion, isolation, and self-doubt that can emerge when addiction quietly reshapes a relationship over time. Episode Summary Dr. Wanda Kay shares how growing up in an isolated and highly controlled religious environment shaped the way she understood relationships, trust, and belonging. She reflects on how those early experiences influenced her marriage and why it became difficult to recognize the deeper patterns unfolding beneath the surface. Over time, secrecy, emotional inconsistency, and gaslighting slowly eroded her confidence in her own perception of reality. Drawing from both lived experience and clinical work, Dr. Wanda offers insight into the emotional impact addiction can have on partners and families. Together, she and KL explore codependency, boundaries, nervous system awareness, and the long process of healing after relational trauma. This conversation centers the reality that loving someone deeply does not require losing yourself alongside them. Key Discussion Points Growing up in an isolated and highly controlled religious environmentHow isolation can increase vulnerability in unhealthy relationshipsThe emotional confusion partners often experience in relationships affected by hidden addictionThe “clock face” model of addiction and the emotional inconsistency it can create for partnersGaslighting, self-doubt, and the gradual erosion of trust in one’s own instinctsThe overlap between addictive behaviors and narcissistic coping patternsThe body’s role in recognizing emotional danger before the mind fully accepts itCodependency as a survival strategy developed through adaptation and caregivingThe difference between loving someone and losing yourself alongside themHealing as a long, nonlinear process rather than a fixed destinationReframing codependent traits as strengths that can be used in healthier waysBoundaries as self-protection rather than rejection or abandonment Some Questions I Ask At what point did you first reach out to someone for support?Was discovering the affair the moment that interrupted the pattern, or had part of you already known something was wrong?What does the research suggest about healing timelines after long-term relationships affected by addiction?What are the practices that help keep you grounded and connected to yourself today? In This Episode, You Will Learn Why people raised in isolated or controlling environments may be more vulnerable to unhealthy relational dynamicsHow emotional inconsistency and secrecy can create confusion and self-doubt in partnersWhy addictive behavior can sometimes mirror narcissistic patterns of manipulation and detachmentHow the nervous system and body often recognize danger before the conscious mind doesWhy codependent patterns often begin as adaptive survival responsesThe difference between supporting someone and emotionally drowning alongside themWhy healing from relational trauma can take time and unfold graduallyHow boundaries can protect both emotional well-being and personal identityWhy reconnecting with yourself is an important part of recovery and healing Resources Learn more about Holisticated Health https://holisticatedhealth.com Explore the NEAR Program (Narcissistic Emotional Abuse Recovery) https://holisticatedhealth.com Notable Insight From The Episode “Loving someone does not mean you have to drown with them.” For many people loving someone through addiction, this idea can feel unfamiliar at first. Over time, it may become a reminder that compassion and care do not require sacrificing your own emotional safety, identity, or well-being. About the Guest Dr. Wanda Kay is a coach, somatic therapist, and clinician currently completing her LPC. She is the co-founder of Holisticated Health alongside licensed psychologist Catherine Cashman, where they offer the NEAR Program, a four-day intensive retreat focused on recovery from narcissistic and emotional abuse. Drawing from both professional training and lived experience, Dr. Wanda works with individuals navigating relational trauma, emotional abuse, and recovery from long-term unhealthy relationship dynamics. Though based in Minnesota, she also facilitates retreats in Florida. Connect With Dr. Wanda Kay Website https://holisticatedhealth.com

    Drowning With Them Is Not the Same as Loving Them

  7. May 5

    No One Is Coming to Save You. That Is the Point.

    What does it look like to grow up inside the kind of environment many families are trying to help their loved ones escape? Bill Hoopes shares what it was like to take on adult responsibility at a young age in a home shaped by addiction and mental illness. His story offers a perspective that many listeners may recognize, especially those who learned early on to care for others before learning how to care for themselves. In this episode of Thrive While Loving an Addict, KL Wells sits down with Bill Hoopes to explore what it can mean to grow up in a home shaped by addiction and mental illness. Bill shares his experience of taking on adult responsibilities at a young age and how those early patterns carried into his later life and relationships. Through reflection on his time in the Navy and his work with families and young athletes, Bill offers insight into codependency, boundaries, and the long-lasting impact of childhood environments. This conversation gently explores the idea that while no one may come to rescue us, there can be a different kind of strength found in choosing how we respond and care for ourselves moving forward. Key Discussion Points Growing up in a household affected by addiction and mental illnessHow early responsibility can shape identity and relational patternsThe development of codependency and its long-term effectsThe difference between supporting someone and taking responsibility for themWhy boundaries can feel difficult and emotionally complexThe role of self-investment and intentional growthHow patterns formed in childhood can continue into adulthoodThe importance of recognizing and interrupting generational cycles Some Questions I Ask How did your early experiences shape the person you became?When did you begin to recognize patterns from your childhood?What lessons from your time in the Navy still influence your life today?What do you see most often in families who are loving someone in addiction?What do you hope young people and families take away from your work? In This Episode, You Will Learn How childhood environments can influence patterns of responsibility and identityWhy codependency can develop when children take on caregiving roles earlyHow boundaries can support both personal well-being and relationshipsThe difference between being present for someone and trying to manage their choicesWhy intentional time spent on personal growth can influence broader areas of lifeHow generational patterns can be recognized and gradually shiftedWhy self-responsibility can be a starting point for change Notable Insight From The Episode“No one is coming to save you. If you want change, it has to be intentional.” For many families, this idea can feel heavy at first. Over time, it may also create space to shift focus away from trying to change someone else, and toward caring for your own well-being. Resources Learn more about Lead Your Journey https://leadyourjourney.com Leading Her Game by Bill Hoopes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FYZPH3P7 Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/60forme/ Connect on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1489040327

    No One Is Coming to Save You. That Is the Point.

  8. Apr 21

    She Scared Herself Sober — and Then Found Her Purpose

    In this episode of Thrive While Loving an Addict, KL Wells sits down with Lauren Fay to explore the hidden emotional landscape of addiction, particularly when it is shaped by perfectionism, secrecy, and the pressure to maintain an image. Lauren shares her experience of appearing put together on the outside while quietly struggling with alcohol and mental health challenges behind closed doors. As Lauren reflects on her path to sobriety, she speaks to the moment she chose to be seen and how that shift allowed her recovery to begin. This conversation also offers insight for families, highlighting the complexity of learning the full story all at once and the time it can take for healing to unfold on both sides. Key Discussion Points The role of perfectionism and image management in addictionHow secrecy and shame can delay recognition and supportWhat it can mean to choose openness after years of hidingThe emotional experience of early sobriety and identity uncertaintyWhy families are often unaware until much laterThe distinction between the person and the behavior shaped by addictionHow comparison can keep individuals from seeking helpThe role of willingness and choice in the recovery processRecovery as a shared experience that can involve both individuals and families Some Questions I Ask Was the voice keeping you stuck your own, or something shaped by addiction?What was it like to begin sharing your story publicly?What messages feel most important for both those in recovery and their families?How can families begin to separate the person they love from the behavior they are seeing? In This Episode, You Will Learn How perfectionism and the need to maintain control can influence addictive patternsWhat early recovery can feel like when identity begins to shiftWhy families may need time to process what they learnHow separating the person from the behavior can support compassionWhy comparison can delay recognition of a problemHow willingness can become an early step toward changeWhy healing may involve both personal work and relational repair Resources Blurred Lines: My Reclamation of Power from Alcohol Addiction — You Are Not Powerless by Lauren Fay https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL12GQP6 Learn more about Lauren Fay https://laurenfay.co

    She Scared Herself Sober — and Then Found Her Purpose
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Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

More than 50% of American families have a loved one or close relative who is an addict or alcoholic. Although there are ample resources to help these individuals recover, their families suffer, too. Parents, spouses, children, and friends need help navigating this unexpected, challenging disease. Welcome to Thrive While Loving an Addict with KL Wells. She brings together loved ones and family members of addicts and alcoholics. Their insights and perspectives create a community of healing, connecting, and rebuilding. While your addict may be working hard to make themselves better, you may feel left behind to face a different kind of battle. The negative stigma of having a loved one as an addict causes a lot of pain. How are you dealing with loneliness, fear, and shame? There are quick fixes for these difficult moments in your life. Now you can get real and raw advice from people who are walking and dealing with the path you’re on. This podcast highlights the vulnerable and courageous voices of these families. Listen to real-life stories of people who have addicted loved ones, and discover how they addressed the hardships. Also, hear the experiences of recovering addicts that share what is, and isn't, working in their journey towards healing. Gather useful tools and practical advice to alleviate your own journey by delving into these touching and inspiring stories. Contemplate what may not be working, and discover what it takes to face the challenges along the way. This podcast offers a safe platform for the loved ones of addicts. Rise to the challenge, and become a key player in being a part of this fresh community. There are also episodes that will widen your knowledge about addiction recovery. Get educated by real life experiences of people who reveal their journey to help addicts and alcoholics jump back on their feet. In addition to breaking down their practice, they bring a glimmer of hope for what can be done for individuals who may have given up on themselves. KL Wells is a community leader and influential speaker who led initiatives with senior executives, trustees, and board directors of various non-profit organizations. For more than twenty years, she focused on empowering leaders to create extraordinary human impact. Spending time with these people inspired her to do more, and start the company Voices InCourage. Most importantly, KL understands how painful it is to have an addicted loved one. She was married to an alcoholic, her current partner is recovering from alcohol addiction, and her son is an active addict. The mission of this podcast is not just advocacy. It hits very close to home to KL. Her reflections as a wife and mother are something you should not miss. Seeing your loved ones pulled down by drugs and alcohol is truly heartbreaking. As a result, you may feel miserable and isolated. You also have to deal with negative opinions from others, and it is up to you to fend for yourself. Nobody deserves to be treated this way. No one should go through this challenging episode of life alone. This is what KL offers in this podcast: the strength to move forward and guidance to have the courage to change. If you have the courage to use your voice, you can become an inspiration for your friend, spouse, parent, or child as they overcome their addictive behavior. Ultimately, it’s about transforming the lives of loved ones from surviving to thriving in the midst of chaos. Listen to Thrive While Loving an Addict with KL Wells at https://voicesincourage.com/podcast.

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