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    Love Over Addiction

    Join host Michelle Anderson as she discusses life while loving someone struggling with addiction. The goal of each episode is to leave you with encouragement, hope, and some laughs while you navigate the heartbreaking and rewarding relationship of loving someone with substance use disorder. If you're exhausted from trying to help, lonely, and unsure what to do next - you've come to the right place.
    enMichelle Anderson310 Episodes

    Episodes (310)

    Does Your Relationship Show Signs Of Abuse? You Might Be Surprised.

    Does Your Relationship Show Signs Of Abuse? You Might Be Surprised.
    If you've been tuning in for the last several episodes, you've heard me covering some clues that you may be ready to consider leaving your relationship with your loved one who struggles with addiction. And this week, I'm finishing up with the final two reasons. 

    As always, there's never any judgment on whether you decide to stay or leave. That's completely up to you (and you always reserve the right to change your mind at any time). 

    But please take some time to listen to this episode because it's all about you and your children's safety and well-being.

    Find more here: 

    https://loveoveraddiction.com/signs-of-abuse/

    Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

    Love Over Addiction
    enFebruary 06, 2022

    What If They Get Better After You Leave?

    What If They Get Better After You Leave?

    If you've gone back and forth on possibly leaving your loved one who struggles with addiction, what's holding you back from doing so?

    If one of the reasons is that you're afraid they might get better after you leave, just know you're not alone. But I want to share some loving truths with you, okay?

    Tune in to this week's new episode to hear several more clues that you may be ready to leave your relationship (even if you're still unsure right now).

    Find more here: 

    https://loveoveraddiction.com/what-if-they-get-better-after-you-leave/

    Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

    Love Over Addiction
    enJanuary 30, 2022

    3 Clues It May Be Time To Consider Leaving

    3 Clues It May Be Time To Consider Leaving

    Has the thought ever crossed your mind about whether you should stay or leave your relationship? 

    And maybe just the thought of leaving your loved one who struggles with addiction makes you anxious or scared (which is understandable). But just hear me out, okay?

    Tune in to this week's new episode, where I dive into three clues that it may be time to consider leaving. And if you decide that leaving isn't the right decision for you, that's absolutely okay, too.

    Find more here: 

    https://loveoveraddiction.com/consider-leaving/ 


    Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

    Love Over Addiction
    enJanuary 23, 2022

    Interview: He Used His Child To Manipulate Me

    Interview: He Used His Child To Manipulate Me

    Have you ever felt like you're on a rollercoaster ride because of your loved one's addiction? Lots of ups and downs and uncertainty of what's ahead.

    So why do we stay on that ride (or keep coming back)?

    Tune in to this new podcast episode to hear a woman explain how her ex-husband used their child to manipulate her and how she found herself in a financially abusive marriage. But despite everything she's been through, she's now healthier and happier than ever, thanks to the work she's done for her own healing. 

    Find more here: 

    https://loveoveraddiction.com/used-child-to-manipulate-me/

    Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

    Love Over Addiction
    enJanuary 16, 2022

    Interview: He Was A High-Functioning Alcoholic

    Interview: He Was A High-Functioning Alcoholic

    Have you ever wondered whether your loved one's drinking is really 'that bad?' When you love someone who is a high-functioning alcoholic, it can be easy to start doubting yourself and your feelings.

    I spoke with a brave woman in our community recently who opened up about going through this. 

    Tune in to this new podcast episode where she shares about her high-functioning alcoholic husband, as well as dealing with family members who are unsupportive of the decisions she's making for her future.

    Find more here: 

    https://loveoveraddiction.com/high-functioning-alcoholic/


    Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

    Love Over Addiction
    enJanuary 09, 2022

    Interview: Breaking The Cycle of Codependency For Her Daughters

    Interview: Breaking The Cycle of Codependency For Her Daughters

    For many of us, codependency is something we've dealt with for a long time. But have you ever wondered how you came to be that way? Or how to break the cycle of codependency, particularly with your loved one who struggles with addiction?

    This is something I discussed recently with a strong woman in our community.

    Tune in for this new podcast interview to hear how she's made her boundaries work for her and how she's committed to breaking the cycle of codependency for her daughters.

    Find more here: 

    https://loveoveraddiction.com/cycle-of-codependency


    Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

    Love Over Addiction
    enJanuary 02, 2022

    When “Let Go and Let God” Doesn’t Work

    When “Let Go and Let God” Doesn’t Work

    You've probably heard the expression, “Let go and let God.” That it's somehow OK to lose control of what you want or believe. But I disagree with this saying when you love someone suffering from addiction (or even with unhealthy relationships with friends or family). 

    In our community, we believe that it's 100% OK to take control of your own life and feelings. You're a grown, wonderful, smart adult who knows what's best for YOU.

    Click to hear this week's episode about how taking control of your life is the responsible, healthy thing to do. (Even if that means doing some good ole self-talk in the laundry room sometimes).

    This episode originally aired in November 2020. 

    Find more here: 

    https://loveoveraddiction.com/take-control/


    Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

    Love Over Addiction
    enDecember 26, 2021

    Two Codependent Boundary Systems You Need To Know

    Two Codependent Boundary Systems You Need To Know

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

    But they're also so important to have when you love someone suffering from addiction. Because here's the thing: without boundaries, the morals and values you entered the relationship with become compromised over time.

    Tune in to this week's episode, where I discuss a favorite book of mine (along with some helpful stories) about setting and sticking to boundaries. And even if you're not codependent, this will still be super helpful.

    This episode originally aired in October 2020. 

    Find more here: 

    https://loveoveraddiction.com/boundaries-for-codependents/ 

    Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

    Love Over Addiction
    enDecember 19, 2021

    Interview: She Almost Called Off The Wedding

    Interview: She Almost Called Off The Wedding

    Have you experienced red flags in your relationship with your loved one that almost caused you to make a huge decision to either stay or leave?

    That's exactly what happened to a woman I spoke with recently in our community. Not only did she almost call off her wedding, but she shares what her 'rock bottom' was in her relationship, as well as some vulnerable moments that you may be able to relate to.

    Tune in to this new podcast episode to hear how this strong and confident woman is coming out stronger than ever because of the work she's doing on her own healing.

    Find more here: 

    https://loveoveraddiction.com/almost-called-off-wedding/ 


    Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

    Love Over Addiction
    enDecember 12, 2021

    Interview: I Hate The Holidays

    Interview: I Hate The Holidays

    Maybe you love the holidays. Or perhaps you're like a woman in our community I spoke to recently who has said, "I hate the holidays." 

    If that's something you've said before, you're not alone (and it definitely doesn't make you a 'Scrooge').

    Tune in for this new episode to hear this courageous woman discuss several fears she has about the possibility of leaving her marriage, as well as some lessons she's learned while loving her alcoholic husband.

    Find more here: 

    https://loveoveraddiction.com/hate-the-holidays/


    Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

    Love Over Addiction
    enDecember 05, 2021

    Interview: Her Plan For A Happy Holiday

    Interview: Her Plan For A Happy Holiday

    When you love someone struggling with addiction, the holidays may not always be something you're looking forward to, right?

    Because most likely, this is the time where their alcohol (or chosen substance) consumption might increase, especially with all of the holiday get-togethers going on.

    But what if you CAN still experience joy regardless of their actions and behaviors?

    That's one of the things you'll hear a strong woman in our community discuss in this new podcast episode (as well as the effect the pandemic has had on both our loved ones and us).


    Find more here:
    https://loveoveraddiction.com/interview-happy-holiday/

    Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

    Love Over Addiction
    enNovember 28, 2021

    Interview: How I’m Deciding To Stay Or Go

    Interview: How I’m Deciding To Stay Or Go

    How do you know if you should stay or leave your relationship when you love someone struggling with addiction?

    I had the pleasure of speaking with a brave woman in our community recently who shared the lessons she's learned while working on her own healing and her reasoning for staying or leaving her marriage.

    Tune in to this week's new podcast episode to hear how she built up her confidence and independence and how she grappled with what the church says about divorce.

    Find more here: 

    https://loveoveraddiction.com/interview-stay-or-go/


    Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

    Love Over Addiction
    enNovember 21, 2021

    Interview: I’m Here To Stay

    Interview: I’m Here To Stay

    If you're with someone struggling with addiction, have you ever wondered what it could look like to stay in your relationship with them?

    I recently spoke to a very wise woman in our community who has done so much work on her own healing and has decided to stay in her marriage.

    Tune in to hear this new podcast interview and how she arrived at the point of saying, 'I'm here to stay.'

    Find more here: 

    https://loveoveraddiction.com/here-to-stay/


    Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

    Love Over Addiction
    enNovember 14, 2021

    Interview: I Had No Idea I Was Married To An Alcoholic

    Interview: I Had No Idea I Was Married To An Alcoholic

    What happens when a loved one has been hiding their addiction from you (even for many years!)? Because let's be honest: it can be devastating when you find the 'evidence' such as empty bottles stashed in a 'hiding place,' right?

    This is exactly what happened to one of the women in our community who Michelle spoke with recently.

    Tune in to this new podcast interview where she shares her story, how she went six years of marriage without realizing she married an alcoholic, and how she’s built herself back stronger than ever.

    Find more here: 

    https://loveoveraddiction.com/interview-married-to-alcoholic/ 


    Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

    Love Over Addiction
    enNovember 07, 2021

    Mindful Detaching and Finding Your Center

    Mindful Detaching and Finding Your Center

    When you have someone in your life who is struggling with addiction, you've probably felt a wide range of emotions: hurt, anger, sadness, and sometimes even hope. It can be a lot, right?

    So when you start to feel your emotions rise (which is normal!), it's important to find your 'center' again. But how do you do that?

    Tune in to this week's new episode for a quick and helpful tip about detaching that you can use with anyone in your life (even with strangers!).

    Find more here: 

    https://loveoveraddiction.com/finding-your-center/

    Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

    Love Over Addiction
    enOctober 31, 2021

    My Story Of Struggling With Depression

    My Story Of Struggling With Depression

    When you love someone struggling with addiction, you may feel depressed sometimes or have feelings of anxiety. You've been through a lot because of their addiction, right?

    Just know that you're not alone in feeling this way. Many people in our community can relate to what you're going through (including myself).

    And that's what I'm going to discuss today: my personal story of struggling with depression (along with some ways I've found helpful in dealing with depression and anxiety).

    Find more here: 

    https://loveoveraddiction.com/my-depression-story/


    Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

    Love Over Addiction
    enOctober 24, 2021

    Ways To Spend Your Energy When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

    Ways To Spend Your Energy When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

    When you love someone struggling with addiction, you've maybe felt overwhelmed sometimes. Or you start believing some negative thoughts about yourself that their addiction tries to convince are true. Can you relate?

    So how can you start to change this?

    Tune in to this new episode where I share some tips to help you feel less overwhelmed and more empowered instead.

    Find more here: 

    https://loveoveraddiction.com/feeling-overwhelmed/ 

    Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

    Love Over Addiction
    enOctober 17, 2021

    Staying With Your Loved One Who Struggles With Addiction

    Staying With Your Loved One Who Struggles With Addiction

    When you love someone struggling with addiction, the decision to stay or leave your relationship is ultimately up to you. It's one that you need to have full ownership of.

    But if you've decided to stay, what does that look like? And what are some things that you'll need to consider?

    Tune in to this new episode where I dive into this (as well as what a wedding dress moment has to do with staying with your loved one).

    Find more here: 

    https://loveoveraddiction.com/staying-with-your-loved-one/

    Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

    Love Over Addiction
    enOctober 10, 2021

    What You Are Feeling Is A Big Deal

    What You Are Feeling Is A Big Deal

    Loving someone with addiction usually means you feel many things: love, anxiety, and frustration (just to name a few). Or even that you're coming unglued. Can you relate?

    Just know that what you are feeling and what you're going through is a big deal. It's okay for you to feel all of the feels.

    And that's what I share with you in this week's new episode (as well as an 'A-ha!' moment I had after a nightmare recently).

    Find more here: 

    https://loveoveraddiction.com/feeling-big-deal/


    Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

    Love Over Addiction
    enOctober 03, 2021

    After You Leave: What To Expect

    After You Leave: What To Expect

    When you love someone struggling with addiction, there's usually a rollercoaster of emotions - feeling hopeful for their recovery, only to then feel disappointed when they can't get sober. Over and over again. Not only is this frustrating, but it's an unhealthy cycle for you, as well. 

    So if you've finally reached a point that enough is enough and you've decided to leave, then what?

    Tune in to this new episode to hear why it's time to take ownership of your life and what that may look like.

    Find more here: 

    https://loveoveraddiction.com/after-you-leave/


    Join us here: https://loveoveraddiction.com

    Love Over Addiction
    enSeptember 26, 2021