In our interview with Dr. Robert Weiss, we learn what it means to be an “addict,” how narcissistic tendencies perpetuate addiction, and what our upbringing has subconsciously taught us about healthy relationships and dependency. 

We also discuss the importance of a support system in the process of recovery, how to support a loved one, and what lessons about ourselves and how our past experiences have shaped us that everyone — regardless of being an addict or not — can learn from addiction.  Dr. Rob is an expert in the treatment of addiction and adult intimacy disorders and the author of "Prodependence: Moving Beyond Codependency," which seeks to move from a word and a culture that casts blame on those who are struggling to help a loved one navigate mental illness or addiction, to a space where they are allowed to be close to that person and encourage their recovery — yet not enable their addiction.