Addiction Makes Three

Listening live... join the free 60 minute workshop - Boundaries That Build Connection & Protect Your Peace: Why They Matter, What Works, & How to Set Them Without Guilt

Happening on March 10th and 11th at two different times (LIVE!) The only catch? There is no replay on this one. So secure your spot and I'll see you there. Reserve your Spot Here

Have you ever stopped to think about how the words you use impact the way you experience your life? The way you see your loved one? Yourself?

In this episode, I'm pulling apart the labels and narratives that keep people stuck—words like addict, alcoholic, junkie—and questioning whether they truly help or if they reinforce the very struggles we’re trying to break free from.

Isn't your loved one was more than their addiction? Aren't you more than the spouse or loved one of someone struggling?

If you’ve ever felt like addiction has taken over your identity or that the world around you sees your loved one as nothing more than their worst moments, this conversation is for you. Let’s reframe the way we speak about addiction and step into something more powerful.

Maybe you’ve caught yourself saying, “My husband is an addict.” Or “My dad’s an alcoholic.” Maybe you’ve even labeled yourself: “I’m the wife of an addict.”

But here’s the question: Is that helping?

Show Notes:

If you'd like to implement what have been learning on the podcast ...

Be the first to know when the doors open to the Kind and Evidenced based program for loved ones and spouses of those struggling with addiction or in recovery - The three month Pathway to Wellness Program. Drop your details here.

I love getting mail! Send me an email here or [email protected]

Are we Instagram friends?

If you want to have a friendly chat about your situation and what the next best steps could be: Click here to find a time

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boundaries, they are the gift that gives, but also... can have us tripping up over ourselves and have us in a tale spin of confusion.

Have you ever felt guilty for setting boundaries? Or wondered why the ones you set don’t seem to stick? In this episode we’re diving deep into boundaries—what they are, why they matter, and how to set them in a way that actually works.

Or maybe you were like me 5 years ago.... no boundaries and just no idea where to even start?! Don't worry, we are going to chat about it.

When you love someone struggling with addiction, boundaries can feel confusing. You might start with trying to control or manipulate under the guise of a boundary... or maybe you'll go down the request and then annoyance path like me. Or perhaps just hope, hope, hope things will get better and behaviour will change and you won't need to set a boundary (also me)

You may worry that setting limits means pushing them away when it's the last thing you actually want to do, or that following through will create more conflict. But healthy boundaries aren’t about controlling others—they’re about protecting your peace, your energy, and your well-being.

This conversation will help you understand boundaries on a whole new level, giving you the confidence to create ones that honour both your needs and your values.

Boundaries allow you to stay in relationships that matter to you and it's about saying what is absolutely ok with you as well as what isn't.

Listening live... join the free 60 minute workshop - Boundaries That Build Connection & Protect Your Peace: Why They Matter, What Works, & How to Set Them Without Guilt

Happening on March 10th and 11th at two different times (LIVE!) The only catch? There is no replay on this one. So secure your spot and I'll see you there. Reserve your Spot Here

Show Notes:

If you'd like to implement what have been learning on the podcast ...

Be the first to know when the doors open to the Kind and Evidenced based program for loved ones and spouses of those struggling with addiction or in recovery - The three month Pathway to Wellness Program. Drop your details here.

I love getting mail! Send me an email here or [email protected]

Are we Instagram friends?

If you want to have a friendly chat about your situation and what the next best steps could be: Click here to find a time

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your life looks good on the outside—successful, capable, and "fine." But inside? It feels like a constant battle.

Loving someone struggling with addiction comes with an exhausting double life. You’re holding everything together, managing responsibilities, putting on a brave face—yet inside, you're drained, overwhelmed, and wondering why no one sees how hard this really is.

Is it wrong to feel this way? Shouldn’t you just be stronger? What if opening up makes things worse?

In this episode, I’m breaking down the hidden toll of living a double life, why societal pressure and fear of judgment keep so many stuck in silence, and how constantly choosing connection over authenticity leads to emotional exhaustion. We’ll talk about the cost of pretending, why “hope” can sometimes be a trap, and—most importantly—how to start creating safe spaces where you can be real, without guilt or shame.

If you’ve been feeling unseen, exhausted, and trapped between who you are and who the world expects you to be—this conversation is for you.

Let’s talk about what it really means to find support, reclaim your authenticity, and stop carrying this alone.

Show Notes:

If you'd like to implement what have been learning on the podcast ...

Be the first to know when the doors open to the Kind and Evidenced based program for loved ones and spouses of those struggling with addiction or in recovery - The three month Pathway to Wellness Program. Drop your details here.

I love getting mail! Send me an email here or [email protected]

Are we Instagram friends?

If you want to have a friendly chat about your situation and what the next best steps could be: Click here to find a time

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your partner has finally gone to rehab... you've navigated the minefield of addiction and all it's chaos and have been supportive, and while you want to be hopeful, you can't ignore the resentment creeping in…

Is it wrong to feel frustrated? Shouldn’t you just be grateful they’re in recovery? Isn't this exactly what you wanted?

You’ve spent so much time holding everything together, but now, exhaustion and unspoken emotions and unmet needs are building up. And yet, talking about it feels impossible—what if it sounds selfish? What if it causes conflict? What if they don’t understand?

In this episode, I am breaking down the reality of resentment in recovery (I absolutely felt this myself and it really took me by surprise!), why it happens, and how to navigate it without guilt or shame. I'm really diving into the emotional weight of supporting a loved one and why the right expectations, healthy communication, boundaries, and self-care aren’t just helpful but necessary.

Let’s talk about what rehab looks like—not just for them, but for you too.

Show Notes:

If you'd like to implement what have been learning on the podcast ...

Be the first to know when the doors open to the Kind and Evidenced based program for loved ones and spouses of those struggling with addiction or in recovery - The three month Pathway to Wellness Program. Drop your details here.

I love getting mail! Send me an email here or [email protected]

Are we Instagram friends?

If you want to have a friendly chat about your situation and what the next best steps could be: Click here to find a time

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You are in a relationship with someone who is struggling with addiction, or is navigating recovery...

And you are wondering if this is it? Is this what life is now? Is this it? Is this enough?

You’re stuck in the hardest decision of your life—should you stay, or should you leave? But what if that’s not the real question? What if neither choice magically fixes the pain you’re in?

How do you make a decision you can live with? How do you deal with the fear of regret? What if staying feels unbearable, but leaving doesn’t feel right either? And what will people think?

In this episode, Amanda is breaking down why this decision feels impossible, the hidden questions that sit beyond that initial decision, and how to find clarity when there’s no easy answer. No matter what you choose, the most important decision is actually making one that feels right for you.

Let’s talk about what that really means.

Show Notes:

If you'd like to implement what have been learning on the podcast ...

Be the first to know when the doors open to the Kind and Evidenced based program for loved ones and spouses of those struggling with addiction or in recovery - The three month Pathway to Wellness Program. Drop your details here.

I love getting mail! Send me an email here or [email protected]

Are we Instagram friends?

If you want to have a friendly chat about your situation and what the next best steps could be: Click here to find a time

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you waiting, hoping, and holding your breath for your loved one to get sober, believing that once they do, everything will be okay? In this episode, I dive into why waiting for sobriety to "fix" your relationship is a dangerous mindset trap—and how it can leave you miles behind when recovery finally happens.

We’ll explore:

✅ Why sobriety isn’t a silver bullet for relationship healing

✅ The hidden dangers of waiting for them to change before you start your own growth

✅ How unaddressed resentment, pain, and dysfunction can create new challenges post-sobriety

✅ Ways you may be unintentionally hindering recovery

✅ The power of breaking the "familiar dance" in your relationship

If you're ready to take your life off hold and stop waiting, this episode is for you. Tune in now!

Show Notes:

If you'd like to implement what have been learning on the podcast ...

Be the first to know when the doors open to the Kind and Evidenced based program for loved ones and spouses of those struggling with addiction or in recovery - The three month Pathway to Wellness Program. Drop your details here.

I love getting mail! Send me an email here or [email protected]

Are we Instagram friends?

Book in a friendly chat about your situation and how it can be better: Click here to find a time

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Amanda discusses the impact of media portrayals on individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues. She emphasises the need for compassion over sensationalism, urging listeners to consider the broader human cost of public scrutiny. Amanda advocates for a shift in societal attitudes towards addiction, promoting human-first language and to support those in need.

Let's change the conversation and let people know it's ok to put their hand up for support - the individuals and the families.

Let's offer families and individuals a life raft here.

Let's all be part of the change in conversations around addiction, at the dinner table, the water cooler and on the sports people. Let's get around people and let them know we have got them.

Show Notes:

If you'd like to implement what have been learning on the podcast ...

Be the first to know when the doors open to the Kind and Evidenced based program for loved ones and spouses of those struggling with addiction or in recovery - The three month Pathway to Wellness Program. Drop your details here.

I love getting mail! Send me an email here or [email protected]

Are we Instagram friends?

Book in a friendly chat about your situation and how it can be better: Click here to find a time

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join the Free Workshop "Three essential steps to support your Loved One through Addiction or Recovery (without losing yourself in the process)

Happening on 14th/15th November

If you can’t make it live, the replay will be available (register to get this in your inbox after the event)

Register here

In this episode I explore what it means to shift the focus away from your loved one and back onto yourself. To shift the focus away from their addiction or behaviour or recovery and onto your own behaviour and life.

When someone close to us is struggling, it’s easy to become consumed by their behaviours, moods, and actions. We might find ourselves trying to control situations or continually adjusting our lives to manage their ups and downs. But over time, this focus on someone else’s journey can leave us feeling exhausted, disconnected from our own needs, and unsure of who we are beyond the role of caretaker or partner or a loved one of someone struggling with addiction.

This episode dives into how essential it is to reclaim your own focus, emphasising that shifting your attention back to you isn’t selfish – it’s necessary to make your life better and that in doing this, it truly benefits you, your relationship, your loved one and your family.

Through some gentle encouragement and a little bit of tough love, this episode offers a path to regain control of your life. This shift doesn’t mean turning away from your loved one; it’s about reclaiming the parts of yourself that might have been put on hold. By nurturing your own life and happiness, you not only strengthen yourself but also create a healthier, more balanced foundation for supporting those you care about.

If you want your life to change for the better, it is you my dear friend who will change it.

This episode is for anyone feeling the weight of a loved one’s struggles, offering a perspective that brings hope, empathy, and resilience. Tune in, take a breath, and some small action, knowing that you are not alone here.

Show Notes:

If you'd like to implement what have been learning on the podcast ...

Be the first to know when the doors open to the Kind and Evidenced based program for loved ones and spouses of those struggling with addiction or in recovery - The three month Pathway to Wellness Program. Drop your details here.

I love getting mail! Send me an email here or [email protected]

Are we Instagram friends?

Book in a friendly chat about your situation and how it can be better: Click here to find a time

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into a fear that many face in the journey of supporting a loved one with addiction: relapse.

Whether your loved one has relapsed before, or you’re constantly worried it might happen, this conversation is here to bring clarity, strength, and hope.

Relapse can feel like a devastating setback, leaving you questioning if all the hard work and progress have been wasted. But it doesn’t have to mean starting from zero. In this episode, we explore the difference between a lapse and a relapse—a crucial distinction that can completely change the way you approach your loved one’s journey and your own response.

We’ll talk about the mindset shift needed in how we view setbacks and stumbles and see them as part of change rather than its end, with a few practical analogies that help reframe these moments. 

What You’ll Learn:

• The key difference between a lapse and a relapse and why it matters
• How to reframe setbacks with compassion and understanding for both of you
• Practical steps to support your loved one and yourself in a positive way during challenging times
• Tools to help you helpfully navigate your emotions, thoughts, and responses
• Why language matters here.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• I had a lapse of my own in January 2024 - listen to Episode 10 of the podcast
• Pathway to Wellness Program: Dive deeper into understanding addiction and effective strategies to support yourself and your loved one.

This episode is for anyone feeling the weight of a loved one’s struggles, offering a perspective that brings hope, empathy, and resilience. Tune in, take a breath, and know that you are not alone in this journey.

Show Notes:

If you'd like to implement what have been learning on the podcast ...

Be the first to know when the doors open to the Kind and Evidenced based program for loved ones and spouses of those struggling with addiction or in recovery - The three month Pathway to Wellness Program. Drop your details here.

I love getting mail! Send me an email here or [email protected]

Are we Instagram friends?

Book in a friendly chat about your situation and how it can be better: Click here to find a time

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I chat about the concept of "addiction autopilot"—a term I’ve coined to describe the ingrained, habitual behaviours many of us adopt when living with a loved one struggling with addiction. I discuss how these automatic responses and reactions, like checking a loved ones phone, snooping, yelling or walking on eggshells, may feel necessary but often do more harm than good. 

I explain how these behaviours develop gradually over time and become so ingrained that we don’t even notice them, much like other life habits like brushing our teeth or putting our seatbelt on when we get in the car.

The key to breaking out of this cycle is awareness. By recognising these addiction autopilot habits, we can begin the process of unlearning them and replacing them with healthier, more constructive behaviours. While it’s easy to justify these actions in the moment, we need to ask ourselves if they’re truly helping us, our loved ones, or our relationships. I encourage you to show yourself compassion and take responsibility for your own well-being by cultivating new, healthy habits—just as we hope our loved ones will do in their own recovery and wellbeing journeys.

Tune in to learn how to identify and shift out of addiction autopilot and regain control of your life and see the ripple effect in those around you.

Show Notes:

If you'd like to implement what have been learning on the podcast ...

Be the first to know when the doors open to the Kind and Evidenced based program for loved ones and spouses of those struggling with addiction or in recovery - The three month Pathway to Wellness Program. Drop your details here.

I love getting mail! Send me an email here or [email protected]

Are we Instagram friends?

Book in a friendly chat about your situation and how it can be better: Click here to find a time

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.